Scaffolding history and regulations

Originally a temporary construction made of wood, scaffolding is a means of accessing and working at heights. Over the ages, they have undergone many technical evolutions, from the Egyptian inclined plane to wooden scaffolding, then to flying metal scaffolding, and finally to site elevators.

Made up of bridges, walkways and platforms, these structures are designed to prevent users from falling, and must comply with technical standards and regulations that are becoming increasingly stringent. Indeed, the number of victims of accidents when working from scaffolding remains impressive to this day. Regulations, backed by European directives transposed into French law, are designed to control all the risks involved.

This normative and regulatory context has undergone major changes with the decree of 1 ^er September 2004, which notably lays down the conditions for the assembly and dismantling of structures, and the introduction of general provisions applicable to the safe execution of work at height. The latter cover fall prevention by means of collective (fall arrest systems, handrails, etc.) and individual (harnesses) equipment, based on an assessment of occupational risks.

These scaffolding regulations also set out the obligations of employers in terms of prevention, staff information and training, and those of the employee who must follow instructions.

To deal with the different types of equipment, you need to know the reference documents, as well as all the terms used in the profession. Readers will find a glossary of these terms at the end of the article.