5.4 SET UP OF OUTRIGGERS AND
COUNTERWEIGHT SYSTEM
Always ensure that the floor or roof structure can safely
sustain the loads of the necessary counterweights, beams
and scaffold, including reactions at the building edge. If in
doubt, ask!
Note #1:
All anchoring devices must be secured to a
structurally sound anchorage on the building or
structure by a tieback having strength equivalent to
or greater than that of the hoisting rope. If tiebacks
cannot be perpendicular to the face of the building
or structure, opposing angle tiebacks shall be used.
One tieback is required within 25° of the centerline.
Two tiebacks are required if between 25° to 50° of
centerline. One must be on each side of the
centerline. See Fig. 14 & 15 on pages 16 & 17 for
further details.
Note #2: The use of any suspended scaffold is unsafe
without:
a. Guardrails, midrails and toeboards on all sides of
the scaffold platform in accordance with OSHA
regulations, Federal, State, Provincial and Local
codes. It is of the utmost importance to include
these components when using suspended
scaffold.
b. Personal fall arrest systems in use that comply
with OSHA regulations, Federal, State,
Provincial and Local codes.
Never exceed the allowable 1,000lb (454 kg).
Maximum Capacity and 4’ reach of the 4’ skybeam.
If you are using the two beam version of the 4’
skybeam 28 counterweights are required. The three
beam version requires 16 counterweights. Both
beams have a 4’ reach and a 1,000lb (454 kg).
Maximum capacity.
© 2013 Tractel Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
21
5.3
SET UP OF PRIMARY WIRE ROPES
a. Use only wire ropes as specified by the hoist
manufacturer.
b. Before setting up the wire ropes, ensure that the
suspension points are capable of supporting the hoist,
platform and its rated load with the required safety factors
according to regulations.
c. Ensure that the distance (a) between the suspension
points is equal to the distance (b) between the platform
stirrups. The wire ropes must be vertical and parallel to
each other for proper operation of the platform.
(see Fig. 17).
d. Unreel the wire ropes at ground level, and pull them to the
top of the building using a transfer line.
Never unreel or
throw a wire rope from the top of the building.
e. Attach each wire rope to an independent suspension point.
f. If using 2 ropes check that the distance between the dual
wire ropes of the hoist is the same at both the top and
bottom ends.
g. Operator must be independently tied off to a separate
vertical lifeline when using a 1 rope system.
On counterweight suspension systems, it is
essential for safety that all the counterweights be
non-flowable in weight and secured on the
suspension structure. Total amount and location of
counterweight must be calculated by a
professionally Competent Person according to
applicable regulations and checked before each
shift.
Fig. 17
Platform with
Platform with
Intermediate Stirrups
End Stirrups
a = b
