Vertical void access guide
What Is a Lift Shaft Scaffold?
A lift shaft scaffold is erected inside a lift shaft, lift well or vertical void to create decked working platforms for shaft walls, landing openings, the lift pit, services and high-level workfaces during construction, refurbishment, lift replacement and repair works.
Decked working lifts create temporary platforms at the levels needed for shaft walls, openings, services and lift works.
What it is
Working platforms inside a shaft or vertical void
A lift shaft scaffold is constrained by shaft width, depth, vertical height, landing openings, restricted material handling and the need to work in a narrow void. It can provide access to shaft walls, guide areas, services, fire-stopping zones, landing openings, the lift pit and shaft head.
Standards
Vertical members carry load down towards the lift pit or shaft base.
Ledgers
Horizontal members connect standards and form the working lifts.
Transoms
Cross members support scaffold boards and help form each decked platform.
Platforms
Decked lifts create working areas at the levels needed by the trades.
Bracing
Bracing provides stiffness and helps control sway within the vertical void.
Ties or anchors
Additional restraint may be required depending on the shaft arrangement.
Where it is useful
Lift replacement, shaft repairs, services and vertical void work
Lift replacement
Access inside the lift well where equipment, shaft walls or fixings need work.
Shaft repairs
Platforms for concrete, blockwork, making good, decoration and refurbishment.
M&E and fire stopping
Access to service penetrations, high-level zones and landing-opening interfaces.
New-build shafts
Temporary working levels during construction before the permanent lift system is complete.
Lift pit access
Controlled access and support around the base of the shaft where conditions allow.
Other vertical voids
Similar confined vertical spaces where repeated working platforms are required.
Planning the shaft
The number of floors is not enough information
The scaffold must be planned around the actual shaft: width, depth, vertical height, pit condition, landing openings, vertical clearance, workface, platform loading and the way materials move through the void.
- Shaft width, depth and total vertical height.
- Lift pit condition, base support and floor bearing.
- Required working lifts and decked platform levels.
- Landing openings, exposed edges and drop-zone controls.
- People, tools and material loads on the platforms.
- Restricted material handling inside the shaft.
- Bracing, tying, anchoring or design input where required.
- Coordination with the lift contractor and other trades.
Technical route
Which guidance may apply?
The key question is whether the shaft scaffold fits a recognised arrangement or needs specific design input because of height, geometry, loading, support or restraint.
TG20:21
May be relevant where a tube-and-fitting shaft scaffold fits recognised standard guidance.
BS EN 12811-1
Working scaffold performance, platform loading and structural access-scaffold principles.
TG21:20
Design input where the shaft scaffold falls outside the standard route.
TG30
Relevant where the arrangement is formed from system scaffold.
TG4:25
Relevant where ties, anchors or anchorage form part of restraint.
SG4:22
Fall-prevention principles during scaffold erection, alteration and dismantling.
Design and alternatives
When the shaft needs a different approach
High, narrow, irregular or heavily loaded shafts can fall outside a routine scaffold arrangement. The base condition, landing openings and restraint can also change the design route.
- Very small shafts may not allow a practical scaffold footprint.
- Heavy installation work needs separate consideration of lifting and equipment loads.
- Weak or obstructed lift pits can change the support method.
- Complex lift works may need a proprietary platform or another temporary-works solution.
- Non-standard ties, anchors, cantilevered support or unusual lift spacing can require design input.
Common questions
Lift shaft scaffold FAQs
Is a lift shaft scaffold built inside the shaft?
Yes. It is normally erected inside the lift shaft, lift well or vertical void to form working platforms at the levels needed by the trades.
What parts make up a lift shaft scaffold?
The main parts are standards, ledgers, transoms, scaffold boards, bracing, base plates, sole boards where required, guardrails and any ties or anchors needed for restraint.
Can every lift shaft scaffold follow a standard arrangement?
No. Shaft dimensions, height, landing openings, platform loading, base condition and restraint can all affect whether a standard arrangement is suitable.
What is the difference between a working lift and a landing opening?
A working lift is the scaffold platform level used by operatives. A landing opening is the building opening beside the shaft. The platform levels should be planned around both the workface and the openings.
Need a lift shaft scaffold assessed?
Send the shaft dimensions, photographs or drawings, working levels and project scope so BlackFox can review the practical access requirement.