Who Is Responsible for Designing a Scaffold?

The design of scaffolding is the responsibility of a qualified scaffold designer or structural engineering, especially when the system being designed is complex or entails a higher-risk system. For more standardised scaffolding systems, such as the standard prefabricated type, the scaffolding contractor may refer to the manufacturers guidelines. Nevertheless, ultimately it is an employer or principal contractor that holds the final responsibility to ascertain that the design is safe, compliant, and appropriate to the site conditions.

Now let’s further explore this to understand who does what and at what point in time.

What Does Scaffold Design Involve?

Designing scaffolding is not simply the act of stacking frames and boards together (not that difficult); the fundamental purpose of a proper scaffold design is to ensure:

• Structural stability will not collapse and fail when subjected to loading
• Safe access and safe work platforms are provided
• Compliance with federal and local regulations, e.g., OSHA; WorkSafe
• Protection from hazards that could exist for the scaffolding system, e.g. collapse; tipping; even overloading.
  

There are two types of scaffold designs: standardised scaffolding (from manufacturers) and engineered systems – experimental and site-specific designs.

Understanding load calculations is a critical part of scaffold design. To explore this in detail, check our blog on the maximum intended load of a scaffold, which directly influences how designers plan safe working platforms.

Who May Be Responsible in Different Scenarios?

1. Qualified Scaffold Designer / Engineer

• Required for: Suspended, cantilever, or complex scaffolds
• Must calculate loads, angles, bracing, and safety limits
• Provides signed-off technical drawings and load ratings
  

2. Scaffolding Contractor or Erector

• Works with standard manufacturer specifications
• Might be managing simple modular scaffolds in compliance
• Builds the scaffold according to approved plan
  

3. Principal Contractor or Site Manager

• Interface between designers, safety officers, and erecting contractors
• Ensures the scaffold is fit for the conditions at the site
• Part keeps documentation, approvals and inspections

4. The employer / PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)

• Has clear legal responsibility for safety in the workplace
• Must, in situations where scaffolds are, for example, used above certain heights, take all possible steps to ensure such scaffolds are designed and built by competent people
• This can become complex, especially in construction environments that pose an elevated risk

Legal Requirements by Region

Australia (WorkSafe)

• Scaffold greater than 4 metres require a licensed scaffolder
• Complex scaffolds in height require a competent designer or a qualified engineer
• PCBU is responsible for ensuring compliance
  

USA (OSHA)

• Scaffold must be designed by a “qualified person”
• Complex structures must be designed by a registered professional engineer which is approved

UK (HSE)

• Follow NASC TG20 for scaffolds which are standard
• Non-standard scaffolds must instead source bespoke design from a competent designer
  

Summary Table: Scaffold Design Responsibilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can a scaffolder design their own scaffold?

Yes, for basic setups if following manufacturer specs. For custom or load-heavy scaffolds, a qualified designer is needed.

Q. Do all scaffold design needs certification?

Not all. Standard system scaffolds may not require certification if used as per manufacturer instructions. Custom or high-risk scaffolds do.

Q. Who certifies and signs off a scaffold before it is used?

A competent person, normally a licensed scaffolder or competent supervisor, will inspect and certify the scaffold before it is used.

Conclusion: Safety Starts with Proper Design

So, who is responsible for designing a scaffold?

– This will depend on the type and complexity of the scaffold system.

– For custom designs, the scaffold designer must be a qualified scaffold designer or engineer.

– For simple scaffold systems, contractors can use standard design criteria; although that being said the employer or principal contractor is always responsible for the scaffold’s safe use and compliance.

If worker safety is at risk, ensure competent, certified professionals are at the helm of a scaffold’s design.