SCAFFOLDING

Abstract

 A scaffolding assembly (1) comprises a scaffold (3) providing a work space (W) for a worker, and a cover (5) for covering at least part of the work space (W) from an environment of the scaffold (3). The cover (5) comprises an inflatable body (17) configured to fill and be fixed by inflation in a gap (13) between scaffolding portions (7, 8, 9, 11) and/or between a scaffolding portion (7, 8, 9, 11) and a construction to be worked on.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the fields of scaffolding and elevated working. The present disclosure relates in particular to the field of protecting a worker's workspace on a scaffold constructed with the scaffolding.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is well known that working on a structure such as a building such as a house may require use of a scaffold to provide worker's workspaces in elevated positions about at least part of the building. A typical example of a scaffold is a movable scaffold that may be moved by wheeling it from one working position to a next working position on the building.

[0003] Scaffolds are structures made of scaffolding, a temporary modular system of tubes and/or beams forming a framework used to support workers and material in construction, maintenance, and/or repair, etc., of buildings and other large structures. Scaffolding modules may comprise flooring members supported on uprights such as ladder-like modules and/or stackable posts provided with connectors. The scaffolding may also comprise horizontal and/or diagonal trusses between uprights. Erected scaffolds are usually anchored with anchors to the building or structure under construction, maintenance, and/or repaired, etc. by workers.

[0004] Workers' working conditions are very important for workers' safety and wellbeing and they a constant concern in the field. Also, for particular types of work such as bricklaying and/or painting operations, environmental conditions may be decisive for an outcome of the operation. E.g. working conditions may be hazardous (heat, sun, storm, hail, snow, sleet, etc.), and/or (application of) fresh paint may be affected and damaged by one or more of rain, hail, snow, sleet, dust, animals (e.g. insects, birds / bird droppings, etc.), etc. In view of such concerns, protection systems for scaffolds are known:

WO 98/13564 discloses a weather protection system (10) for mounting on a scaffold (18) consisting of a tarpaulin (26) which is secured to horizontal (14) and/or vertical (16) stays of a scaffolding (18). A second, outer tarpaulin (28) substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the inner tarpaulin (26) secured to the scaffolding is joined in such a way to the first tarpaulin that a substantially closed, airtight space is created between the inner and outer tarpaulins. The space (38) is in communication with an air supply device, such as a fan (44) or air conditioning system, which generates an overpressure inside the space.

WO 01/61123 discloses a weather protection device that is composed of elements (10) and can be fixed to a scaffold (14, 16). The element (10) consists of a first, inner tarpaulin (26) which can be fixed to horizontal (14) and/or vertical (16) stanchions of a scaffold and a second, outer tarpaulin (28) which is arranged at a distance in relation to the first, inner tarpaulin (26). The inner and outer tarpaulins (26, 28) are connected to one another by means of lateral tarpaulins (30, 32, 34, 36) in such a way that a space (38) results. Said space is enclosed by the tarpaulins in an essentially airtight manner and is laterally connected to an air supply device (242) which produces a pressure burden within the space. According to the invention, the air supply device (242) consists of a hose component (48) that is formed between the adjacent lateral tarpaulins (34, 36) of two adjacent elements (210, 10), has a, preferably rectangular, cross-section and is produced from a material having characteristics which are similar to the characteristics of the tarpaulins.

[0005] Further is noted that DE 199 06 097 A1 relates to a building with an advertising surface displaying information placed thereon. In order to obtain a building with a maximum number of advertising surfaces, an at least partially textile-like revetment (14) is placed on the building (10), on which revetment the advertising surface is applied, wherein the revetment (14) is maintained at a distance for the building (10) by a pneumatic support structure.

[0006] Attachment of such tarpaulins, or, respectively, textile-like revetment to a scaffold is cumbersome. Also, wind strengths may be so high that a closed cover on a scaffold must be removed for protection of one or more of the cover, the scaffolding, the structure, and/or for prevention of noise and/or damage due to flapping material.

[0007] Hence, improvements are desired.

SUMMARY

[0008] To that end, herewith is provided a method of covering a work space for a worker in and/or on a scaffold against an environment, comprising filling a gap between scaffolding portions and/or between a scaffolding portion and a construction by arranging and fixing by inflation an inflatable body in the gap.

[0009] This provides an effective way of providing the cover. Fixing the inflatable body in the gap by the inflation assist filling the gap, and a fixation strength may be adjusted by adjusting an inflation pressure, also other fixation of the inflatable body may be obviated. Scaffolding inherently produces gaps in a scaffold formed from it; since it is recognized that most scaffolding adheres to standardized dimensions, gaps between and/or within scaffolding modules may have standardized dimensions and the inflatable body may be manufactured with appropriate dimensions for fixation within the gaps; this may reduce costs for the inflatable body and in particular it may prevent excessive pressure due to (the inflation of) the inflated body on the scaffolding portions defining at least part of the gap. Also, providing an inflatable body in a gap between the scaffolding and a construction to be worked on by the workers (e.g. a building wall) allows for closing an otherwise inherent gap without requiring affixation of a cover to the construction obviating providing fixation elements to the construction facilitating leaving the construction intact. The covering against en environment may protect the workplace and/or the construction from the environment and/or the other way around.

[0010] The inflatable body forms at least part of a cover for the work space. Although the inflation may suffice for the arrangement and fixation, the inflatable body may be secured to and/or supported from the scaffolding by fasteners such as ties.

[0011] Associated with the foregoing, herewith is provided a scaffolding assembly comprising a scaffold providing a work space for a worker, in particular an elevated work space, and a cover for covering at least part of the work space from an environment of the scaffold; wherein the cover comprises an inflatable body configured to fill and be fixed by inflation in a gap between scaffolding portions and/or between a scaffolding portion and a construction to be worked on. Filling at least partly a gap by inflation may mean arranging the inflatable body into the gap in a deflated stated and inflating the inflatable body so that it fills at least partly the gap, occupying space defined by the gap. The filling and fixation may mean that in an inflated state the inflatable body fills the gap substantially complexly. Fixation by inflation may comprise that the inflatable body engages one or more scaffolding portions and one or more portions of the scaffolding and/or the construction on an opposite side which define at least part of the gap. Fixation by inflation may facilitate accommodating variations in gap size such as due to tolerances in scaffolding, in scaffold construction and/or inherent variations in relative arrangements of scaffolds with respect to constructions (to be) worked on. Thus, filling of gaps and covering of the work space may be reliably provided.

[0012] The scaffold may be provided with anchors for anchoring at last part of the scaffold to the construction. One or more of the anchors may determine a gap size between a scaffold portion and the construction. The inflatable body may be sized in accordance with an anchor size determining such gap size. Also or alternatively, plural anchors may form opposite scaffolding portions and define at least part of a gap between them, which gap may be closed and covered by at least part of an inflatable body.

[0013] The cover may be configured to protrude outward from the scaffold relative to the work space, at least in an inflated state of the inflatable body. Thus, a gap between a portion of the scaffold and the construction (to be) worked on may be effectively closed.

[0014] The scaffold may comprise a flooring member and uprights supporting the flooring member and extending above the flooring member forming a gap over the flooring member, wherein the cover, in particular the inflatable body thereof, is configured to, in use being fixed to the uprights by inflation of the inflatable body, the cover then extending over and covering the flooring member. In use the inflated body is in an inflated state. Then, the cover, preferably the inflatable body, provides in use, an inclined roof surface. The inclination may be arranged with a downward slope away from the construction. The uprights may in particular comprise, or be, ladder-like scaffolding modules.

[0015] The scaffold may comprise wheels for rolling the scaffold from one position to another position.

[0016] The cover may comprise connectors for releasably connecting a portion of the cover to a portion of the scaffold. At least part of the inflatable body may be formed as such connector. In particular, the inflatable body may comprise a connector portion configured to provide, in an inflated state, in use, a recess for accommodating, and preferably clamping onto, at least a portion of the scaffold e.g. (a portion of) a scaffolding element. The connector portion may be configured to surround a scaffolding portion for 120 degrees or more, preferably 150 degrees or more, more preferably 180 degrees or more. In such cases, adjacent inflatable bodies may engage one scaffolding portion from opposite sides. However, it may be preferred that the connector portion is configured to surround a scaffolding portion for more than 180 degrees, being generally formed C-shaped in cross section providing a cavity with a narrowed opening. This facilitates attachment and possibly fixation of the inflatable body to the scaffolding portion. In a deflated state the connector portion may be opened (further), facilitating displacement and/or removal of the inflatable body relative to / from the scaffolding.

[0017] At least part of the connector portion may define a tunnel for surrounding at least a portion of the scaffolding element for 360 degrees. The tunnel may be permanent or provided as a closable cavity.

[0018] The inflatable body may be formed from any suitable material. The material preferably is flexible for folding the inflatable body in a deflated state. Suitable fabrics should be suitable for prolonged outdoors use in various circumstances. Suitable materials may comprise or be tarpaulins, coated and/or rubberized fabrics, may be preferred.

[0019] A portion of the cover may be provided as a scaffolding fabric attached to the inflatable body. The attachment may be reversible (e.g. using one or more of zippers, hook & loop type fasteners, buttons, ties, etc.) or permanent (e.g. being one or more of stitched, glued, welded, etc.). Scaffolding fabric is known per se for reducing or stopping wind and/or precipitation; the fabric may be an at least partly open mesh fabric and it may be provided with printed signs e.g. advertisement. Suitable scaffolding fabrics may be fabrics such as traded under names as scaffolding mesh, scaffolding enclosure fabric, scaffolding protection fabric, scaffolding cover fabric, scaffolding sheeting, scaffold netting, etc.

[0020] The inflatable body may comprise plural separately inflatable compartments, securing against leaks.

[0021] The scaffolding fabric may be attached to the scaffold (for) closing at least part of a gap filled in part by the inflatable body.

[0022] The assembly may be provided with one or more inflation devices such as a pump for inflating and/or maintaining inflated the inflatable body. Suitable inflation devices may comprise one or more of motor-driven pumps (e.g. electrical pumps and/or combustion engine driven pumps), human-operable pumps such as a hand pump and/or a foot pump, and/or one or more gas cylinders. Also or alternatively, at least part of the inflatable body may comprise a resilient member such as one or more of foams, springs, and baleens, for urging the inflatable body into an inflated state from a deflated state.

[0023] The assembly, in particular the inflatable body, more in particular one or more inflatable compartments thereof, may be provided with one or more pressure relief devices and/or pressure sensitive devices and/or pressure indicators, which may be configured for adjusting and/or indicating a pressure in (one or more inflatable compartments of) the inflatable body. Such adjustment may comprise establishing and/or maintaining a pressure in the inflatable body in a predetermined pressure range and/or below a predetermined maximum pressure value. E.g. one or more inflatable compartments may be provided with a manometer; a pressure relief device such as a valve may be configured for controllably venting at least some pressure from (an inflatable compartment of) the inflatable body, in particular venting pressure over the predetermined maximum pressure value. Such (venting by a) pressure relief device may be automated and/or be worker-operable. The assembly may be provided with a controller for controlling operation of such inflation device and/or pressure relief device, for establishing and/or maintaining a pressure in the inflatable body in the predetermined pressure range and/or below the predetermined maximum pressure value.

[0024] In an embodiment, the pressure sensitive device may be configured such that the predetermined pressure range and/or the predetermined maximum pressure value is adjustable, e.g. by adjusting a setting in a controller, and/or by adjusting a pressure relief device such as adjusting an opening size and/or an opening pressure of a pressure relief valve.

[0025] Further, herewith is provided a kit of scaffolding for a method and/or a scaffolding assembly as discussed herein, comprising one or more scaffolding modules and a cover for covering at least part of a work space from an environment of a scaffold constructed with the scaffolding module(s). In the kit the cover may comprise an inflatable body configured to fill and be fixed by inflation in a gap between scaffolding portions of the scaffolding module(s) and/or between a scaffolding portion and a construction (to be) worked on; and/or the cover may comprise an inflatable body comprising a connector portion configured to provide, in an inflated state, a recess for accommodating, and preferably clamping onto, at least part of the scaffolding module(s), wherein then in particular the connector portion is configured to surround a scaffolding portion for 120 degrees or more, preferably 150 degrees or more, more preferably 180 degrees or more, most preferably more than 180 degrees, being generally formed C-shaped in cross section providing a cavity with a narrowed opening.

[0026] Such kit may be provided with one or more inflation devices such as a pump for inflating and/or maintaining inflated the inflatable body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above-described aspects will hereafter be more explained with further details and benefits with reference to the drawings showing a number of embodiments by way of example.

Fig. 1 indicates part of a scaffolding assembly.

Figs. 2-4 show the cover of Fig. 1 in side view and different perspective views, respectively.

Fig. 5 indicates another embodiment of a scaffolding assembly;

Fig. 6 is a cross section view of the covers of Fig. 5;

Figs. 7 and 8 show another embodiment of a scaffolding assembly;

Fig 9 indicates a scaffolding assembly embodiment;

Fig. 10 indicates an option for attaching covers, e.g. for use in a construction of detail X in Fig. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0028] It is noted that the drawings are schematic, not necessarily to scale and that details that are not required for understanding the present invention may have been omitted. The terms "upward", "downward", "below", "above", and the like relate to the embodiments as oriented in the drawings, unless otherwise specified. Further, elements that are at least substantially identical or that perform an at least substantially identical function are denoted by the same numeral, where helpful increased by hundreds and/or individualised with alphabetic suffixes.

[0029] Further, unless otherwise specified, terms like "detachable" and "removably connected" are intended to mean that respective parts may be disconnected essentially without damage or destruction of either part, e.g. excluding structures in which the parts are integral (e.g. welded or moulded as one piece), but including structures in which parts are attached by or as mated connectors, fasteners, releasable self-fastening features, etc. The verb "to facilitate" is intended to mean "to make easier and/or less complicated", rather than "to enable".

[0030] Fig. 1 indicates part of a scaffolding assembly 1 comprising a scaffold 3 having a flooring member F and providing a work space W for a worker (not shown) and comprising a cover 5 for covering at least part of the work space W from an environment of the scaffold 3, here the cover forms a roof to the work space W. The shown scaffold 3 is constructed of modular scaffolding, here the flooring member F, uprights 7 and horizontal trusses 9 as exemplary scaffolding modules. The shown uprights 7 are formed ladder-like providing beams 8 supporting rungs 11 separated by gaps 13. The flooring member F and horizontal trusses 9 are operably connected to rungs 11; between the horizontal trusses 9 gaps 15 are formed. Diagonal trusses and/or further scaffolding modules may be provided as well (not shown).

[0031] Figs. 2-4 show the cover of Fig. 1 in side view and different perspective views, respectively.

[0032] The cover 5 comprises (here: substantially is) an inflatable body 17, here shown in an inflated state. In the inflated state, the inflatable body 17 fills, and is fixed by inflation in, gaps 13 and 15 between scaffolding portions 7 (8, 11) and 9. The cover 5, in use as shown, forms a roof to the work space W, extending over and covering the flooring member F.

[0033] The inflatable body 17 comprises plural separately inflatable compartments 19 and a protruding portion 21 (also referred to as: roof bridge 21) protruding outward from the scaffold 3 relative to the work space W, in the shown inflated state of the inflatable body 17. The protruding portion 21 may be formed, as here, as a separately inflatable compartment of the inflatable body 17.

[0034] Best seen in Fin Fig. 2, the cover 5 is wedge-shaped, having a larger height in a front side FS towards the protruding portion 21 / roof bridge 21 than at a rear side RS, thus providing an inclined roof surface.

[0035] As an option, best seen in Figs. 2-4, the inflatable body 17 is mated to the scaffolding modules 7, 9 and comprises connector portions 23, 25 configured to provide, at least in an inflated state as shown, recesses for accommodating, and preferably clamping onto portions (of the modules 7, 9) of the scaffolding in the scaffold 3. Here, the recesses are configured to surround a scaffolding portion for about 180 degrees.

[0036] Also or alternatively, as shown in Fig. 4, when inflated, the inflatable body 17 may engage and fit between the rungs 11 and/or other scaffolding portions as indicated in dashed lines and conform to these scaffolding portions for filling gaps and fixing the inflatable body 17, therewith fixing the cover 5.

[0037] The protruding portion 21 may be provided, as shown, with one or more optional sealing elements such as strips or ribs 27 for sealing against a construction (to be) worked on by a worker, see below.

[0038] Fig. 5 indicates a scaffolding assembly 101, comprising a scaffold 103, generally as scaffold 3 of Fig. 1, operably arranged adjacent a construction C to be worked on, e.g. a wall of a building, providing a gap G between the scaffold 103 and the construction C.

[0039] The scaffold 103 has uprights 107 formed ladder-like providing beams 108 supporting rungs 111 separated by gaps 113; the scaffold 103 further has an elevated flooring member F providing two vertically separated work spaces W. The scaffold 103 is provided with wheels 129 facilitating moving the scaffold 103 from one position to another.

[0040] The scaffold 103 is provided with optional anchors 131 for anchoring the scaffold 103 to the construction C. The anchors 131 determine a gap width GW of the gap G between portions of the scaffold 103 and the construction C, plural anchors 131 divide the gap G into smaller gaps and forming opposite scaffolding elements defining a gap height GH of the respective parts of the gap G.

[0041] The scaffolding assembly 101 comprises a cover 105 as shown in Figs. 1-4 operably arranged and fixed to the scaffold 103 filling gaps between scaffolding portions as set out above.

[0042] The scaffolding assembly 101 also comprises covers 205 operably arranged and fixed to the scaffold 103 filling gaps between scaffolding portions and the construction C by inflation of respective inflatable bodies in the gap a explained below.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a cross section view of the covers 205. The covers 205 comprise an inflatable body 217, here the inflatable body 217 is configured to protrude outward from the scaffold 103 relative to the work spaces W, at least in the shown inflated state of the inflatable body 217 and may preferably (as shown) seal (the gap G) to the construction C. Like protruding portion 21 / roof bridge 21, the inflatable body 217 may be provided with one or more optional sealing elements such as strips or ribs for sealing against the construction C (not shown).

[0044] The inflatable body 217 further comprises a connector portion 226 configured to provide, in an inflated state, a recess for accommodating at least a portion of the scaffold. The connector portion 226 may be configured for clamping onto the portion of the scaffold (not shown) and/or be formed to surround a scaffolding portion for 360 degrees (shown here using a closure member 233 such as an openable and fixable flap).

[0045] The covers 205 also comprise a scaffolding fabric portion 235 attached to, and extending from, the inflatable body 217, to further cover the respective work space W sideways.

[0046] Figs. 7 and 8 show another embodiment, like Fig. 5-6, but wherein the inflatable body portion 317 is configured to extend along a scaffold portion 103 covering a work space sideways. This may improve protection against wind for the work space W.

[0047] Since the covers extend to the construction C (by the cover portions protruding from the scaffold, the gap between the scaffold and the construction is effectively closed at least partly, therewith risks of wind, precipitation, dust etc. hindering or damaging construction work (products) are reduced.

[0048] Figs. 9 and 10 show a scaffolding assembly 401, comprising a scaffold 403 having plural uprights 407 provided with diagonal trusses 410. The scaffolding assembly 401 comprises covers 405 generally as shown in Figs. 1-4. Fig. 10 indicates an option for a construction of detail X of such assembly. Fig. 10 shows that two adjacent covers 305 may be provided with cooperating zippers 439 and/or hook-and-loop-type-entanglement fasteners (e.g. Velcro) to attach the covers 405 to each other and/or to a scaffold portion 408.The disclosure is not restricted to the above-described embodiments which can be varied in a number of ways within the scope of the claims.

[0049] For instance a scaffold may be provided with more or fewer uprights, floors, and a scaffolding assembly may comprise more or fewer covers. Covers may be formed differently.

[0050] Elements and aspects discussed for or in relation with a particular embodiment may be suitably combined with elements and aspects of other embodiments, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. Method of covering a work space (W) for a worker in and/or on a scaffold (3, 103, 403) against an environment, comprising filling at least part of a gap (G, 13, 15) between scaffolding portions (F, 7, 8, 9, 11, 107, 108, 111, 131) and/or between a scaffolding portion (F, 7, 8, 9, 11, 107, 108, 111, 131) and a construction (C) (to be) worked on by arranging and fixing by inflation of an inflatable body (17) in the gap (G, 13, 15).

2. A scaffolding assembly (1, 101) comprising

a scaffold (3, 103) providing a work space (W) for a worker, in particular an elevated work space, and

a cover (5, 105, 205) for covering at least part of the work space (W) from an environment of the scaffold (3, 103);

wherein the cover (5, 105, 205) comprises an inflatable body (17, 117, 217) configured to fill and be fixed by inflation in a gap (13, 15, 113) between scaffolding portions (F, 7, 8, 9, 11, 107, 108, 111, 131) and/or between a scaffolding portion (F, 7, 8, 9, 11, 107, 108, 111, 131) and a construction (C) (to be) worked on.

3. The scaffolding assembly (1, 101) according to claim 2, wherein the scaffold (3, 103) is provided with anchors (131) for anchoring at least part of the scaffold (3) to the construction (C),

wherein the anchors (131) may determine a gap size (GW, GH) between a portion of the scaffold (3) and the construction (C) ;

wherein in particular plural anchors (131) may form opposite scaffolding portions defining at least part of the gap (13, 15, G).

4. The scaffolding assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein the cover (5, 105, 205) is configured to protrude outward from the scaffold (3, 103) relative to the work space (W), at least in an inflated state of the inflatable body (17, 117, 217).

5. The scaffolding assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 2-4, wherein the scaffold (3, 103) comprises a flooring member (F) and wherein uprights (7, 107) supporting the flooring member (F) and extending above the flooring member (F) form a gap over the flooring member (F),
wherein the cover (5, 105, 205) is configured to, in use, being fixed to the uprights (7) by inflation of the inflatable body (17, 117, 217), extending over and covering the flooring member (F).

6. The scaffolding assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein the cover (5), preferably the inflatable body (17, 117, 217), provides in use, an inclined roof surface.

7. The scaffolding assembly (1) according to any one of claims 2-6, wherein the inflatable body (17, 117, 217) comprises a connector portion (23, 25, 226) configured to provide, in an inflated state, a recess for accommodating, and preferably clamping onto, at least a portion (F, 7, 8, 9, 11, 107, 108, 111, 131) of the scaffold (3),
wherein in particular the connector portion (23, 25, 226) is configured to surround a scaffolding portion (F, 7, 8, 9, 11, 107, 108, 111, 131) for 120 degrees or more, preferably 150 degrees or more, more preferably 180 degrees or more, most preferably more than 180 degrees, being generally formed C-shaped in cross section providing a cavity with a narrowed opening.

8. The scaffolding assembly (1, 101) according to claim 7, wherein at least part of the connector portion (23, 25, 226) defines a tunnel for surrounding at least part of the portion (F, 7, 8, 9, 11, 107, 108, 111, 131) of the scaffold (3, 103) for 360 degrees.

9. The scaffolding assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 2-8, wherein the inflatable body (17 ,117, 217) comprises plural separately inflatable compartments (19, 21, 119) .

10. The scaffolding assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 2-9, wherein least part of the cover (5, 105, 205) is provided as a scaffolding fabric attached to the inflatable body (17, 117, 217).

11. The scaffolding assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 2-9, provided with one or more inflation devices, such as a pump, for inflating and/or maintaining inflated at least one inflatable compartment (19, 21, 119) of the inflatable body (17, 117, 217); and/or provided with one or more of pressure relief devices, pressure sensitive devices, and pressure indicators, for indicating and/or adjusting a pressure in (one or more inflatable compartments of) the inflatable body; and preferably provided with a controller for controlling such inflation devices and/or such one or more of pressure relief devices, pressure sensitive devices, and pressure indicators.

12. Kit of scaffolding for the method of claim 1 and/or a scaffolding assembly (1, 101) according to any one of claims 2-11, comprising one or more scaffolding modules (F, 7, 9) and a cover (5, 105, 205) for covering at least part of a work space (W) from an environment of a scaffold (3, 103) constructed with the one or more scaffolding modules (F, 7, 9);

wherein the cover (5) comprises an inflatable body (17, 117, 217) configured to fill, and be fixed by inflation in, a gap (G, 13, 15) between scaffolding portions (F, 7, 8, 9, 11, 107, 108, 111, 131) of the scaffolding modules (F, 7, 9) and/or between a scaffolding portion (F, 7, 8, 9, 11, 107, 108, 111, 131) and a construction (C) (to be) worked on; and/or

wherein the cover (5) comprises an inflatable body (17, 117, 217) comprising a connector portion (23, 25, 226) configured to provide, in an inflated state, a recess for accommodating, and preferably clamping onto, at least part of the scaffolding modules (F, 7, 9), wherein in particular the connector portion (23, 25, 226) is configured to surround a scaffolding portion (F, 7, 8, 9, 11, 107, 108, 111, 131) for 120 degrees or more, preferably 150 degrees or more, more preferably 180 degrees or more, most preferably more than 180 degrees, being generally formed C-shaped in cross section providing a cavity with a narrowed opening.

13. Kit according to claim 12, comprising one or more inflation devices, such as a pump, for inflating and/or maintaining inflated at least one inflatable compartment (19, 21, 119) of the inflatable body (17, 117, 217); and/or comprising one or more of pressure relief devices, pressure sensitive devices and pressure indicators, for indicating and/or adjusting a pressure in the inflatable body; and
preferably comprising a controller for controlling such inflation devices and/or such one or more of pressure relief devices, pressure sensitive devices and pressure indicators.

Drawing