SCF/General/TBT-SCF-004

Scaffold Ties and Stability

Scaffolding › General › Scaffold Ties and Stability

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Scaffold ties anchor the scaffold structure to the building, preventing it from leaning outward, swaying, or collapsing entirely.
The number, spacing, and type of ties are specified in the scaffold design — removing even one compromises the entire structure.
Common tie types include through-ties, box ties, lip ties, and reveal ties, each suited to different building details.
Wind loading is the primary force scaffold ties resist — exposed scaffolds and those with sheeting experience much higher loads.
Scaffold sheeting and debris netting dramatically increase the wind area, requiring additional ties beyond the standard pattern.
Ties must be installed as the scaffold is erected, not retrospectively — an untied scaffold can collapse during erection.
Only trained scaffolders may install, alter, or remove scaffold ties — no other trade should touch them for any reason.
Ties must be inspected during every seven-day scaffold inspection and after high winds or adverse weather events.
Trades frequently remove ties to access the building face for their work — this must never happen without scaffolder involvement.
A scaffold that loses its ties can collapse outward with catastrophic speed, killing workers on the scaffold and people below.

Prevent total collapse	Ties are the only thing holding the scaffold to the building — removing them causes the entire structure to fall outward.
Wind loading	Sheeted scaffolds catch wind like a sail — without adequate ties, wind forces push the scaffold away from the building.
Common interference	Trades remove ties to access the building face — this is one of the most dangerous acts on any construction site.

Don't

Follow the scaffold design for tie type, spacing, and pattern without deviation.
Install ties progressively as the scaffold is erected, not after completion.
Inspect all ties during the seven-day inspection and after adverse weather.
Add supplementary ties when sheeting or netting increases the wind loading area.
Contact the scaffold contractor if a tie needs to be temporarily removed for access.
Report any missing, damaged, or loose ties to the scaffold supervisor immediately.
Ensure replacement ties are installed by a competent scaffolder before work continues.
Check ties are secure before using the scaffold, even if the tag shows green.
Never allow any trade to remove a tie without the scaffold contractor's involvement.
Monitor forecasted wind speeds and check ties before and after high wind events.

DON'T remove scaffold ties for any reason — only trained scaffolders may alter ties.
DON'T deviate from the tie spacing and pattern shown in the scaffold design.
DON'T erect scaffold above the tie level without installing ties as you go.
DON'T ignore the increased wind loading from sheeting — additional ties are required.
DON'T remove a tie for access without the scaffold contractor installing an alternative.
DON'T leave missing or damaged ties unreported — the scaffold stability depends on every tie.
DON'T use a scaffold with known missing ties until the scaffolder has replaced them.
DON'T assume the seven-day inspection covers ties adequately — check them yourself daily.
DON'T let other trades interfere with ties, even temporarily, without scaffolder approval.
DON'T underestimate wind forces — scaffolds have collapsed in moderate winds with missing ties.

See also: Scaffold Safety Awareness | Scaffold Inspection and Tagging

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