Clyde Know How
Introduction
Scaffold couplers are essentially the fundamental component that is used to assemble tube-and-coupler scaffolding as encompassed by AS1576. Tube-and-coupler scaffolding is defined in AS1576.3 as 'a scaffold in which individual circular tubes serving as standards, braces or ties are joined together by means of purpose designed couplers'.
This basic fitting that is designed to join two scaffold tubes can be used to create a diverse range of scaffolding structures or used as an accessory to prefabricated scaffolding systems.
This manual includes basic types of scaffold couplers which join two tubes together as well as special couplers used to connect scaffold tube to other components, equipment or structures.
Important
The technical and application guidelines contained in this booklet are recommended methods to be used with scaffold couplers supplied by Boral Formwork & Scaffolding Pty Ltd.
Recommendations and technical details must be accurately followed to obtain the correct performance of the product. Deviation from the recommended usage will require a separate engineering design and/or verification by the Boral Formwork & Scaffolding Engineering Department.
The use and application of scaffold couplers must be in compliance with the requirements of Statutory Regulations and Australian Standards for Scaffolding (AS/NZS1576 'Scaffolding' and AS/NZS 4576 'Guidelines for Scaffolding') as applicable.
The illustrations of the assembly configurations are guidelines only.
Site specific Hazard and Risk assessments may need to be generated for specific projects.
As part of the risk management processes, we draw your attention to the requirement that scaffolders must, as part of their competency, be competent in manual lifting techniques. Therefore, scaffolders erecting, altering or dismantling scaffolding must follow the manual handling guidelines published by Regulatory Authorities or other guidelines and codes of practice recognised as being acceptable by such Regulatory Authorities.
Personnel who erect, alter or dismantle scaffolding over 4m in height must hold a current National, State or Territory Certificate in Scaffolding to the appropriate class.
Working Load Limits
Working Load Limits (WLL’s) are given for couplers that are covered by AS1576.2 and comply to that standard.
WLL’s for couplers shown may be limited by components to which they are attached. Hence, load capacity of such components must be checked for suitability to support resultant loads.
Product Codes
The product codes shown on the following pages are sales codes.
To determine the hire codes for the product remove the ‘Z’ prefix.
Example: Sale code for Double Coupler is ZDC
Hire code for Double Coupler is DC.