Cantilever Scaffolds

Cantilever scaffolds are supported by beams projecting from the building face rather than from the ground.
They are used where ground-level support is not possible, such as over roads, rivers, or lower structures.
All cantilever scaffolds must be designed by a competent engineer and erected to the approved drawing.
The scaffold design must account for all applied loads including workers, materials, wind, and sheeting.
Needle beams or cantilever beams must be securely anchored to the building's structural frame.
Incorrect anchorage or underrated fixings are the most common causes of cantilever scaffold failure.
BS EN 12811 and TG20 guidance apply to the design and erection of cantilever scaffold systems.
A scaffold inspection by a competent person is required before first use and every seven days thereafter.
Erection and dismantling of cantilever scaffolds must be carried out by CISRS-qualified scaffolders.
Fall protection is critical during erection because the scaffold is being built at height from the outset.

Prevent collapse	Cantilever scaffolds rely entirely on anchorage to the building — any failure causes total collapse.
Protect those below	Cantilever scaffolds overhang public areas, roads, or work zones where people are present below.
Legal compliance	The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require all scaffolds to be designed, erected, and inspected by competent persons.

Do

Don't

Ensure the cantilever scaffold is designed by a structural engineer and drawings approved
Verify anchor points are fixed to structural elements with the specified bolt sizes
Inspect the scaffold before first use and at least every seven days during use
Check that all needle beams are level and correctly positioned per the design drawing
Use CISRS-qualified scaffolders for all erection, alteration, and dismantling activities
Install full edge protection including guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards
Display the scaffold inspection tag showing the current status and permitted loading
Exclude people from the area below during erection and dismantling operations
Monitor weather conditions and inspect after high winds or storm events
Report any concerns about scaffold stability or movement to the supervisor immediately

DON'T use a cantilever scaffold that has not been erected to an approved design
DON'T fix cantilever beams to non-structural elements such as blockwork or cladding
DON'T overload the scaffold beyond the maximum load shown on the inspection tag
DON'T alter the scaffold or remove any component without the scaffolding contractor
DON'T use the scaffold if the inspection tag is missing, expired, or shows unsafe
DON'T erect sheeting or netting unless the design has accounted for wind loading
DON'T stand beneath the scaffold during erection or dismantling without protection
DON'T store excessive materials on cantilever platforms — load creep causes failure
DON'T climb onto the scaffold by any route other than the designated access ladder
DON'T ignore movement, deflection, or unusual noises from the scaffold structure

See also: Scaffold Safety Awareness | Scaffold Ties and Stability

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