Scaffolds

Scaffolds are temporary structures used in construction, maintenance, and related trades to provide access to elevated work areas and to support workers, materials, and equipment. They are designed to bear live and incidental loads while allowing safe movement and work at height.

In construction and industrial settings, common forms include frame scaffolds, which use upright standards connected by ledgers and transoms; system scaffolds, which are modular and built from predefined components with fewer joints; and suspended scaffolds, which hang from overhead supports to provide a movable platform. Other forms include cantilever scaffolds and trestle scaffolds, chosen for site constraints and access needs.

Core components typically include standards or uprights, ledgers, transoms, braces, and a platform or deck, along with base plates or casters. Safety features such as guardrails, midrails, toe boards, and access ladders are standard, and correct assembly according to manufacturer instructions and local regulations is essential. Regular inspection before use and after weather events helps ensure structural integrity.

Uses of scaffolds span construction, exterior and interior painting, cleaning, repair, and inspection tasks at height. Safety considerations emphasize appropriate load ratings, secure access, fall protection, debris containment, weather-related precautions, and the prohibition of untrained or unauthorized alterations. Regulations and guidance vary by country, with examples including OSHA standards in the United States and European EN 12811 guidelines, along with required training and the designation of a competent person to oversee scaffolding work.

Biological scaffolds also exist in tissue engineering, referring to biocompatible materials that support cell attachment and tissue formation. These scaffolds can be natural or synthetic polymers, ceramics, or composites and are designed to degrade as new tissue develops, used in bone, cartilage, and soft tissue applications.