Scaffolds (Staging) » Hanging Staging (Marine)
  Introduction | Preparing for Use | Install/Disassembly | Use of Staging | Key Components | Topic Glossary
 
Key Components: Considerations
Component 1. Anchorages and Attachments

Anchorages (or Overhead Supports)

A staging system's capacity is greatly affected by the condition of the overhead supports (or anchorages), as well as the type of connection(s) to be made between the supports and suspension wire rope assemblies.

Based on information from the shipyard owner, the Qualified Person must determine the condition of a vessel's structural components, including those to which the staging will be attached. This information shall then be used to calculate both the weight of the staging itself and the loads to be placed on it [29 CFR Part 1915.71(h)(1)].

Attachments

The types of overhead supports available in a vessel dictate the type of attachment to be made between the staging suspension cables and the structure.

Photo courtesy of OSHA. Check connections between overhead supports and suspension assemblies.

Check connections between overhead supports and suspension assemblies.

Photo courtesy of OSHA.

Key Point A beam clamp, which positively engages an overhead structural member, is preferable to either a “pork chop” or S-hook system.


Both pork chops and S-hooks depend heavily on downward and inward forces of the scaffold itself to prevent detachment. When pork chops or S-hooks are used, the wire ropes used in suspending this type of scaffold will necessarily be out-of-plumb to prevent uplift and/or displacement of the attachments. To maintain this non-vertical condition, installation crews should construct the bottom-most platform level of the staging first. They should then hang the suspension cables in a manner that exerts an inward tension to the overhead attachments. Both the structural supports and the wire rope must be able to sustain additional loads imposed by these eccentric forces.

Photo courtesy of VSRA. This picture shows a beam clamp.
 Photo courtesy of VSRA. This picture shows a pork chop.
Photo courtesy of VSRA. This picture shows an s-hook.
Beam clamp.
Pork chop.

Photos courtesy of VSRA.
S-hook.

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