[0001] The subject of the invention is how to inspect the condition of construction scaffolding
systems, especially facade scaffold systems before installation or periodically on
site, possibly already erected, and the tool for the execution of the procedure.
[0002] Obligatory inspection before installation and periodic labor safety inspections on
installation of metal made construction scaffold systems, primarily aluminum are specified
by decree standards. These inspections must be done by qualified competent experts
on labor safety regulations according to the parameters specified by the producers.
According to the relevant standards, these inspections must include first of all the
dimension and shape allowance of the vertical units of the scaffolding frames that
are the main parts of the scaffolding system, moreover the dimension and shape allowance
of other elements of the scaffolding system such as planking, guardrail members, cross
braces, end gate assemblies, toeboards or access units, in addition, the condition
of male bases, wall ties, clamps or eye bolts, as well as the quality of the joints
and the surface condition. Of course, the results of the inspections are recorded
in a protocol and the inspected scaffolding frames are marked accordingly.
[0003] On the course of the above mentioned inspection of the scaffolding system, the following
must be checked if
- horizontal units are not deformed or twisted to such an extent that tilting occurs,
- joints are not cracked,
- vertical scaffolding frames are plumb and a proper fit can be made without force,
- handrail brackets are not deformed, the toeboards are not damaged, and the outriggers
are working well,
- the cross braces are not deformed,
- the components of the scaffolding system are within the tolerance specified by the
producer.
[0004] The above listed inspection tasks, primarily the inspection of scaffolding frames
could not be carried out on site so far, especially when scaffolding systems had already
been erected. So practically the test of conformity could be performed only under
lab circumstances similarly to 102752-15100 Sps/str
the new production of scaffolding units. Due to this fact, on site safety inspections
were restricted mostly to surveys.
[0005] Beside commonly used measuring instruments and testing equipment for checking joints
and surface quality on different types of scaffolding systems, special testing patterns
with impacting units attached to a solid, mostly fixed plate base were constructed.
Components of scaffolding systems are to be attached to the patterns that measure
the possible discrepancies from the specified measurements, the angles of related
components, twisting, buckling and other irregularities that could endanger the safety
of the scaffolding. Although this lab test pattern gives accurate test results, only
few specified scaffolding types can be measured with it. Its general application is
not possible, and due to its dimensions and weight, on site tests cannot be performed
with it.
[0006] The invention's task is to implement such a procedure and construct such supporting
equipment that enables a reliable and accurate on site safety inspection of construction
or other types of scaffolding systems, especially on shape and dimension discrepancies
of erected scaffold frames, possibly already in use. With reference to that, we have
to note that joint and surface quality inspection as another part of the safety inspection
of scaffolding can be carried out by on site survey or with help of a manual measuring
equipment which can be combined with lab tests that provide more accurate data if
needed.
[0007] The key to task completion is the recognition of the fact that a quick, accurate
and reliable on site safety inspection can only be executed if there is an equipment
available that is easy to carry and can be precisely set at the same time.
[0008] Based on this recognition, the invention that solves the task is a procedure on the
course of which we install a tool inside the inspected scaffolding frame that follows
the inner line of the frame by a gap. The procedure can even be used if the frame
is to be inspected on site but already erected. The inspected deformations and discrepancies
from the specified tolerance that may occur are to be compared to the installed tool
by survey and measurements.
[0009] The tool enabling the execution of the procedure is a rectangular pattern frame with
two longer and two shorter side units that attach to the inner line of the inspected
scaffolding frame by a gap. One of the two longer units of this pattern frame has
at least two stable brackets installed that can be attached to the inspected scaffolding
frame.
[0010] To be able to fit the pattern frame precisely leveled with the inspected scaffolding
frame and in order to clearly demonstrate the deformation of the scaffolding frame,
according to the invention, it is advantageous to clip blockers on one out of the
two longer side units that is opposite to the side unit having the brackets. These
overhanging blockers, practically blocking plates must be of perpendicular position
and enable the pattern frame to fit into and precisely level with the inspected scaffolding
frame.
[0011] In order to achieve faster and more efficient inspection results, it is also advantageous
to use eccentric quick locks that connect easily to the scaffolding frame.
[0012] For an easier application of the pattern frame, for practical reasons the brackets
should have swivel joint to allow the closing-opening motion of the pattern frame.
[0013] At last, in order to provide a better stability and to maintain the shape of the
pattern frame, it is advisable to connect the longer side units with cross braces.
[0014] The invention is explained in details by the enclosed diagram of the construction
drawing.
In the diagram
Figure 1 shows a sketch of the pattern frame to carry out the procedure of the invention
installed in the scaffolding frame inspected,
Figure 2 shows the vertical section of fixing the pattern frame to the scaffolding
frame by quick lock and
Figure 3 shows the horizontal section of Figure 2
[0015] As it is shown by Figure 1, the rectangular pattern frame A that is suitable for
the execution of the procedure consists of two longer and two shorter side units 1
that can possibly be made of light metal mainly aluminium hollow sections welded together,
where the longer side units 1 of pattern frame
A are connected by cross braces 2 in order to obtain higher level of stability. Pattern frame A can be made of other materials (e.g. plastics) provided their ability to
maintain shape is comparable to light metal so side panels 1 of pattern frame A can
be connected in other ways accordingly. Pattern frame A is sized the way that its
outer line follows the inner line of scaffolding frame B to be inspected with a gap
where the gap between scaffolding frame B and the pattern frame A installed to it
falls in the interval of 1 to 10 cm. Anyhow, the size of the gap should enable quick
and accurate measurements on the inner circumference of scaffolding frame B and survey
that can detect the possible deformations easily. Two quick locks 3 allowing a practical
closing-opening motion are fixed to one of the longer side units 1 under each other
in order to obtain easier use. Their detailed structure and the way of installation
are shown by Figure 2 and Figure 3.
[0016] At the same time, on the longer side unit that lies opposite to the longer side unit
that has installed quick locks 3, there are three evenly spaced overhanging perpendicular
blockers 4, possibly blocking plates. These plates fit to one side of the inspected
scaffolding frame or are laid onto it providing a leveled and precise fit of pattern
frame A into B, furthermore, lack of even spacing between the blockers 4 is a definite
sign of deformation. The level 5 placed on the upper shorter side unit of the pattern
frame shows clearly if the inclination angle of the erected scaffolding frame exceeds
the acceptable limit. Figure 2 and Figure 3 show clearly that quick locks 3 are fixed
by screws 6 and bolts 7 to pattern frame A and by a tube brace 9 fixed by eccentric
10 to scaffolding frame B. As a swivel joint 8 connects the bolt of the quick lock
3 and the tube brace 9, this point allows pattern frame A to make a closing-opening
motion related to scaffolding frame B, providing easier use.
[0017] Based on the invention, the execution of the procedure with help of the above described
pattern frame A is as follows:
[0018] The procedure to inspect mainly metal, especially aluminium made construction scaffolding
systems before installation or periodically on site should be executed as already
described in the introduction. These inspections must include the dimension and shape
tolerance of the vertical parts of scaffolding frames B that are the main parts of
the scaffolding system, moreover the dimension and shape tolerance of other elements
of the scaffolding system such as planking, guardrail members, cross braces, end gate
assemblies, toeboards or access units, in addition, the condition of male bases, wall
ties, clamps or eye bolts, as well as the quality of joints and the surface condition.
[0019] The on site inspection of the associated accessories consists of surveying and measuring
length but it can also include the inspection of diameters when needed. The joint
and surface quality inspection of scaffolding units can be carried out by manual measuring
equipment which can be supported by lab tests in reasonable cases if more accurate
data are required.
[0020] The most important novelty in the procedure to inspect the condition of scaffolding
systems on site for safety reasons is the application of pattern frame A that can
be easily delivered to the site of the inspection due to its light weight where it
can be installed accurately and quickly to the current inspected scaffolding frame
B with its proper connecting parts, meaning quick locks 3 fixed by eccentric 10. As
the quick lock 3 has a swivel joint 8, the pattern frame that is fixed on one of the
longer side of the scaffolding frame can be folded onto the inspected scaffolding
frame. In case there is no occurring deformation, the pattern frame is leveled with
the scaffolding frame B in a position defined by the blockers 4. It follows the inner
line of scaffolding frame B by a gap and in this position on one hand, the possible
deformations can already be determined by survey, on the other hand, discrepancies
from the specified shape and dimension tolerance can be easily measured along the
inner circumference of scaffolding frame B, usually at 2 points per side. In case
the scaffolding system is already erected and installed, the procedure to install
pattern frame A to each scaffolding frame B to be inspected is as follows: pattern
frames A is to be installed one by one to each scaffolding frame B to be inspected,
starting on the lower levels, prior to which the removal of the handrail end assemblies
is required. If the rate of damaged frames exceeds 20% of the inspected scaffolding
frames B, the scaffolding system is not safe any more and has to be dismantled. If
the on site inspection is executed on not installed scaffold units, on the ground,
the inspected scaffolding frame B and pattern frame A have to be practically placed
on a spiny palette laid down on the ground.
[0021] The procedure and tool, namely pattern frame, detailed in the invention's description
above makes it possible to inspect the condition of different types of scaffolding
systems, especially metal made façade scaffolding systems in an economic, efficient
and accurate way before installation or periodically, possibly when already erected.
1. A procedure to inspect construction scaffolding systems, especially, metal made façade
scaffolding systems before or even after the installation periodically on site, in
the course of which we check the twisting and buckling on the frames of the scaffolding
system, the position of the scaffolding frame components related to each other and
also the measurement discrepancies from the specification of these components, characterized by the installation of a tool inside the inspected scaffolding frame attached to the
frame of a possibly already erected scaffolding system to be checked on site, that
follows the inner line of the scaffold frame by a gap and the possible deformations
and discrepancies from the specified measurements can be determined by survey or by
measurements compared to the installed tool.
2. A tool to inspect the condition of construction scaffolding systems, especially facade
scaffold systems before installation or periodically on site. In addition, we check
the twisting and buckling on the frames of the scaffold system, the position of the
scaffolding frame components related to each other and also the measurement discrepancies
from the specification of these components. The tool is characterized by a rectangular shaped pattern frame (A) built up from two long and two short side-units
(1) that follows the inner line of the inspected scaffold frame (B) by a gap having
at least two stably attached clips on one of the longer side unit (1) of the pattern
frame (A) that can be connected to the system frame (B).
3. A tool according to Patent Requirements 2, characterized by blockers clipped on one out of the two longer side units (1) that is opposite to
the one having the brackets. These overhanging blockers (4), practically blocking
plates must be of perpendicular position and enable the pattern frame (A) to fit into
and precisely level with the inspected scaffolding frame (B).
4. A tool according to Patent Requirements 2 or 3, characterized by the application of eccentric quick locks (3) that connect easily to the scaffolding
frame (B).
5. A tool according to Patent Requirements 2-4, characterized by brackets that have swivel joint (8) to allow the closing-opening motion of the pattern
frame (A) compared to the scaffolding frame (B).
6. A tool according to Patent Requirements 2-5, characterized by cross braces (2) that connect the longer side units of the pattern frame (A).