Assembling scaffolding: instructions for correct erection, avoiding common mistakes

Whether it’s facade scaffolding, building scaffolding or simple painter’s scaffolding – erecting scaffolding correctly protects both yourself and others from dangerous situations on the building site. Yet even experienced tradespeople repeatedly make the same mistakes when erecting scaffolding: incorrect ground conditions, lack of anchoring, and incomplete side protection.

This guide from CETRAC, a scaffolding supplier based in Leipzig with 446,448 items in stock, shows you step by step how to erect scaffolding: safely, in accordance with regulations and without making common mistakes. Whether you’re erecting the scaffolding yourself or hiring a professional, you’ll find all the essential basics here.

Before erecting scaffolding, you should have the following equipment to hand:

Tool:

1. Spirit level (at least 60 cm) – essential for ensuring the structure is plumb
2. Torque wrench – for correctly tightened couplers
3. Hammer or rubber mallet – for driving in plug-in connectors
4. Tape measure and chalk – for measuring distances and making markings

Personal protective equipment (PPE):

1. Safety footwear (S3) with puncture-resistant soles
2. Safety helmet – compulsory for work at height
3. Gloves – protect against sharp edges on metal profiles
4. Safety harness – recommended for working heights of 2 metres or more; compulsory from 5 metres (DGUV)

Anchoring in detail – spacing, wall plugs, standard specifications

Anchoring is the most common source of error in scaffolding erection – and is also critical to safety. Anchors that are positioned incorrectly or too far apart can cause the scaffolding to tip over in windy conditions or under load.

Basic rule in accordance with DIN EN 12811:

• Maximum anchor spacing: generally 4 m horizontally and 4 m vertically (depending on the system and wind zone)
• First row of anchors: by the second scaffold level at the latest (not only at the top)
• Minimum number: at least one anchor per 20 m² of scaffolding area

Choosing the right wall plugs:

Common mistakes when securing:

• Anchor is loose → Tighten the scaffolding in the wall and reposition it
• Eye bolt not fully tightened → causes leverage
• Not enough anchors were installed because the superstructure had been planned as a ‘temporary’ solution

How long does it take to erect the scaffolding?

The time taken to erect the scaffolding depends on the type of scaffolding, its size and the experience of the fitters. As a guide, here are some figures based on experience from CETRAC Scaffolding:

For DIY enthusiasts, you should at least double these times when erecting the scaffolding for the first time.

Doing it yourself vs. hiring a company – a cost comparison

Putting up scaffolding – basic steps

Check the surface

• Ensure load-bearing capacity
• Levelling out uneven surfaces
• Removing obstacles

Check the condition of the material

• Sort out any damaged parts
• Check the locks
• Use complete components

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions

• Use only components that are compatible with the system
• Follow the step-by-step assembly instructions

1. Laying the foundations

1. Positioning the base plates and spindles correctly
2. A level and stable surface

2. Set vertical margins

1. Install the first sheet vertically
2. Fit the diagonal braces for bracing

3. Fit the decking boards

1. Continuous, seamless decks
2. Non-slip & secure

4 Fitting the guardrails and side guards

1. All-round side protection
2. Access decks with guardrails

5. Set anchors

1. Observe the manufacturer’s and standard specifications
2. Keep a regular distance

6. Handover & Labelling

1. Visual inspection & approval by an authorised person
2. Affix the label in a visible position

Watch the scaffolding erection video on YouTube now

Common mistakes when erecting scaffolding – and how to avoid them

• Substrate not adequately prepared
• Missing or incorrectly fitted stiffeners
• Unfitted guardrails/side guards

• Use of damaged components or lack of anchoring
• Components from different systems combined
• Work on the scaffolding prior to final acceptance

Who is allowed to erect scaffolding?

Professional erection of scaffolding

• By trained staff
• According to the manufacturer’s specifications

Private use of scaffolding

• Simple scaffolding may be erected by private individuals
• Installation must be carried out in full and in accordance with the regulations
• Safety-critical components must not be omitted

What you need to bear in mind when erecting scaffolding: safety requirements & inspections

Safety during use. The following publicly available regulations apply to ensure safe use:

• Daily visual inspections
• Do not alter the scaffolding without specialist knowledge
• Do not overload permitted work surfaces
• Keep escape routes and access points clear
• Check again after a storm or strong winds

• Technical Regulations for Scaffolding
• Recognised standards for scaffolding
• Information material from craft trade organisations

EasyFlow: reliable space planning before set-up

EasyFlow allows you to prepare the required area in a structured way – ideal for planning the erection of scaffolding.

• Clear, step-by-step instructions
• Precise area calculation
• Ideal preparation for installation and safety assessment
• Available to businesses and partners

Before installation: Determine the area in EasyFlow

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

In accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, with all safety components fitted and on a load-bearing surface.

If you erect the scaffolding yourself, the material costs for second-hand scaffolding start at around 10 €/m². A specialist firm charges between 15 and 35 €/m², depending on the region and type of scaffolding, including erection and dismantling. Second-hand, inspected scaffolding packages are available from CETRAC from 10 €/m², including assembly and usage instructions.

Trained personnel; for private use, only simple working scaffolding on private land.

Missing guardrails, uneven surfaces, lack of anchoring, damaged components.

Through secure fixings, solid decks, full side protection and visible markings.

A special use permit from the relevant road traffic authority is only required if public roads or areas are affected. On private land, no permit is usually required.

Before use, daily by the user, and following specific incidents.