Scaffold loading ramps need calculated capacity and collective fall protection

Loading ramps built from prefabricated scaffold components must be calculated and documented by a specially competent person and retain permanent collective guardrails during useArbeidstilsynetArbeidstilsynet, according to Arbeidstilsynet’s scaffold guidance. The person needs competence in complex static and dynamic calculations for load-bearing scaffold structures, as well as design and documentation. Each ramp needs its own assembly and user instructions.

The guidance specifies components tested and certified by an accredited certification bodyArbeidstilsynet in load class 4, 5 or 6: respectively 3.0, 4.50 and 6.00 kN/m²Arbeidstilsynet. Classes 1–3 must not be used for these rampsArbeidstilsynet because they are intended for people, light tools and small material quantities, rather than simultaneous heavy materials, point loads and people. Design must cover static and dynamic loadsArbeidstilsynet, with a safety factor of 1.5 relative to maximum working loadArbeidstilsynet. Arbeidstilsynet refers to NS-EN 12811-1 for the load classes, factor and dynamic-load calculations.

Load-bearing parts must generally come from the same manufacturer and system versionArbeidstilsynet; specially adapted beams may be used in some cases. The authority recommends steel or aluminium components with a 48.3 mm external diameter in classes 4–6 under NS-EN 12810-1. Alternative materials must be robust, durable, defect-free and meet NS-EN 17293Arbeidstilsynet.

Platforms, including hatches, must accommodate the maximum number of people and load present simultaneously, taking account of the size of units being loadedArbeidstilsynet. The guidance recommends supporting the floor to keep it stable and level, or adding a supplementary load-distribution floor. Wheeled equipment can increase point loads and cause deflection and overloading.

For lifting, Arbeidstilsynet prefers a crane performing controlled vertical lifts and advises against equipment imposing horizontal and dynamic forces simultaneouslyArbeidstilsynet. Crane loading can use secured scaffold guardrails with toe boards, intermediate rails and handrails. Forklift or boom-lift loading requires the structure to be anchored and securedArbeidstilsynet; a guardrail airlock or tipping gate is recommended for access. The authority says removable guardrails combined with personal fall protection are unsatisfactory because safer collective solutions are availableArbeidstilsynet. Collective protective measures must take priority over personal protective measuresLovdata.

Ramp marking must be legible from 20–25 metresArbeidstilsynet and identify maximum working loadArbeidstilsynet and loading conditionsArbeidstilsynet. It must also identify the business responsible for assembly and calculationArbeidstilsynet. Loading conditions mean how materials may be lifted or placed on the ramp, considering vertical, horizontal and dynamic loads.

Calculations, design documentation and assembly and use instructions must be readily available on siteArbeidstilsynet. The designer must show the dimensioning basis, including intended use, and the requirements for materials, manufacturer and scaffold-material typeArbeidstilsynet. The record also needs the load class and assembly material listsArbeidstilsynet. It must specify anchoring and foundations, inspection and dismantlingArbeidstilsynet. The assembling company or client must document conformity with the instructions and that users have been informed of intended useArbeidstilsynet. All users need documented training and knowledge of the ramp’s limits. Daily documented inspection to identify damage or changes affecting safety is recommendedArbeidstilsynet.

The cited regulatory provisions are forskrift om utførelse av arbeid § 17-6, forskrift om organisering, ledelse og medvirkning § 10-1 and arbeidsplassforskriften § 2-22.