ACC/Specific/TBT-ACC-008

Access Platform Design and Loading

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Access Platform Design and Loading

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-ACC-008  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
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What?

  • Access platforms must be designed to safely support the people, tools, and materials placed on them.
  • Every platform has a maximum safe working load — exceeding this risks structural failure and collapse.
  • The platform design must account for the weight of operatives, materials, equipment, and environmental loads.
  • Wind, snow, and ice loading can significantly increase the total load on elevated access platforms.
  • Loading bays on scaffolds require specific structural design and must display their safe working load.
  • The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require that platforms are fit for purpose and regularly inspected.
  • Overloading is one of the most common causes of scaffold and platform collapse on construction sites.
  • Material staging areas on platforms must be planned to distribute weight evenly across the structure.
  • Cantilever platforms, loading bays, and bridging sections need temporary works design approval.
  • Platform boards must be fully supported, secured, and free from defects that reduce their capacity.

Why?

Prevent collapseOverloaded access platforms collapse without warning, causing fatal falls and crushing injuries to workers above and below.
Legal requirementThe Work at Height Regulations 2005 require platforms to be designed and maintained for the loads they must carry.
Structural integrityConcentrated loads, uneven stacking, and excessive materials degrade platform performance beyond the design capacity.
Do Don't
  • Check the safe working load before placing any materials on a platform.
  • Distribute materials evenly across the platform to avoid concentrated loading.
  • Ensure loading bays have specific design approval and display their SWL.
  • Inspect platform boards for damage, splits, and decay before use.
  • Remove unnecessary materials from platforms promptly to reduce loading.
  • Obtain temporary works design approval for cantilever or bridging platforms.
  • Account for wind, snow, and ice loads on exposed elevated platforms.
  • Keep access routes clear on platforms; do not stack materials in walkways.
  • Report any signs of deflection, cracking, or movement in the platform.
  • Brief all users on the maximum load the platform is designed to carry.
  • DON'T exceed the stated safe working load for any access platform.
  • DON'T stack materials in one concentrated area on the platform.
  • DON'T use damaged, split, or decayed boards as part of the platform.
  • DON'T modify a designed platform without approval from the temporary works coordinator.
  • DON'T ignore signs of deflection, sagging, or unusual movement in the structure.
  • DON'T use a loading bay that does not display its safe working load.
  • DON'T store materials on platforms that are not designed as storage areas.
  • DON'T assume a platform can take extra load because it looks strong enough.
  • DON'T allow materials to accumulate on platforms during prolonged work periods.
  • DON'T forget that people, tools, and environmental loads all count toward capacity.

See also: Scaffold Loading and Overloading | Temporary Works Awareness
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