GB2533033A

GB2533033A - Safety panel for scaffolding and method of installation

Info

Publication number: GB2533033A
Application number: GB1518938.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Bowman Mark
Original assignee: Steelhoard Ltd
Current assignee: Steelhoard Ltd
Priority date: 2014-10-27
Filing date: 2015-10-27
Publication date: 2016-06-08
Also published as: GB201518938D0

Abstract

A safety panel 30 for a scaffold comprises a panel body and at least one mounting bracket 38 for engagement with fixed nodal coupling elements of a scaffold tube. The panel may comprise a frame 32, a mesh portion 34 and a board portion 36. In use the panel may be arranged between a pair of upright scaffold tubes and the panel may comprise pairs of first and second mounting brackets 38a, 38b. The first mounting brackets may be lowered into engagement with the coupling elements whilst the second mounting brackets abut the coupling elements. The second mounting brackets may comprise first and second movement limiting members. Mounting brackets from adjacent panels may engage a common coupling element. Also claimed is a mounting member for attachment to a safety panel, the member comprising upper and lower panel brackets for releasable attachment to nodal coupling elements of a scaffolding tube.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1518938.4 RTM Date:31 March 2016 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Cuplock (Page 26) Layher (Page 26) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo Safety Panel for Scaffolding and Method of installation.

The present invention relates to a safety panel for scaffolding, and is concerned particularly with a safety 5 panel for use wiLh a system-type scaffolding, and with a method of installing the same.

Scaffolding is used as a temporary structure to support personnel and/or materials during construction or maintenance, for example, of a building. Most scaffolding comprises a combination of tubes, couplers for joining together the tubes, and boards. The tubes, which are usually of metal, are attached together using the couplers to form a framework onto which the boards are secured to form platforms aL vertically spaced apart levels, called lifts. The horizontal extents between adjacent upright tubes are called bays. The upright tubes are usually referred to as "standards-and Lilo horizontal tubes arc either referred to as "ledgers" if they are generally parallel to the structure (e.g. the building) or "transoms" if they are generally perpendicular to the structure.

Another type of scaffolding utilises standards with pre-attached coupling components located at regularly spaced 25 nodes having apertures Or recesses for receiving complementarily shaped projections on other tubes that slide into the apertures. Such scaffolding is known as "system scaffolding" and there are various kinds. For example, one kind of system scaffold has standards with pre-attached coupling components in the form of V-shaped pressings welded to the standard. Another kind has pro-attached coupling components in the form of annular cups, again for engaging with suitably shaped projections on legers and transoms. A further type has coupling elements in the form of discs with circumferentially spaced apertures.

Safety regulations require that at each level a safety Panel or rail, comprising aL least two fixed, horizontally spaced tubes, is mounted on the uprights, to help prevent an operative from falling from the side of the scaffold.

Increasingly strict safety rules are insisting that a safety panel or rail is put in place before an operative is allowed to mount the platform. This requires the safety panel to be installed from below i.e. the safety panel for _he next level above must be installed from the current, lower level which has already been made safe, so that operatives are protected aL all Limes.

Various attempts have been made to produce a temporary safety panel system which can be easily installed on a higher level by an operative standing at a lower level. Some prior systems utilise temporary tubes which extend telescopically. Others involve a step or platform which must be secured to the lower level and which is to be stood upon by the installer whilst a safety panel is manoeuvred into position above his head.

All of the prior systems are unsatisfactory in one or more respects. Most are expensive and easily damaged and/or unwieldy and time-consuming to install. Furthermore, many of the previously considered systems require an operative to be attached to the scaffold by a harness or similar whilst installing the safety panel. However, such an individual safety approach is deemed far less effective than a solution which provides so called "collective fall prevention", in which all operatives are protected regardless of whether they have taken individual responsibility for thcir own safety.

One prior safety apparatus which addresses these problems is described in UK patent number GB 2184395. However, because of how IL is installed, this apparatus is not suitable for system-type scaffold where the predetermined nodal coupling elements constitute obstacles Lo the installation.

Accordingly, embodiments of the nresent invention aim to Provide a safety panel for use with a system-type scaffold, and a method of installing such a safety panel, in which some or all of Lhe aforementioned drawbacks are eliminated or substantially reduced.

The present invention is defined in the attached independent claims, to which reference should now be made. Further, preferred features may be found in the sub-claims appended thereto.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a safety panel for a scaffold, Lhe panel comprising a panel body and one or more mounting brackets arranged for releasable engagement with fixed nodal coupling elements of a scaffold tube.

Preferably the panel is generally planar. The panel body may comprise a frame portion, and may comprise a mesh portion. The panel body may comprise a board portion, which may be arranged at a lower region of the panel in use.

The panel may be arranged in use between a pair of upright scaffold tubes.

The mounting brackets may be configured to extend from the panel body in a first direction generally in the plane of the panel body or parallel to it. The mounting brackets may he configured to extend away from the panel body in a second direction, generally transverse to the ulane of the panel body. In a preferred arrangement the mounting brackets are configured so that when the panel is mounted on a pair of tubes, the panel body lies generally parallel to a common plane occupied by the scaffold tubes.

In a preferred arrangement at least one of the mounting brackets is shaped so as to he accommodated in a fixed nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube alongside a 20 mounting bracket of an adjacent one of the panels.

The mounting brackets may comprise first mounLing brackets and second mounting brackets and may be arranged on a periphery of the panel. In a preferred arrangement the panel comprises at least a pair of first mounting brackets and at least a pair of second mounting brackets. The pair of first mounting brackets may be arranged to comprise upper mounting brackets when the panel is mounted between a pair of scaffolding tubes in use. The pair of second mounting brackets may be arranged to comprise lower mounting brackets when the panel is mounted between a pair of scaffolding tubes in use.

In a preferred arrangement the first mounting brackets are shaped so as to be capable of being lowered into engagement with a respective one of nodal coupling elements of a 5 scaffold tube.

Preferably the second mounting brackets are shaped so as to abut a respective one of nodal coupling elements of a scaffold tube.

The or each lower mounting bracket may be provided with a locking member, which may comprise a wedge member, for relcasably locking the upper mounting bracket to a nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube.

In a preferred arrangement the brackets are shaped so that mounting brackets from two distinct adjacent panels may engage a common fixed nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube.

Alternatively, or in addition, the lower mounting bracket may be generally hook-shaped and may comprise a first nort ion that extends generally outwardly from a plane of the panel, and a second portion that_ is arranged to extend substantially transverse to the first portion, and generally downwardly from the first portion in ase.

The lower bracket may also comprise a first movement-limiting member arranged in use to limit movement of the bracket in a direction substantially parallel with the plane of the pane], when engaged with a nodal coupling elemenf. The first movement-limiting member may comprise an abutment member. In a preferred arrangement the first movement-limiting member is arranged tc be located generally below the first portion in use, and preferably spaced therefrom.

The lower bracket may also include a second movement-limiting member arranged In use no limit movement of the bracket in a direction substantially transverse to the plane of the panel when engaged with a nodal coupling element. The second movement-limiting member may comprise a notch or stepped portion, and may be provided on an underside of the first member, and/or between the first and second members.

The invention also provides a method of installing a safety panel on a scaffold, the panel comprising a panel body and one or more mounting brackets, the method comprising causing one or more mounting brackets of the panel to engage with respective one or more fixed nodal coupling elements of a scaffold tube.

Preferably the method comprises lowering at least one panel mounting bracket into engagement with at least one fixed nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube.

In a preferred arrangement the method comprises supporting the panel from a scaffold level below the one to which IL is to be installed, and causing aL least one mounting bracket of the panel to engage a fixed nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube above the level at which the panel is being supported.

Preferably the method includes causing mounting brackets from two distinct adjacent panels to engage a common fixed nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube.

The invention also includes a method of erecting a scaffold, comprising a plurality of scaffold tubes and at least one safety panel according to any statement herein, wherein the method comprises installing a safety panel to a first upper level from a lower level, ascending to he first upper level, installing a hand rail comprising one or more scaffold tubes adjacent to the safety panel, removing the safety panel and installing the safety panel at a second upper level above the first upper level.

The method may comprise repeating the steps of installing a safety panel at an upper level from a lower level, installing a hand rail adjacent the safety panel and removing the safety panel.

In a preferred arrangement the method comprises a method of erecting a scaffold comprising a plurality of scaffold tubes having fixed nodal coupling points.

The invention also includes a method of dismantling a 30 scaffold, the method comprising removing a hand rail comprising one or more scaffold tubes from a first upper level whilst working behind a safety panel according to any statement herein, descending to a second level below the first level, removing the safety panel at the first level from a position on the second level whilst working behind a hand rail on the second level, and installing the safety panel. at the second level.

The method may comprise repeating the steps of removing a hand rail from the same level as the hand rail, descending to a lower level, removing the safety panel from the higher 10 level and installing it at a lower level.

The method preferably comprises a method of dismantling a scaffold comprising a plurality of scaffold tubes having fixed nodal coupling elements.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting member for a scaffold safety rail, the mount.'ng member comprising a body portion, spaced apart upper and lower panel brackets for engaging respectively upper and lower regions of a safety panel and spaced apart upper and lower scaffold tube brackets for releasable attachment to fixed nodal coupling elements of a system-type scaffold tube.

The upper panel bracket may comprise an upper support peg having at least one slot for supporting a portion of a panel in use. Preferably the upper panel bracket comprises two slots for supporting portions of at least two overlapping panels.

The lower pane bracket preferably comprises a lower support pee-having a moveable retaining member for retaining a portion of a panel in engagement with the bracket. Preferably the lower support peg is arranged to pass through a mesh portion of the panel in use. Preferably the moveable retaining member comprises a pivoting portion.

More preferably the lower panel bracket comprises an anti-loose pin.

The invention also includes a method of assembling a soalfold safety rail, the method comprising: attaching a safety rail mounting member to fixed nodal coupling elements of each of two upright system-type scaffold tubes and engaging panel brackets of the mounting members with a safety panel, to form the safety rail.

The method may comprise engaging an upper panel bracket of thc mounting member wiLh an upper portion of the panel, and then engaging a lower par-el bracket with a lower portion of the panel.

In a preferred arrangement the method comprises causing the mounting members to engage the scaffold tubes from a level below the level at which the panel is to be installed. Preferably the method comprises mounting the panel on the mounting members from a lavel below the level at which the panel is to be installed.

The invention may include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein, except such a combination of features as are mutually exclusive, or 30 mutually inconsistent.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described. By way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a portion of a previously considered system scaffold standard tube; Figure 2 shows a portion of a previously considered system scaffold ledger tube; Figure 3 shows a safety panel according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is an enlarged view oil a portion of the panel of Figure 3; Figure 5 shows parts of a pair of adjacent panels according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of upper mounting brackets of the two adjacent panels of Figure 5; Figure V is a plan view of lower mounting brackets of the two adjacent panels of Figure 5; and Figures Ba to 8d show schematically the stages of erecting a scaffold with safety panels according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures ga and 9b show a safety panel according to an embodiment of the present invention, respectively in front view and in plan; Figures 10a and 10b show either side of an upper mounting bracket of the panel of Figure 9; Figures Ha and 11b show either side of a lower mounting bracket of the panel of Figure 9; Figure 12 shows, in plan, a pair of panels, each having an upper mounting bracket located in a coupling node of a 10 scaffold standard tube; Figures 13a to 13d show stages in the mounting of the panel of Figure 9 on a standard scaffold upright tube, Figure 14 shows a mounting member for a safety panel, in accordance with another embodiment of the present I nvention; Figures 15a to 15d show the mounting member of Agure 14 in 20 left side, rear, right side and plan views respectively; Agure 16 shows the mounting member of Figures 14 and 15 fixed to a scaffold tube; Figure 17 shows the mounting member of Figures 14 -16 with a safety panel mounted thereon; Figures 18a to 18f show schematically the stages of fixing the mounting member to the scaffold tube, followed by a 30 first, and then a second, panel; Figures 19a to 19d show an alternative embodiment of mounting member in left side, rear, right side and plan views respectively; and Figures 20a to 20d show a further alternative embodiment of mounting member in left side, rear, right side and plan views respectively.

The safety panels of the present invention are easy to 10 handle and install, and importantly can be installed on a higher scaffold level from a lower level, ensuring that operatives are never working at a level without safety.

Current health and safety guidelines in the United Kingdom necessitate the installation of a temporary platform lm above an insts'led working platform to allow the sale installation of a protective rail al_ an upper level, before operatives ascend to that upper level.

This is very expensive, both in terms of labour and equipment. However, because safety panels according to the present invention can be.used either as a temporary or permanent guard-rail, no further equipment is required on Lhe working lift.

Alternatively, use of the panels according to the present invention allows the erection of a progressive scaffold in which a guardrail formed by the panels is moved up the scaffold as the working level progresses, leaving behind handrails formed of conventional tubes, if required.

Before the working platform moves up on to the upper level a handrail is installed, in a known manner using standard tubes. This is possible without first removing the safety panel because embodiments of the safety panel use only the inward facing V-presses on the upright 'stanchion-posts that are not needed for the handrail tubes. The panel can then be removed, leaving the handrails in place, and the safety panel can then be installed on the next working lift upwards.

This means that safety panels according to the present invention need only be supplied in sufficient number for the working lift, allowing utilization of standard stock (i.e. tubes) for the rest of the scaffold structure. This represents a substantial cost saving for the scaffold supplier.

The use of the panels according to embodiments of the Present invention also brings several advantages to the process of dismantling a scaffold. As the working lift is lowered, in the reverse process to installation, the operatives lower planks from an upper level to form a working platform 2m. below. The safety panels of the present invention can then be removed by operatives standing at a lower level, and whilst enjoying the protection of either the safety panels or conventional hand rails at that level. The scaffold framework of the upper level can then be dismantled.

Once this has been done the process can be repeated. Where a tubular handrail is already in place, the safety panels can be lowered and installed on to the lower level and utter the operatives descend Le the next lower level the tubular handrails that are now on the outside of the safety panels can be safely removed.

The boards can then be lowered by a whole level i.e. normally 2m, and the process repeated. In previously considered dismantling methods a temporary platform would have to be inserted at lm below the current working level, Turning to Figure 1, this shows a portion of a scaffold tube used as an upright, or 'standard" in one of several known system-type scaffolds. The steel tube body 10 has a first coupling node 12a at an upper end and a second coupling node 12b aL a lower end. Each coupling node comprises four v-shaped steel pressings 14 arranged at 90 degree intervals around Lhe tube. The v-shaped pressings 14 together with the wall of the tube 10 provide an aperture into which can be received a locking member of a connecting portion of another tube, as will be described. In this type of system scaffold the pressings 14 are welded to the tube to provide a strong coupling support.

Figure 2 shows generally a part of another tube 16 suitable for engaging the standard 10 el I'igure 1. The tube 16 may, tor example, be a ledger or a transom, or else some other scaffold structure. At each end of the tube is a collar 18 which is shaped to tit over one of the v-shaped pressings 14. A tapered steel peg 20 is then slid through the collar and the v-shaped pressing to act as a locking member.

Figure 3 shows a safety panel, generally at 30, according Lo an embodimenL of the present invenLion. The pane/ has a body comprising a steel trame 32 a mesh portion 34 and an integral toe board 36. At each end of the rectangular panel, attached to the frame 32, are mounting brackets 38. These comprise upper and lower mounting brackets 3Ba and 38b formed aL the ends of bars 40 that are welded Lo the frame 32.

Tignre 4 shows one end of the panel 30 in more detail. The upper mounting bracket 38a comprises one end of the bar 40 that is bent so that it extends away from the frame 32. The direction of the bend has components LhaL are in the plane of the panel and also transverse to the plane, which is important, as will ha described later. The upper bracket 38a comprises a peg portion 42 that extends parallel to the Oar 40, and downwardly when the panel is installed.

The lower bracket 38b comprises another end of the bar 40 that is bent so that it extends away from the frame 32. Again, the direction of the bend has components that are in the plane of the panel and also transverse to the plane. The lower bracket takes the form of a wedge-shaped shoe portion 44 with a removable locking member 46.

3oth of the upper and lower brackets are shaped so as to be 25 accommodated in a common nodal coupling element -in this case a v-shaped pressing -alongside the corresponding bracket of an adjacent panel.

Figure 5 shows two parts of two such panels arranged 30 adjacent to one another, and illustrates the complementary shapes of the brackets.

Turning to Figure 6, this is a detailed plan view of the upper brackets 38a of two adjacent panels, and showing how they fit together in a common v-shaped pressing when the panel is installed on a scaffold standard 10. The peg portions 42 are inserted downwardly into the aPerturc formed by the v-shaped pressing 14 and the wall of the tube 10.

Figure 1 is a similar view of the lower brackets accommodated in a common nodal fixing, in this case a v-shaped presslng 14. The shoe portions 44 of adjacent panels come together to envelop the v-shaped pressing 14 and then the locking members 46 are lowered into place to retan the brackets 38b in engagement with the standard 10.

To install the panels on a scaffold, they must first be lifted so that the upper brackets 38a are above Lhe v-shaped pressings 14 of the two standard tubes 10 on which the panel is Lo be mounted. The peg members 42 are received in the v-shaped pressings and then the panel is retained. The lower bracket 38b rests against a lower v-shaped pressing and the locking member is inserted through the apertures in the shoe portion and through the v-shaped pressing. The next panel is then installed in the same way, with brackets of adjacent panels being accommodated in the same v--shaped pressings.

The brackets 38a and 38b extend away from the panel in a direction that has two components. One component is in the plane of the panel, such that the panel extends between adjacent standards 10. the other component is transverse to the plane of the panel. This means that, when the panel is mounted on two adjacent standards, the panel is offset with respect to the upright plane occupied by the standards. One benefit of this is that if the panels are mounted on the inward-facing coupling elements of the standards, any gap between an edge of a platform and the panel is reduced, meaning that there is a reduced risk of an object falling from the scaffold between the platform and the safety panel.

This offset arrangement of the mounting brackets allows them to engage only the inward facing coupling elements 14, which keeps the other coupling elements free to engage with other scaffolding components.

Figures Ha to 6d show, schematically several stages in the erection of a scaffold, using safety panels as described above.

At a first stage (Figure 8a) operatives 50 stand on a 20 ground level platform 52 whilst they attach ledgers 54 and transoms 56 to standards 10. in Figure 8b the operatives have completed the fixing of the ledgers and transoms and are mounting the saFety panels 30 between adjacent standards. To do this they need only lift the relatively 25 lightweight panel up to a height sufficient for the upper mounting brackets 38a to engage with the v-shaped pressings 14 at the fixed nodes 12a. The lower brackets 38b are then made to engage with nodal coupling e2ements 12b at a mid level on the standards, in the manner described above. The 30 operatives 50 are able to do this readily as the mid-level coupling elements are only slightly above head height.

In Figure 8c the safety panels 30 have been mounted and the operatives 50 are installing the next platform, or "lift", 52 in the form of planks.

Figure 8d shows the operatives standing on the first aboveground level platform to work on raising the scaffold to the next higher level. In doing so they are standing on a level at which there are already safety nanels installed.

Figures 9a and 9b show, respectively in front view and in plan, a safety panel 130 for use with a system scaffold, and in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The panel comprises a box-section sLoel frame 132, a steel mesh portion 134, a solid steel toe-board 136 and a centre-bar 138. At each end of the generally rectangular panel, attached to the frame 132, is an upper mounting bracket 140a and a lower mounting bracket 140b.

Figures 10a and 10b show, respectively in plan and in side view, the upper bracket 140a. The bracket 140a is made of steel, and is welded to an upper side portion of the slcel frame 132 of the panel 130. The bracket 140a comprises a generally hook-shaped arr. 112, having an outwardly extending limb 142a and a downwardly extending limb 112b. As can be seen from Figure 10a the limbs 142a and 142b are slightly offset from the plane of the frame 132, so that as well as extending transversely from the plane of the frame 132, the bracket 140a extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the frame 132.

Figures Ha and ilb show, respectively in plan and in side view, the lower bracket 40h. The bracket 140b is made of steel and is welded to a lower side portion of the steel frame 132 of the panel 130. The bracket 140b also comprises a generalJy hook-shaped arm 143, having an outwardly extending limb 143a and a downwardly extending limb 143b. in addition, between the outwardly extending limb 143a and downwardly extending limb 143b is a stepped portion, or notch, 143c. Also, slightly below the lowermost extent of the downwardly extending limb 143b is an abutment portion 143d, adjacent the frame 132. As can be seen from Figure ha the limbs 143a and 143b are also slightly offset from the plane of the frame 132, so that as well as cxtcnding transversely from the plane of the frame 132, the bracket 1401g extends along a plane parallel La that of the frame 132.

Figure 12 shows in plan vicw the upper brackets 140a of two adjacent panels, (only frames 132 visible) inserted into a 20 shared v-pressing 214 of a standard tube 110, in one type of system scaffold.

Turning to Figures 1tia to 13d, thicsc show the stages of installation of the panel of Figures 9 to 12. The panel is light enough in weight that it can easily be lifted by an operative, represented at 150, who is working at a lower level of the scaffold than the level at which the panel is being installed. At a first step (Figure 13a) the operative 150 lifts the panel 130 to a height sufficient that the upper mounting bracket 140a clears the v-press 114 of the upright scaffold tube 110. The panel 130 is held aL an angle to the upright 110 so that the upper bracket 140a is closer than the lower bracket 140b.

At the next step (Figure 13b) the operative 150 lowers the panel so that the downwardly extending limbs 142b and 143b, of the upper and lower brackets 140a and 140b respectively, engage the v-presses 114 of the tube 110. As a final action the operator 150 urges the lower brackeLs 140b towards the uprights 110.

In Figure 13c the brackets 140a and 140b have fully engaged their respective v-presses 114 and the panel is securely installed. Note that only one end of the panel is shown, and therefore one pair of brackets 140a and 140b, but at the other end of the panel the corresponding brackets engage the v-presses of the next upright 110 (not shown) in the same way.

The operative then installs the boards B of the walkway at 20 the level at which the safety panel has been installed. When the operative ascends to the next level, he will already be protected by the safety panel 130.

The configuration of the lower bracket 140b prevents the accidental disengagement of the panel 130 from its mounting on the uprights 110. In particular, the abutment portion 143d acts as a movement-limiting member, or stop, to prevent the panel from being inadvertently lifted vertically out of engagement with the v-presses. The notch 143c also acts as a movement-limiting member and prevents the lower bracket, and therefore the panel 130, from being tilted with respect to the v-press. in order to disengage the panel from the v-presses it must first be lifted slightly until the abutment portion abuts a lower edge of the v-press. At this point the notch 143c has been lifted clear of the upper edge of the v-press. Then the panel must he rotated, or tilted, so that the abutment 143d clears the front edge of the v-press. Then the panel may he lifted away from the tubes 110 and lowered by an operative. All of these steps in d1sergaging the panel. 130 which are essentially the reverse of installing it -can be safely performed by the operative from a lower level, so that at no Lime is the operative required to work at a level without a safety barrier in place.

The invention provides safety guardrail panels that can be 15 installed in advanced on the next lift of scaffolding from the safety of an enclosed working platform below.

The system relies on a s:mple panel complete with a frame, mesh infill, toe-board and specially designed brackets at 20 each end of the panel that hook onto the V presses on the scaffold uprights.

The panel system has no moving parts making it simpler to use, and costs are typically lower than previously considered panel systems because of the simplicity of four brackets fixed onto a frame. This simplicity, and the reduction in componenfs, also makes the panel lighter for handling.

An additional advantage is that the panels locate on the inward-facing v press, allowing conventional handrails to be installed behind the panel, so that the panel can he removed for use at the next level, whilst leaving the operative safe.

Also, as the panels are mounted on the inside of the inward-facing v press, this closes the gap between the bottom of the panel and the scaffold decking. This provides an advantage over other systems that require an infill panel or spacers to close this gap.

The panels 130 are able to nest together due to the offset bracket design, thereby reducine storage and transport costs.

The panel system described above obviates the need for the installers to erect a temporary working platform to enable them to saiely install and dismantle conventional handrails, as they can safely lift the lightweight panels from a safely enclosed level up to 2m below. This improves installation and dismantling times, thus increasing productivity, In addition, the use of the system leads to less fatigue on operatives because of the lightness of panel and the reduction in the amount of equipment to install.

Capital outlay requirements ate less due to simplicity and reduction in the number of components. The panels incorporate a handrail frame, toe-board, debris guard and fixing brackets, thereby reducing the number of components to prepare, load, transport, install, dismantle and remove. There arc also fewer components to lose and damage.

Finally, the panel system is fully compliant with existing regulations for working at heights.

Although the example of panel described above is for mounting on a system scaffold having V-presses as the nodal coupling elements, iL will readily be understood that the panel can be used with, or adapzed for, other types of system scaffold, Figures 14-20 show an alternative safety panel system according to the present invention, in which a mounting member, separate from the panel, is used to engage with a system scaffold. According to this embodiment, simple panels, such as are already commonplace in the scaffolding industry, including those that have no mounting brackets of their own, can be readily used with system scaffold tubes Lo provide the benefits outlined above.

Turning to Figure 14, this shows generally at 160 a 20 mounting member for mounting a panel on a tube of a system-type scaffoid. The steel mounting member comprises an elongate body portion 162 having on one side upper and lower panel brackets 164a and 164b respectively, for retaining a panel in use, and having on an opposed side 25 upper and lower mounting brackets 166a and 16610 respectively, for mounting the member 160 on an upright of a system scaffold in use, as will be described later.

Figures 15a to 15d show the detail of the brackets. The 30 upper panel bracket 164a is welded to the body 162 and comprises a steel component, generally of a W -shape, having an outwardly extending limb 168a and tirst and second upwardly extending limbs 168b and 168c, the latter of which is slightly longer, forming slots that can accept a portion of a panel frame. The lower panel bracket 164b comprises an outwardly extending peg 170 welded at a proximal end to the body portion 162 and having aL its distal end a pivoting pin fastener of the type sometimes referred to as an "anti-loose" pin 112.

The upper mounting bracket 166a is a generally hook-shaped steel fixture having a first limb 174 that extends outwardly of the body 162 and a second limb 176 that extends downwardly, generally parallel to a plane of the body 162. The lower mounting bracket 166b compriseS a U-shaped steel fixture, welded to the body portion 162 and hav'ng upper and lower plate portions 178, each of which includes a slot, through which a locking wedge 180 is arranged to pass, as will be described below.

Figure 16 shows the mounting member 160 engaged with a scaffold tube 110. The example of system scaffold is the one that uses V-presses at the predetermined coupling nodes. The upper mounting bracket 166a is tully inserted in the V-press fixture 114 at an upper region of the tube 110, and the lower mounting bracket 166b is fully engaged with an intermediate V-press fixture 114, its locking wedge having been inserted therethrough.

Figure 17 shows a pair of overlapping panels 130 mounted on the mounting member 160, which is itself mounted on an upright tube 110 of a scaffold. The upper panel bracket 164a passes through the mesh 134 of the panel so Dial_ an upper portion of the frame 132 rests on the bracket 164.

Specifically, a first panel 130 is retained on the mounting member by the first upwardly extending limb 168b and a second panel 130 is retained on the mounting member by the second upwardly extending limb 168c. Lower down, the peg 170 extends through the mesh of both panels and the pivoting locking pin 172 extends downwardly to prevent the panels from accidental sliding off peg 170. The panels are made to overlap in this way during installation so that no gaps are formed beiween the ends of adjacent panels.

Figures 18a to 18.0 show the stages in mounting the panels 130 on the scaffold tube uprights 110. Firstly (Fig. 18a) a mounting member 160 is 7ifted from a working level below the level at which the safety panel is to be installed by an operative (rot shown). The upper mounting b-acket 166a is then lowered and made to engage a V-press 114 of the tube 110. Then the lower mounting bracket is made to engage a mid-point V-press and the locking wedge 180 is made to pass through the fixture 114 to securely retain the mounting member 160 on the tube 110 (Fig. 18b).

With the anti-loose pin 172 of the lower panel bracket in the horizontal. position (Fig. 18c) the first panel is manoeuvred into position so that at ifs upper edge the frame rests on the upper panel bracket 164a and at its lower edge the pin 172 passes through the mesh. Although only a single tube 110 is shown, the process would be taking place at either end of the panel 130, using two mounting members on adjacent uprights.

Once the first panel 130 is installed, the nexL panel 130 is mounLed on the mounting member, so that it overlaps with Die previous panel (Fig. 18d), and at its other end it will engage a further mounting member on the next tube, and so on. When both panels that share a mounting member are located on a common peg 170 the anti-loose pin 172 is made to pivot and is then lowered through itself to retain both of the panels, as indicated by arrows Al and A2 in Figures 18e and 18f.

Figures 19a to 19d correspond to Figures 15a to 15d and show a first alternative embodiment in which the mounting member 160 is adapted for engagement with an alternative kind of system scaffold, known widely in the industry as 'Cup-lock" in which thc nodal coupling is effected by the engagement of cup like members 190 which locate one within the other and are retained by threaded locking members (not shown). The other features use the same reference numerals as the previously described embodiment (Figures 15a to 15d), and further description thereof is unnecessary.

Similarly, Figures 114a to 114d correspond to Figures 15a to 15d and show a second alternative embodiment in which the mounting member 160 is adapted for engagement with an alternative kind of system scaffold, known widely in the industry as "Layher", in which the nodal coupling is effected by the engagement of differently shaped fixtures 200 that use a locking wedge to engage a disc-like node with circumferentially spaced apertures. The other features use the same reference numerals as the previously described embodiment (Figures 15a to 15d), and further description thereof is unnecessary.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specificaLion to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the applicant claim protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features referred to herein, and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A safety panel for a scaffold, the panel comprising a panel body and one or more mounting brackets arranged for releasable engagement with fixed nodal coupling elements of a scaffold tube.
2. A safety panel according to Claim 1, wherein the pancl is generally Planar.
3. A safety panel. according Lu Claim 1 or 2, wherein the panel body comprises a frame portion.
4. A safety panel according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein Lhe panel comprises a mesh oortion.
5. A safety panel according to any of the preceding claims, 20 wherein the panel body comprises a board portion.
6. A safety panel according to Claim 5, wherein the board portion 13 arrangcd at a lower region of the panel in use
7. A safety panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel is arranged in use between a pair of upright scaffold tubes.
8. A safety panel according to any of the preceding claims, 30 wherein the mounting brackets are configured to extend from the panel body in a first direction genera:fly ln the plane of the panel body or parallel to it.
9. A safety panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting brackets are configured to extend away from the panel body in a second direction, generally 5 transverse to the plane of the panel body.
10. A safety panel according Lo any of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting brackets are configured so that when the panel is mounted on a pair of tubes, the panel body lies generally parallel to a common plane occupied by the scaffold tubes.
11. A safety panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the mounting brackets is shaped so as to be accommodated in a fixed nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube alongside a mounting bracket of an adjacent one of the panels.
12. A safety panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the panel comprises at least a pair of first mounting brackets and at least a pair of second mounting brackets, the pair of first mounting brackets being arranged in use to comprise upper mounting brackets when the panel is mounted between a pair of scaffolding tubes in use, and the pair of second mounting brackets being arranged to comprise lower mounting brackets when the panel is mounted between a pair of scaffolding tubes in use.
13. A safety panel according le Claim 12, wherein the first mounting brackets are shaped so as to be capable of being lowered into engagement with a respective one of nodal coupling elements of a scaffold tube.
14. A safety panel according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the 5 second mounting brackeLs arc shaped so as to abut a respective one of nodal coupling elements of a scaffold tube.
15. A safety panel according to any of Claims 12 to 14, 10 wherein the or each lower mounting bracket is provided with a locking member, for releasably locking the lower mounting bracket to a nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube.
16. A safety panel according to any of Claims 12 to 15, wherein the lower mounting bracket is generally hook-shaped and comprises a first portion that extends generally outwardly from a plane of the panel, and a second portion that is arranged to extend substantially transverse to the first portion, and generally downwardly from the first portion in use.
17. A safety panel according to any of Claims 12 to 16, wherein Lhe lower bracket comprises a first movement-limiting member arranged in use to limit movement of the bracket in a direction substantially parallel with the plane of the panel, when engaged with a nodal coupling element.
18. A safety panel according to Claim 17, wherein the first 30 movement-limiting member comprises an abutment member.
19. A safety panel according Le. Claim 17 or 18, wherein the first movement-limiting member is arranged to he located generally below the first portion in use, and preferably spaced therefrom.
20. A safety panel according to any of Claims 12 to 19, wherein.alie lower bracket includes a second movement-limiting member arranged in use to limit movement of the bracket in a direction substantially transverse to the plane of the panel when engaged with a nodal coupling element.
21. A safety panel according to Claim 20, wherein the second movement-limiting member comprises a notch or 15 stepped portion provided on an underside of the first member, and/or between the first and second members.
22. A safety panel according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the brackets are shaped so that mounting 20 brackets from two distinct adjacent panels may engage a common fixed nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube.
23. A method of installing a safety panel on a scaffold, the panel comprising a panel body and one or more mounting brackets, the method comprising causing one or more mounting brackets of the panel to engage wit 1 respective one or more fixed nodal coupling elements of a scaffold tube.
24. A method according to Claim 23, wherein the method comprises lowering at least one panel mounting bracket into engagement with at least one fixed nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube.
25. A method according to Claim 23 or 24, wherein the method comprises supporting the panel from a scaffold level below the one to which it is to be installed, and causing at least one mounting bracket of the panel to engage a fixed nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube above the level at which the panel is being supported.
26. A method according to any of Claims 23 to 25 wherein the method includes causing mounting brackets from two distinct adjacent panels to engage a common fixed nodal coupling element of a scaffold tube.21. A method of erecting a scaffold, comprising a plurality of scaffold tubes and at least one safety panel according Lo any of Cairns to 22, wherein Ulu, method comprises installing a safety panel to a first upper level from a lower level, ascending to the first upper level, installing a hand rail comprising one or more scaffold tubes adjacent to the safety panel, removing the safety panel and installing Lho safety panel at a second upper level above the tirst upper level.28. A method according to Claim 27 comprising repeating the steps of installing a safety panel at an upper level from a lower level, installing a hand rail adjacent the safety panel and removing the safety panel.29. A method according to Claim 27 or 28, wherein the method comprises a method of erecting a scaffold comprising a plurality of scaffold tubes having fixed nodal coupling points.30. A method of dismantling a scaffold, the method comprising removing a hand rail comprising one or more scaffold tubes from a first upper level whilst working behind a safety panel according to any of Claims 1 to 22, descending to a second level below the first level, removing the safety panel at the first level from a position on the second level whilst working behind a hand rail on the second level, and installing the safety panel at the second level.31. A method according to Claim 30, wherein the method comprises repeating the steps of removing a hand rail from the same level as the hand rail, descending to a lower level, removing the safety panel from the higher level and installing ir at a lower level.32. A method according to Claim 30 or 31, wherein the method comprises a method of dismantling a scaffold comprising a plurality of scaffold tubes having fixed nodal coupling elements.33. A mounting member for a scaffold safety rail, the mounting member comprising a body portion, spaced apart upper and lower panel brackets for engaging respectively upper and lower regions of a safety panel and spaced apart upper and lower scaffold tube brackets for releasable attachment to fixed nodal coupling elements of a system-type scaffold tube.34. A mounting member according to Claim 33, wherein the upper panel bracket comprises an upper support peg having at least one slot for supporting a portion of a panel in use.35. A mounting member according to Claim 33 or 34, wherein the upper panel bracket comprises two slots for supporting portions of at least two overlapping panels.36. A mounting member according Lo any of Claims 33 to 35, wherein the lower panel bracket comprises a lower support peg having a moveable retaining member for retaining a portion of a panel in engagement with the bracket.37. A mounting member according to Claim 36, wherein the Lower support peg is arranged to pass through a mesh -Portion of the panel in use.38. A mounting member according to Claim 37, wherein the 20 moveable retaining member comprises a pivoting portion.39. A method of assembling a scaffold safety rail, the meLhod comprising: attaching a safety rail mounting member to fixed nodal coupling elements of each of two upright system type scaffold tubes and engaging panel brackets of the mounting members with a safety panel to form the safety rail.40. A method according to Claim 39, wherein the method 30 comprises engaging an upper panel bracket of the mounting member with an upper portion of the panel, and then engaging a lower panel bracket with a lower portion of the panel.41. A method according to Claim 39 or 40, wherein the 5 method comprises causing the mounting members to engage the scaffold tubes from a level below the level at which the panel is to be installed.42. A method according to any of Claims 39 to 41, wherein 10 the method comprises mo-Anting the panel on the mounting members from a level below the level at which the panel is to be installed.