Scaffolding Guide

Transom

Intermediate transoms are used for extra board support when a lift is to be boarded over as a working platform. The intermediate transoms are usually laid across ledgers in the centre of each bay, fixed with putlog couplers. Additional intermediate transoms may be required to support shorter boards.
When the platform is no longer required the intermediate transoms can be removed and used elsewhere on the scaffold.

Transoms or putlogs should be laid no more than 1.2m apart if used for supporting 38mm scaffold boards. If using 50mm scaffold boards then they should be laid no more than 2.6m apart. The actual length of the of the transoms or putlogs is determined by the width of the working platform, this width is determined by the by the intended use of the scaffold. Working platforms should have a minimum width of 600mm.

Main transoms are an integral part of a scaffold structure that holds the two rows of standards in position.

The main transoms can be fixed directly across to each pair of standards with right-angled couplers. Or, fixed to ledgers using putlog couplers, which must be fixed within 300mm from each pair of standards.

The main transoms are installed horizontally across the ledgers at right angles adjacent to each pair of standards. In some cases they maybe connected to each pair of standards. The purpose of the main transoms is to hold both rows of standards in position making the scaffold more ridged. They also act as a support for scaffold boards. Main transoms are usually installed in the direction of the smaller dimension of the scaffold.
Intermediate transoms are installed in between the main transoms acting as supports, sometime referred to as 'board bearers'.

A putlog is a horizontal tube which is used when there is only one row of standards. A putlog is fixed to the scaffold like a transom, but with one end supported by the building or structure against which the scaffold is being erected.

Foot ties, foot lifts or kicker lifts are the ledgers and transforms fixed to the bottom of standards. These should be fitted ideally 150mm off the ground.

To stop a scaffold from a swaying a facade or sway brace is used. This is a tube fixed at an angle of between 35° and 55° to the face of the scaffold. The facade or sway brace must be fixed at the base and at every lift level, either to the standards or transom ends.
Facade or sway bracing should also be fitted at least every five bays along the scaffold.

Ledgers are the horizontal tubes which connect with and support the standards. Ledgers also act as supports for transoms and will usually run in the direction of the larger dimension of the scaffold. Depending on the intended use of the scaffold will determine the vertical spaces or distances between the ledgers.

Braces must either be connected to the standards at every lift with swivel couplers, or to the ends of transoms with right-angled couplers. If connect to the ends of transoms then the transom itself must be fixed with right angle-couplers.

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