FactSheet

Tube and Coupler Scaffolds — 

Planning and Design

Workers building scaffolds risk serious injury from falls and tip-overs, being struck by 

falling tools and other hazards, and electrocution from energized power lines. Before 

starting any scaffold project, the employer should conduct a hazard assessment to 

ensure the safety of workers.

A tube and coupler scaffold has a platform(s) 

supported by tubing, and is erected with coupling 

devices connecting uprights, braces, bearers, and 

runners (see Fig. 1). Due to their strength, these 

scaffolds are frequently used where heavy loads 

need to be carried, or where multiple platforms 

must reach several stories high. These scaffolds 

can be assembled in multiple directions, making 

them the preferred option for work surfaces with 

irregular dimensions and/or contours. 

Scaffold Planning

Review blueprints, work orders, the project 

schedule and other written requirements to 

determine where these scaffolds should be used. 

Next, select the right size scaffold for each job. 

Scaffolds are generally rated as light, medium 

or heavy duty. Light-duty scaffolds can support 

a limited number of workers and hand tools 

(25 lbs. per sq. ft.). Medium-duty scaffolds must 

be able to safely hold workers, hand tools, and 

the construction materials being installed (50 lbs. 

per sq. ft.). Heavy-duty scaffolds must support 

workers, tools and the weight of stored materials 

(75 lbs. per sq. ft.).

The following factors should be considered in 

the planning phase:

•	 The shape and structure of the building to 

be scaffolded.

•	 Distinctive site conditions and any special 

features of the building structure in relation to 

the scaffold (i.e., overhead electric power lines 

or storage tanks). Also consider the proximity 

and condition of surrounding buildings.

•	 Weather and environmental conditions.

•	 Fall protection requirements for workers 

using scaffolds, such as guardrail systems or 

personal fall arrest systems.

•	 The type and amount of scaffold equipment 

needed to access all areas to be worked on.

•	 Proper storage and transporting of scaffolding 

components, materials and equipment. 

•	 The manner in which workers will access the 

scaffold (i.e., via ladders, stair rail systems, etc.).

Design

Scaffolds must be designed by a qualified person. 

Tube and coupler scaffolds over 125 feet (38 m) 

in height must be designed by a registered 

professional engineer. Tube and coupler scaffold 

design must comply with 29 CFR §§ 1926.451–

.452. The scaffold design must include:

•	 Proper materials to construct the scaffold.

•	 The erected scaffold must support its own 

weight and at least four times the maximum 

intended load. To accomplish this, the 

scaffold design must incorporate a realistic 

assessment of maximum intended loads 

on the scaffold at all stages of erection and 

loading. For example, if wrapped with mesh, 

Figure 1: Tube and Coupler Scaffold
will the scaffold support expected wind 

loads? The scaffold must also be designed to 

ensure that it can support the weight of both 

horizontal and lateral loads. 

•	 Construction and loading must comply with 

engineered designs and manufacturers’ 

requirements.

•	 Guardrails and toeboards.

•	 The amount of time needed to erect and 

dismantle the scaffold. 

For more information on scaffolding, see OSHA’s 

Safety and Health Topics page at www.osha.gov/

SLTC/scaffolding.

Contact OSHA

For more information, to report an emergency, 

fatality or catastrophe, to order publications, 

to file a confidential complaint, or to request 

OSHA’s free on-site consultation service, contact 

your nearest OSHA office, visit www.osha.gov, 

or call OSHA at 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), TTY 

1-877-889-5627.

Worker Rights

Workers have the right to:

•	 Working conditions that do not pose a risk of 

serious harm. 

•	 Receive information and training (in a 

language and vocabulary the worker 

understands) about workplace hazards, 

methods to prevent them, and the OSHA 

standards that apply to their workplace. 

•	 Review records of work-related injuries and 

illnesses. 

•	 File a complaint asking OSHA to inspect their 

workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard 

or that their employer is not following OSHA’s 

rules. OSHA will keep all identities confidential.

•	 Exercise their rights under the law without 

retaliation, including reporting an injury 

or raising health and safety concerns with 

their employer or OSHA. If a worker has 

been retaliated against for using their rights, 

they must file a complaint with OSHA as soon 

as possible, but no later than 30 days. 

For more information, see OSHA’s Workers page.

DOC FS-3760 11/2014

This is one in a series of informational fact sheets highlighting OSHA programs, policies or standards. 

It does not impose any new compliance requirements. For a comprehensive list of compliance 

requirements of OSHA standards or regulations, refer to Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations. 

This information will be made available to sensory-impaired individuals upon request. The voice phone 

is (202) 693-1999; teletypewriter (TTY) number: 1-877-889-5627.