Although swing stage scaffolding units vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, a few general components are common from scaffolding system to scaffolding system.
Anchorage Systems
Three main anchorage systems are used to secure a swing stage: tiebacks, counterweights and direct connections. Tiebacks are set perpendicular to the building’s face and are secured to the structure with strong braided steel cables. Counterweight systems use a carefully balanced mass of weights attached to a set of outrigger beams. The mass counter-acts the weight of the swing stage, workers and equipment. Direct connections are sometimes used in place of or as a supplement to counterweight systems. In a direct connection system, bolts or other connectors secure the outrigger beams to the building’s structure.
Support and Hoist Components
The support and hoist components are the cables and winches which are used to raise and lower the working platform along the work face. Hoists may be manually operated or motorized, and the cable materials may be made of heavy rope or braided steel.
Platform System
The platform is the heart of a swing stage set-up. Four types of construction are used to make a swing stage platform. Beam type platforms are made from a framework of 2 X 6 lumber. Ladder type platforms use a specially constructed ladder as a framework for decking and railings. Plank type platforms are constructed of 2 X 8 beams cleated together to create the flooring surface. Light metal platforms utilize metal alloys to create a strong, light-weight working platform.
