GB2613375A - Barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

A barrier 33 for use with a scaffolding structure 1. The barrier 33 comprises a panel 35 and one or more connectors 41 for attaching the barrier to the scaffolding structure. The barrier further comprises a board 61 arrangeable, in use, to extend from a face of the panel and to interface with at least part of a platform of the scaffolding structure. When the barrier is attached to the scaffolding structure, the barrier covers gaps between components of the scaffolding structure that would otherwise be exposed. The barrier is intended in use to cover one or more gaps in the scaffolding structure to prevent intruders from gaining entry to the scaffolding structure by climbing scaffolding standards 3 in the scaffolding structure. The barrier also provides an obstacle to help prevent workers and construction related materials from falling from the scaffolding structure.

Description

BARRIER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a barrier for use with scaffolding and in particular a barrier for use with tube and clip scaffolding to prevent unauthorised access to the scaffolding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Scaffolding is routinely used in the construction industry to safely facilitate worker access to elevated areas of a structure, such as a building, that may be under construction or undergoing refurbishment. Scaffolding is typically constructed from multiple component parts to create a structure that can be arranged in close proximity to a structure for the completion of building or renovation works.

One common type of scaffolding system, referred to as tube and clip or clamp, comprises multiple galvanised-steel or aluminium tubes of various lengths that may be attached together at right angles using right angle clamps to form a structure. Such a structure includes multiple vertically arranged lengths of tubes, known as standards, multiple lengths of tubes arranged perpendicularly to the standards across the width of the structure, known as ledgers, and multiple lengths of tubes arranged perpendicularly to the standards from front to back, known as transoms. Depending on the size of the scaffolding, diagonal tubes (not shown) can be periodically connected to the structure via swivel clamps to further stabilize the scaffolding.

Scaffolding is typically used on structures that are undergoing significant work lasting several days, weeks and even months. During this time, the structures may have one or more weak points or openings via which an intruder may gain unauthorised entry. Additionally, tools, equipment and materials may be stored on-site within the scaffolding structure or within the structure undergoing construction or renovation. Consequently, it is important to secure the scaffolding to prevent unauthorised access and the potential theft of such tools, equipment, and other materials.

Conventional approaches to preventing intruders from climbing scaffolding from ground level and gaining unauthorised entry to the worksite include plastic sheeting and debris netting. However, whilst sheeting and netting does have some deterrent effect, such materials and their fixings can be easily cut and are more concerned with containing debris within the worksite than preventing unauthorised access.

More secure methods include fixing metal mesh fencing to the outer facing side of the scaffolding, erecting a plywood hoarding, or using scaffold boards to close off potential points of access. However, these solutions are awkward and/or time consuming to install.

Brick guards and safety guards provide another possible solution for preventing unauthorised access to scaffolding. Such guards typically comprise a substantially rectangular panel, usually made from plastic material or metal wire mesh, which is dimensioned for attachment to the scaffolding structure to close off gaps between the toe board and the guardrail or handrail. These guards are designed to minimise the chance of a worker falling from the scaffolding or to prevent bricks and debris from falling off the scaffolding and potentially causing injury below. Since these types of guards help to block off gaps between the toe boards and guard rails, they can help to prevent unauthorised entry to the scaffolding through such spaces.

GB2561385 discloses examples of a brick guard or scaffolding guard for use in a scaffolding structure. The scaffolding guard has a panel with upper and lower edges. At least one retaining member for retaining the panel against a toe board of the scaffolding structure is positioned towards a lower end of the panel. The scaffolding guard is provided with gripping means located on a surface of the retaining member and/or the panel which in use is in contact with the toe board so as to help keep the scaffolding guard securely in place when subjected to especially windy conditions. However, since the scaffolding guard is configured to be attached between the toe board and the guard rail, the scaffolding guard does not cover other components of the scaffolding such as the ledgers that might be used by intruders as purchase to gain a foothold for unauthorised entry into the scaffolding.

GB2423329A discloses an example of a safety guard for fitting to a building scaffold structure comprising a durable flexible plastic sheet folded to form two panels, allowing the device to be draped over a horizontal scaffold bar. Each guard has two laterally arranged wing structures which allow for adjacent panels to overlap each other in use. Such a feature also allows for guard panels to be arranged around any vertical scaffold poles or standards. However, the safety guard is designed to be draped over the handrail and toe board and is recessed such that the standards and guardrails are exposed on the outer face of the scaffolding. Consequently, such a safety guard is not effective at preventing intruders from climbing up the scaffolding and gaining unauthorised entry.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a barrier for a scaffolding system that at least partially overcomes or alleviates the above issues and provides an effective means for preventing unauthorised access to the scaffolding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a barrier for use with a scaffolding structure, the barrier comprising a panel and one or more connectors for attaching the barrier to the scaffolding structure, the barrier further comprising a board arrangeable, in use, to extend from a face of the panel and to interface with at least part of a platform of the scaffolding structure.

Advantageously, the panel and board may be configured to define a continuous obstacle extending from the platform across gaps in the scaffolding structure and thereby help to prevent workers and worksite materials from falling from the scaffolding structure and also to prevent intruders from gaining access to the scaffolding structure through gaps in the scaffolding structure.

The panel may be substantially rectangular and dimensioned to cover one or more gaps defined by a plurality of tubular components of the scaffolding structure when the barrier is attached to the scaffolding structure. At least a majority of the panel may be substantially solid. The panel may be wider than the board.

The board may be a rrangea ble to extend from the panel substantially perpendicularly to a plane along which the panel extends when the barrier is attached to the scaffolding structure.

One or more connectors may be configured for the attachment of the barrier to an outer side of the scaffolding structure. One or more connectors may be configured such that upon attachment of the barrier to a scaffolding structure, the panel is spaced apart from the scaffolding structure.

The board may be substantially solid and dimensioned to extend a distance from the panel sufficient to extend beyond at least part of a supporting surface of the scaffolding structure when the barrier is attached to an outer side the scaffolding structure.

The one or more connectors may be arranged relative to the board such that, upon attachment of the barrier to the scaffolding structure by the one or more connectors, at least part of the board interfaces with at least part of a supporting surface of the scaffolding structure.

The board may be shaped and dimensioned to define an obstacle between the panel and at least part of a supporting surface of the scaffolding structure when the barrier is attached to the scaffolding structure.

One or more connectors may be arranged relative to the panel such that, upon attachment of the barrier to the scaffolding structure by the one or more connectors, a lower edge of the panel extends below the lowest horizontally arranged tubular member of the scaffolding structure. One or more connectors may each be configured for attachment to one or more tubular parts of the scaffolding structure. The position of the one or more connectors relative to the panel may be adjustable.

The board may be substantially flat. The board may be substantially rectangular and comprise one or more bevelled edges.

An outer face of the panel may be shaped such that, in use, the ability of a potential intruder to climb the outer face of the panel is hindered. An outer face of the panel may comprise one or more formations configured, in use, to hinder the ability of a potential intruder to climb the outer face of the panel.

The board may be releasably attached to the panel. The board may be hingably attached to the panel. The one or more connectors may be releasably attached to the panel. The one or more connectors may be hingably attached to the panel.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scaffolding system comprising a scaffolding structure and one or more barriers according to the first aspect attached to the scaffolding structure.

The scaffolding structure may comprising ledgers, standards, and guardrails, and the one or more barriers may be arranged such that the panel of the or each barrier extends across a gap between a ledger and a guardrail and such that the board of the or each barrier interfaces with at least part of a supporting surface of the scaffolding structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, one embodiment thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a conventional tube and clip based scaffolding structure arranged across two levels; Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a schematic representation of a barrier according to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the barrier shown in Figure 2; Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of a part of a scaffolding structure with a barrier attached; Figure 5 is a rear side view of two barriers attached to a scaffolding structure about a vertical standard; Figure 6 is a front side view of the two barriers shown in Figure 5 attached to the scaffolding structure about the vertical standard; Figure 7 is a schematic representation of a scaffolding structure comprising a conventional tube and clip based scaffolding structure arranged across three levels with a barrier according to an embodiment of the present invention attached to the scaffolding structure at the second level; and Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the scaffolding structure shown in Figure 7 with multiple barriers attached to the scaffolding structure so as to surround the second level of the scaffolding structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1, a scaffolding structure 1 made from a tube and clip system comprises a plurality of standards 3, ledgers 5 and transoms] attached together by right-angled clamps 9 and configured to define multiple levels 11, 13, 15 that may correspond to floors of a building 17. An upper level 13, 15 may comprise a floor section 19 defined by a pair of substantially parallel ledgers S attached at each end to corresponding standards 3, and a pair of transoms 7 arranged on top of and substantially perpendicularly to the ledgers 5 and attached at either end to corresponding standards 3. Depending on the length of the ledgers S and, hence, distance between the adjacent, connected standards 3, the upper levels 9, 11 may further comprise additional intermediate transoms 21 arranged at intervals along the length of the ledgers 5. A floor section 19 also includes a plurality of wooden boards 23 arranged on top of the transoms 7, 21 to extend substantially parallel to the ledgers 5 across the width of the scaffolding structure 1 to define a platform 25 of the floor section 19 upon which workers may be supported.

An upper level 13, 15 of the scaffolding structure 1 may further comprise a plurality of tubular members 27, 29 attached to standards 3 at various vertical heights above the floor section 19 and configured to provide rails 27, 29 that define a boundary around the perimeter of the structure 1 to reduce the risk of a worker falling from the scaffolding. Conventionally, an upper floor 13, 15 of the scaffolding structure 1 includes guardrails 27, and mid-rails 29 arranged between the ledgers 5 or transoms 7 of the floor section 19 and the guardrails 27. An upper level 13, 15 may further include multiple toe boards 31 each comprising a length of wood supported along one edge and substantially perpendicularly to the platform 25 to form a wall around the perimeter of the platform 25. The toe boards 31 serve to reduce the likelihood of tools, rubble, and other work-related material from accidentally falling from an upper level 13, 15 of the structure and causing an injury below.

Turning to Figures 2 and 3, a barrier 33 for closing off gaps between the floor section 19 and guardrail 27 to restrict unauthorised access to the scaffolding structure 1 through such gaps is shown. The barrier 33 comprises a substantially rectangular panel 35 made from a suitably rigid material such as plastic material or aluminium which is dimensioned to extend over a distance between a ledger 5 of a floor section 19 and a guardrail 27. The panel 35 may be provided in multiple different dimensions but is typically chosen to have a width of 1500mm, 1800mm or 2000mm which correspond to the standard bay sizes, as measured between two adjacent standards 3, used in scaffolding construction. However, it will be appreciated that greater or lesser width panels 35 may be provided to allow greater flexibility in finding the right combination of barriers 31 to close off one or more bay sections or the exposed ends of an upper level 13, 15. The height of the panel 35 as measured from a lower edge 37 to an upper edge 39 of the panel 35 is chosen to be approximately 1200mm which corresponds to a distance that is greater than a typical distance between a ledger 5 and a guardrail 27, or a transom 7 and a guardrail 27, of an upper level 13,15 of a conventional tube and clip scaffolding structure 1.

The barrier 33 further comprises a plurality of connectors 41 extending from an inner face 43 of the panel 35 at spaced apart intervals. A first group 45 of connectors 41 is arranged across the width of the panel 35 in proximity to the upper edge 39 of the panel 35 and a second group 47 of connectors 41 is arranged across the width of the panel 35 in proximity to the lower edge 37 of the panel 35. The connectors 41 may comprise any type suitable for attaching the barrier 33 to a tube of scaffolding but, in the present embodiment, each connector 41 comprises a clamp 49 configured to extend around and be fastened to a scaffolding tube 5, 7, 27. The connectors 41 of the present embodiment are intended to be secured to the ledgers 5, transoms 7, and guardrails 27 of the scaffolding structure 1 and are oriented accordingly. However, it will be appreciated that one or more connectors 41 could be positioned in proximity to a side end of the panel 35 and oriented to be attached to a vertical standard 3, if desired.

Each connector 41 further comprises a spacer 51 in the form of a wooden or plastic block from which a corresponding clamp 49 extends. The spacer 51 facilitates attachment of the connectors 41 to the panel 35 and is dimensioned such that upon attachment of the clamp 49 to a guardrail 27, ledger 5, or transom 7, the panel 35 is spaced apart from the guardrail 27 and ledgers or transom 7 by approximately 180mm. It is envisaged that the position of the clamp 49 may be adjusted laterally relative to the panel 35 so as to provide additional flexibility in spacing the panel 35 from the scaffolding structure and to allow the attachment positions of the barrier 33 to be adjusted to account for deviations or misalignments along the length of the ledgers 5, transoms] and guardrails 27.

The additional space between the scaffolding structure land the panel 35 of the barrier 33 serves to accommodate standards 3 and other scaffolding tubing that may sit outside the boundary of the ledgers 5 or transoms 7 and guardrails 27 to which the barrier 33 is attached. Furthermore, the additional space provided by the barrier 33 beyond the outer boundaries of the scaffolding structure 1 increases the space within which workers may safely carry out their duties without fear of falling. It is envisaged that the additional space defined by the barrier 33 beyond the scaffolding structure 1 may be used to accommodate tools and building material and thereby allow for greater freedom of movement and access along the platform 25 of an upper level 13,15 of the scaffolding.

The panel 35 comprises multiple attachment zones 53, 55 each for the attachment of a corresponding connector 41 to the panel 35. As shown most clearly in Figures 2 and 3, each attachment zone 53 arranged in proximity to an upper edge 39 of the panel 35 comprises three vertically spaced apart attachment points 57 and each attachment zone 55 arranged in proximity to a lower edge of the panel comprises two vertically spaced apart attachment points 57. Each attachment point 57 comprises a pair of holes, via which a connector 41 may be secured to the panel 35 by a corresponding pair of screws. Providing multiple attachment points 57 for a given attachment zone 53, 55 allows greater flexibility in positioning the barrier 33 relative to the scaffolding structure 1 to ensure large gaps between the floor section 19 and the guardrails 27 are covered. With this goal in mind, the connector positions of a barrier 33 may be chosen according to the guardrail 27 and ledger 5 or transom 7 spacing so that the lower edge 37 of the panel 35 extends below the attached ledgers or transom 7, as shown in Figure 4. In so doing, access to the ledger 5 or transom 7 from outside the scaffolding structure 1 is restricted so that a potential intruder is unable to use the ledgers or transom 7 as purchase to mount the barrier 33 and gain access to the scaffolding structure 1. It will be appreciated that an attachment zone 53, SS may comprise more or less attachment points 57 according to the desired level of positioning flexibility or that the connectors 41 may be slidably attached to the panel 35 for slidable adjustment of the connectors 41 relative to the panel 35.

The panel 35 and connectors 41 are relatively arranged so that, upon attachment of the barrier 33 to the scaffolding structure 1, the panel 35 extends along a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of a vertical face of the scaffolding structure 1. In the present embodiment, the panel 35 is chosen to be substantially flat with a substantially smooth outer face 59 and an inner face 43 with a plurality of spaced apart reinforcing ribs (not shown) arranged across the width of the panel 35 and extending longitudinally between the lower edge 37 and upper edge 39 of the panel 35. As discussed, since a key intended purpose of the barrier 33 is to prevent intruders from gaining access to the scaffolding, the outer face 59 of the panel 35 may comprise a polished or glossy surface with a relatively low coefficient of friction, a convex or concave shape, and/or may comprise a plurality of polyhedron shaped formations extending from the surface to prevent an intruder from successfully scaling the panel of a barrier.

As shown in Figures 2 to 5, a substantially flat platform or board plate 61 made from the same material as the panel 35 is attached to the inner face 43 of the panel 35 and arranged, in use, to extend substantially perpendicularly to the plane along which the panel 35 extends upon attachment of the barrier 33 to the scaffolding structure 1. In its operative position, the board plate 61 is dimensioned to extend approximately 300mm from the inner face 43 of the panel 35 and to extend across the majority of the inner face of the panel. Referring to Figures 3, 7 and 8, the side ends 63 of the board plate 61 terminate approximately 50mm from the adjacent ends 65 of the panel to allow space for a vertical standard 3 to bypass the board plate 61 and sit in close proximity to the inner face 43 of the panel 35 when the barrier 33 is attached to the scaffolding structure 1. Accordingly, referring to Figures 5 and 6, two barriers 33a, 33b may be attached to the scaffolding structure 1 either side of a vertical standard 3 and may be arranged so that the side ends 65a, 65b of two adjacent panels 35 sit in close proximity and substantially cover the standard 3 from outside the scaffolding structure 1, thereby preventing intruders from climbing the standards 3 to gain access to the scaffolding.

The board plate 61 is arranged relative to the lower attachment zones 55 so that, in its operative position and when the barrier 33 is attached to the scaffolding structure 1 in the correct position relative to the floorboards 23 of the platform 25, the underside 67 of the board plate 61 extends across and interfaces with at least part of the adjacent wooden floorboard 23 of the platform 25. Accordingly, the board plate 61 is attached to the panel 35 approximately 180mm from the lower edge 37 of the panel 35. When arranged in this position, the floorboards 23 and board plate 61 together define a larger platform that extends to the inner face 43 of the panel 35, thereby increasing the footprint of the working space. In addition, since the board plate 61 interfaces with and sits on top of at least part of the floorboards 23, debris and other construction related material is prevented by the barrier 33 from falling from the scaffolding structure between the platform 25 and the board plate 61. Consequently, in use, the barrier 33 covers gaps between the platform 25 and the adjacent scaffolding structure to both prevent intruders from gaining access to the scaffolding and also to prevent worksite materials from falling off the scaffolding. The outer edges 63,69 of the board plate 61 are bevelled so that, in use, a relatively gentle transition is formed between the floorboard 23 and the upper surface 71 of the board plate 61 to reduce the likelihood of a worker tripping on the edges 63, 69 of the board plate 61.

In the present embodiment, the board plate 61 is attached to the panel by a plurality of screws, but it will be appreciated that other suitable means of attachment may be chosen. For example, the inner face 43 of the panel 35 may comprise a recessed T-shaped channel (not shown) formed therein that extends across the width of the panel 35 and is configured to receive a correspondingly shaped formation of the board plate 61 so that the board plate 61 can be slid along the T-shaped channel and fixed in a position in which the board plate 61 extends substantially perpendicularly from the panel 35. Alternatively, the board plate 61 may be hingably attached to the panel 35 and configured to hinge from a first, stowed position in which the board plate 61 extends alongside the panel 35, and a second, operative position in which the board plate 61 extends substantially perpendicularly from the panel 35. Accordingly, in this alternative, the panel 35 or board plate 61 may comprise a stopper or abutment (not shown) arranged and configured to hold the board plate 61 in the operative position when in use. Configuring the board plate 61 and connectors 41 to be releasably attached to the panel 35 or, if hingably attached, to be placed in a stowed position extending alongside the panel 35 allows multiple barriers 33 or individual panels 35 to be stacked in a compact arrangement when not in use.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8, one or multiple barriers 33 may be attached to the outer facing sides of a scaffolding structure 1 to cover the gaps of one or more bay sections or end sections defined by tubular members of the scaffolding structure 1. As shown in particular in Figure 8, since the barriers 33 clad the outer sides of the scaffolding structure land cover gaps between tubular members of the structure 1 and platforms 25, the barriers 33 may be arranged to form a substantially sealed enclosure extending around the perimeter of a platform 25 of an upper level 13, 15. Accordingly, the barriers 33 can be configured to define a safe and more spacious working environment for workers on the scaffolding and also to define an enclosure that more effectively contains worksite materials and debris within the scaffolding structure. Additionally, since the barriers form a substantially solid wall between a floor section 19 of an upper level and the associated guardrails 27, advantageously the scaffolding structure 1 may omit the mid-rails 29 and toe boards 31, thereby simplifying the construction of the scaffolding structure and reducing the overall cost. Furthermore, as discussed, the attached barriers 33 serve to prevent potential intruders from finding a gap or point of purchase in the scaffolding structure 1 via which to gain access to the scaffolding.

Since one of the main objectives of the barrier 33 is to prevent unauthorised access to the scaffolding, it may be sufficient for only the first level 13 above ground level to be clad in one or more barriers 33. However, given the enhanced safety and containment characteristics of the barriers 33 and the ability to omit the toe boards 31 and mid-rails 29, it will be appreciated that higher levels may also be clad in one or more barriers 33 to enjoy the benefits afforded by the barriers 33.

The one or more embodiments are described above by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.

Claims (23)

1. CLAIMS1. A barrier for use with a scaffolding structure, the barrier comprising a panel and one or more connectors for attaching the barrier to the scaffolding structure, the barrier further comprising a board arrangeable, in use, to extend from a face of the panel and to interface with at least part of a platform of the scaffolding structure.
2. 2. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the panel is substantially rectangular and dimensioned to cover one or more gaps defined by a plurality of tubular components of the scaffolding structure when the barrier is attached to the scaffolding structure.
3. 3. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein at least a majority of the panel is substantially solid.
4. 4. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the panel is wider than the board.
5. 5. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the board is arrangeable to extend from the panel substantially perpendicularly to a plane along which the panel extends when the barrier is attached to the scaffolding structure.
6. 6. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or more connectors are configured for the attachment of the barrier to an outer side of the scaffolding structure.
7. 7. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the connectors are configured such that upon attachment of the barrier to a scaffolding structure, the panel is spaced apart from the scaffolding structure.
8. 8. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the board is substantially solid and is dimensioned to extend a distance from the panel sufficient to extend beyond at least part of a supporting surface of the scaffolding structure when the barrier is attached to an outer side the scaffolding structure.
9. 9. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or more connectors are arranged relative to the board such that, upon attachment of the barrier to the scaffolding structure by the one or more connectors, at least part of the board interfaces with at least part of a supporting surface of the scaffolding structure.
10. 10. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the board is shaped and dimensioned to define an obstacle between the panel and at least part of a supporting surface of the scaffolding structure when the barrier is attached to the scaffolding structure.
11. 11. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or more connectors are arranged relative to the panel such that, upon attachment of the barrier to the scaffolding structure by the one or more connectors, a lower edge of the panel extends below the lowest horizontally arranged tubular member of the scaffolding structure.
12. 12. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or more connectors are each configured for attachment to one or more tubular parts of the scaffolding structure.
13. 13. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the position of the one or more connectors relative to the panel is adjustable.
14. 14. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the board is substantially flat.
15. 15. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the board is substantially rectangular and comprises one or more bevelled edges.
16. 16. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an outer face of the panel is shaped such that, in use, the ability of a potential intruder to climb the outer face of the panel is hindered.
17. 17. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein an outer face of the panel comprises one or more formations configured, in use, to hinder the ability of a potential intruder to climb the outer face of the panel.
18. 18. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the board is releasably attached to the panel.
19. 19. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the board is hingably attached to the panel.
20. 20. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or more connectors are releasably attached to the panel.
21. 21. The barrier as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the one or more connectors are hingably attached to the panel.
22. 22. A scaffolding system comprising a scaffolding structure and one or more barriers as claimed in any preceding claim attached to the scaffolding structure.
23. 23. The scaffolding system as claimed in claim 22 wherein the scaffolding structure comprising ledgers, standards, and guardrails, and the one or more barriers are arranged such that the panel of the or each barrier extends across a gap between a ledger and a guardrail and such that the board of the or each barrier interfaces with at least part of a supporting surface of the scaffolding structure.