EN 12811-1:2003

Temporary works equipment - Part 1: Scaffolds - Performance requirements and general design

This European Standard specifies performance requirements and methods of structural and general design for access and working scaffolds, referred to from hereon as working scaffolds. Requirements given are for scaffold structures, which rely on the adjacent structures for stability. In general these requirements also apply to other types of working scaffolds. Normal requirements are set down, but there is also provision for special cases.
This European Standard also specifies structural design rules when certain materials are used and general rules for prefabricated equipment.
The standard excludes:
- platforms suspended by ropes, whether fixed or movable;
- horizontally movable platforms including Mobile Access Towers (MAT);
- power-operated platforms;
- scaffolds used as protection for roof work;
- temporary roofs.
NOTE 1    Most working scaffolds are formed from prefabricated components or from tubes and couplers. Some examples of working scaffolds are façade scaffolds, static towers and birdcage scaffolds, but details are not given for all of these.
NOTE 2   Although they may be erected using the same structural elements working scaffolds are not falsework and shoring.
NOTE 3   Particular requirements for façade scaffolds made of prefabricated components are specified in prEN 12810 -1 and prEN 12810-2.

Temporäre Konstruktionen für Bauwerke - Teil 1: Arbeitsgerüste - Leistungsanforderungen, Entwurf, Konstruktion und Bemessung

Equipements temporaires de chantiers - Partie 1: Echafaudages - Exigences de performance et étude, en général

La présente Norme européenne spécifie des exigences de performance et des méthodes d'étude et de dimensionnement des structures des échafaudages d'accès et de service, désignés ci-après par « échafaudages de service ». Les exigences données concernent les structures des échafaudages qui s'appuient sur les structures adjacentes pour leur stabilité. En général, ces exigences s'appliquent également à d'autres types d'échafaudages de service. Outre les exigences courantes, des dispositions relatives à des cas particuliers sont également présentées.
La présente Norme européenne spécifie également des règles relatives au calcul des structures, lorsque certains matériaux sont mis en oeuvre, et des règles générales destinées aux équipements à composants préfabriqués.
La norme ne s'intéresse pas aux :
- plates-formes suspendues par des filins, qu'ils soient fixes ou mobiles ;
- plates-formes à déplacement horizontal, y compris les Tours d'Accès mobiles (TAM) ;
- plates-formes à commande mécanique ;
- échafaudages utilisés en tant que moyen de protection pour travaux de toiture ;
- couvertures provisoires.
NOTE 1   Le plus souvent, les échafaudages de service sont constitués de composants préfabriqués ou de tubes et connexions. Certains exemples d'échafaudages de service sont représentés par les échafaudages de façade, les tours fixes et les échafaudages en volume, mais les détails les concernant ne sont pas donnés.
NOTE 2   Bien qu'ils puissent être montés en utilisant les mêmes éléments de structure, les échafaudages de service ne sont pas des ouvrages d'étaiement.
NOTE 3   Les exigences particulières relatives aux échafaudages de façade à composants préfabriqués sont spécifiées dans le EN 12810-1 et le EN 12810-2.

Oprema za začasne gradnje – 1. del: Zahtevane lastnosti in projektiranje

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 09-Dec-2003
• Withdrawal Date: 29-Jun-2004
• ICS: 91.220 - Construction equipment
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 53 - Temporary works equipment
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 53/WG 1 - Performance requirements for access and working scaffolds
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 03-Sep-2024
• Completion Date: 14-Apr-2025
• Ref Project: SIST EN 12811-1:2004 - Temporary works equipment - Part 1: Scaffolds - Performance requirements and general design

Overview

EN 12811-1:2003 - published by CEN - is the European standard that sets performance requirements and general structural design methods for access and working scaffolds (referred to here as working scaffolds). The standard covers scaffold structures that rely on adjacent permanent or temporary structures for stability and provides general rules for prefabricated equipment and for design when particular materials are used. It establishes normal design and performance criteria while allowing for special cases where additional measures are needed.

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: Applies to access and working scaffolds (façade scaffolds, static towers, birdcage scaffolds, etc.), primarily those formed from prefabricated components or tubes and couplers.
• Performance requirements: Defines functional and safety performance objectives for working scaffolds (stability, strength, serviceability) without prescribing design calculations in this summary.
• General structural design methods: Methods for structural and general design of scaffolds that depend on adjacent structures for stability.
• Material and prefabrication rules: Structural design rules when certain materials are used and general rules for prefabricated scaffold components.
• Exclusions: Explicitly excludes suspended rope platforms, horizontally movable platforms (including Mobile Access Towers), power-operated platforms, scaffolds used solely as roof protection, and temporary roofs.
• Clarifications: Notes that working scaffolds are not the same as falsework or shoring, even if some structural elements are similar.

Applications

Who uses EN 12811-1:2003 and why:

• Scaffold designers and structural engineers: To establish compliant design approaches for common working scaffolds.
• Scaffolding manufacturers: For development and documentation of prefabricated scaffold systems and components that meet European performance expectations.
• Site contractors and erectors: To ensure erected scaffolds satisfy stability and performance requirements when tied to adjacent structures.
• Safety officers and inspectors: As a benchmark for assessing scaffold safety, suitability for access/working purposes, and conformity with industry practice.
• Architects and project managers: To specify scaffold performance and constraints during construction planning or façade works.

Practical uses include design verification, specifying prefabricated scaffold systems, on-site safety checks, and harmonizing scaffold practice across Europe.

Related Standards

• prEN 12810‑1 / prEN 12810‑2: Particular requirements for façade scaffolds made of prefabricated components (referenced by EN 12811-1).
• EN 12811-1 is part of the broader body of CEN standards on temporary works equipment and should be used in conjunction with any relevant national regulations and site-specific safety rules.

Keywords: EN 12811-1:2003, temporary works equipment, scaffolds, performance requirements, general design, working scaffolds, prefabricated components, scaffolding design, CEN.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.WLUDQMHTemporäre Konstruktionen für Bauwerke - Teil 1: Arbeitsgerüste - Leistungsanforderungen, Entwurf, Konstruktion und BemessungEquipements temporaires de chantiers - Partie 1: Echafaudages - Exigences de performance et étude, en généralTemporary works equipment - Part 1: Scaffolds - Performance requirements and general design91.220Gradbena opremaConstruction equipmentICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 12811-1:2003SIST EN 12811-1:2004en01-maj-2004SIST EN 12811-1:2004SLOVENSKI
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