Include the covering in the first brief
If the job needs sheeting or shrink wrap, tell us before we settle the scaffold arrangement. The covering changes the loading; it is not just a finish the gang can add later.
We need its extent and specification, including openings and connections to a temporary roof, so the designer can consider the complete enclosure.
Choose the covering for the work
We install shrink wrap in-house and also supply reinforced sheeting. We discuss how long the enclosure is needed, how exposed it will be and how often sections may need opening.
The material and fire-performance requirements must be clear. We want to agree the appropriate covering against that brief rather than choose it on appearance.
Plan the roof and sides together
Where the job needs overhead cover and side sheeting, we treat them together in the design brief. We also need the route for materials and the space the trades need underneath.
Our Poole Grammar School package combined temporary roofing with sheeted access. Specialist containment is a separate requirement and needs its own specification.
Dust, debris and environmental control
Containment can help control dust and debris, but a scaffold wrap is not a substitute for a specialist environmental-control plan. If hazardous substances or asbestos are involved, the enclosure must be coordinated with the specialist contractor and the relevant legal requirements. HSE guidance notes that scaffold forming part of a live asbestos enclosure can itself become licensable work where disturbance is foreseeable.
Our Poole Grammar School package included a temporary roof and sheeted scaffold access. Weather protection is a separate requirement from specialist containment or fire performance; specify those requirements and obtain the relevant product and project information.
Wind loading and inspection
NASC’s current cladding guidance highlights the impact of sheeting and netting on wind loading, tie requirements and scaffold stability. Enclosed scaffolds also need monitoring because damaged or loosened sheeting can change loads or create hazards.
After high winds or other adverse events, scaffold users must ensure the structure is inspected where circumstances could have affected safety. Repairs to encapsulation should be controlled so the scaffold is not left with improvised openings or unplanned sail areas.
Check ties, fixings and the covering
Once a scaffold is clad or encapsulated, the tie and anchorage arrangement becomes especially important because wind forces can increase substantially. NASC anchorage guidance requires the specified tie pattern to be followed and recognises both preliminary testing of candidate fixings and proof testing of installed anchors where required.
Inspection also becomes more important after adverse weather. NASC scaffold-inspection guidance calls for inspection after events liable to affect strength or stability. On encapsulated scaffolds, this should include the sheeting or wrap, fixings, ties, bracing and any local damage rather than viewing the enclosure as a cosmetic layer.
Agree the openings before installation
Mark the doorways, loading points and other openings the contractor needs. Include planned adaptations so the covering can be considered against the work sequence.
We need the project’s ventilation and fire requirements as well. An improvised opening on site is not a substitute for agreeing the arrangement beforehand.
One scaffold and covering package
We offer encapsulation and in-house shrink wrapping with our specialist scaffold work. Send the protection specification and programme, including the changes you expect during the job. We can then price the supporting scaffold and covering together.
Further reading
Related access: Scaffold encapsulation.