Scaffolding BS1139 standard is a British standard for scaffolding installation, specifying the specific parameters of the size, thickness, material and load capacity… of the materials used for the scaffolding. This standard also covers a system of pipes tightly linked together by clamps, couplers, putlogs, boards, ladders…
In the following article, we will learn more helpful information about this scaffolding standard: history, applicable organization, essential components of prefabricated scaffolding, and how this standard is applied at VIVABLAST.
All about scaffolding BS1139 standard: History, application and components
There are four main ideas in this article including:
- The brief history of Scaffolding BS1139 standard
- Cooperating organizations to use this scaffolding BS1139 standard
- Scaffolding BS1139 standard: Identification of typical components of a prefabricated scaffold system
- Scaffolding service provided by VIVABLAST
The brief history of scaffolding BS1139 standard and BS1139 standard in overall
In 1974, at Denmark’s request, CEN/TC 53 started work on standardizing “Maintenance and working trusses made of prefabricated elements – Materials, Dimensions, Design loads and Safety Requirements.” As a result, twelve draft proposals were studied. At its 19th plenary meeting in March 1984, CEN/TC 53 published a draft amendment in the form of an Instrument of European Concord.In November 1986, CEN/TC 53 decided to propose an amended Harmonization Document and sent it to the Central Secretariat for a final vote. Once there are International Reference Standards for materials and safety factors in place, this Harmonization Document can be considered for adoption as an EN.
During the draft discussion, it was recognized that the average human height is gradually increasing, so it is necessary to consider versions for vertical resizing. CEN/TC 53 is undertaking work to prepare European Standards for:
- Methods of testing components and assembled scaffolds
- Method of assessment and calculation.
Under the General Rules of CEN/CENELEC, these countries will be obliged to implement the Instrument of Harmonization: Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. And this is how the Scaffolding BS1139 standard was established.>> You might want to read more about: Components of ringlock scaffolding and how to installation
18 western cooperating organizations applying this Scaffolding BS1139 standard
The European Committee for Standardization, under whose supervision this Scaffolding BS1139 standard was prepared, consists of the national standards organizations of the following countries:
| The United Kingdom (UK) | British Standards Institution |
| Netherlands | Nederlands Normalisatie-instituut |
| Switzerland | Association suisse de normalisation |
| France | Association française de normalisation |
| Germany | Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. |
| Spain | Asociación Española de Normalización y Certificación |
| Italy | Ente Nazionale Italiano di Unificazione |
| Sweden | Standardiseringskommissionen i Sverige |
| Luxemburg | Inspection du Travail et des Mines |
| Portugal | Instituto Portuguès da Qualidade |
| Iceland | Technological Institute of Iceland |
| Ireland | National Standards Authority of Ireland |
| Norway | Norges Standardiseringsforbund |
| Finland | Suomen Standardisoimisliitto, r.y. |
| Greece | Hellenic Organization for Standardization |
| Belgium | Institut belge de normalisation |
| Austria | Österreichisches Normungsinstitut |
| Denmark | Dansk Standardiseringsraad |
Scaffolding BS1139 standard: Typical components of a pre-fabricated scaffold system
To create a scaffolding system that meets the scaffolding BS1139 standard to ensure the safety and quality of the work, the construction contractor must acquire many different conditions.
Scaffolding BS1139 is a scaffolding system made up of galvanized steel pipes that are tightly connected by accessories such as swing shackles, couplers, clamps, putlogs, boards, ladders,…Detailed specifications are shown in the tables below:1. Tubes
| Outer Diameter (including coating) | 48.3 mm (± 0.5 mm) |
| Pipe wall thickness | 3.2 mm3.6 mm3.8 mm4.0 mm |
| Materials | SteelHot-dip galvanized steel(corrosion resistance and high durability) |
| Requirements | HardnessTensile strength |
2. Scaffolding clamps and couplers:
| Elements | Essential clampsRotating clampsPipe-connecting clampsSingle clampsClamps of the cheeksClamps of beamsClamps of bipedal planks |
| Material | SteelGalvanized steel(corrosion resistance and high durability) |
| Requirements | HardnessTensile strength |
| Application | Shackles and scaffolding clamps are used to necessarily link 2 sections of steel pipes with diameters from 42 to 49 mm together and insist on beamsScaffolding and tubes are used to ensure rigidity and stability. |
3. Scaffolding boards:
| Width | 310 mm – 360 mm |
| Length | 1000 mm1500 mm2000 mm3000 mm |
| Material thickness | 1.2 mm1.5 mm |
| Materials | Ton zincHot-dip galvanized steel(corrosion resistance and high durability) |
| Requirements | HardnessTensile strengthWithstand large loads (according to the design)Flat surface with non-slip holesSafety keychain (optional) |
| Application | Used to create a workspace for the construction operator |
About the Scaffolding BS1139 standard services provided by VIVABLAST
VIVABLAST is one of the few contractors in Vietnam who can install scaffolding in accordance with European standards BS1139. Currently, we are providing two types of services according to scaffolding BS1139 standard, including:
- Scaffolding installation services for projects with various sizes and properties strictly apply the parameters specified by the BS1139 standard.
- Complete set of services: From scaffolding installation to the construction of many different work items such as repair, coating, …
At VIVABLAST, we have a team of scaffolding technicians who are well-trained in erecting, adjusting, dismantling the system, connecting scaffolding…, ensuring that the scaffolding system is installed correctly and quickly, ensuring sustainability and safety for construction. We have a large quantity of ISO 9001 standard scaffolding available, ready to serve all types of large and small projects and all types of building structures.
>>> Read more: Scaffolding BS1139 standard services at VIVABLASTWith nearly three decades of experience, we are proud to be one of the leading units in providing scaffolding solutions according to BS1139 standards in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Our solution is highly appreciated for its guaranteed quality, fast construction time, and optimal cost. For direct consultation, please feel free to contact us via:
- Phone: (+ 84-28) 38 965 006/7/8
- Fax: (+ 84-28) 38 965 004
Email: vivablast@vivablast.com
