Assembly Procedure

Mills Versa System is rugged, user friendly, and quick to erect. The only tools required are a hammer and level.

1. Select the highest ground level of desired work area. Screw nut near bottom of shank and set in base collars in desired geometry. Lay out ledgers and transoms between collars without driving home the wedges.
2. With a level begin by levelling one transom, then go diagonally to the ledger on adjoining base collar. Then level the ledger and continue around base. Measure the horizontal distance between slots on top of mouthpieces in both directions. Adjust square. Drive home all wedges. use of a plan brace eliminates measuring. No further levelling or plumbing of the scaffold will be required.
3. Lay planks or decks on transoms. Using an optional adjustable bearer assures a flat planked surface.
4. Upon completion of base layout install standards into base collars.
5. Transoms and ledgers can now be installed preferably at the fourth rosette up from base for a 2 meter walk through.
6. Attach braces as required in length and width bays.
7. Move up planks/decks to next level where ledgers and transoms were installed. Attach handrails, braces, and toe boards.

Note: Always refer to local Occupational And Health And Safety Regulations for specific design, erection and dismantling requirements.

Safety Rules

Scaffold Industry Association Of Canada Frame Scaffold Safety Rules

The following are some common sense rules designed to promote safety in the use of scaffolding. These rules do not purport to be all-inclusive or to supplant or replace other additional safety and precautionary measures. They are not intended to conflict with or supersede the requirements of law or of governmental regulations, codes and ordinances; reference to such specific provisions should be made by the user.

1. Workers should be properly trained or instructed before they use equipment.
2. Inspect all equipment before using. Never use any equipment that is damaged.
3. Inspect erected scaffolds regularly to ensure they are maintained in safe condition.
4. Consult the supplier when in doubt. Never take chances.
5. Provide adequate sills for scaffold posts and use base plates.
6. Use adjusting screw jacks instead of blocking to adjust to uneven grade conditions.
7. Plumb and level all scaffolds as the erection proceeds. Do not force braces to fit – level the scaffold until proper fit can be made easily.
8. Fasten all braces securely.
9. Do not climb cross braces. An access (climbing) ladder, access steps, frame designed to be climbed or equivalent safe access to the scaffold shall be used.
10. On wall scaffolds, place and maintain anchors or push pull ties, securely between structure and scaffold at vertical intervals not exceeding three times the minimum width of the structure and every third bay longitudinally to prevent tipping. Horizontal bracing is required at the lever of the tie-in.
11. When scaffolds are to be partially or fully enclosed, specific precautions must be taken to assure frequency and adequacy of ties attaching the scaffold to the building due to increased load conditions resulting from effects of wind and weather. The scaffolding components to which the ties are attached must also be checked for additional loads.
12. Free standing scaffold towers must be restrained from tipping by guying or other means. Additional horizontal bracing should be placed at guying level.
13. Equip all planked or working levels with proper guard rails, mid rails and toe boards along all open sides and ends of scaffold platforms.
14. Power lines near scaffolds are dangerous – use caution and consult the power company for advice.
15. Do not use ladders or makeshift devices on top of scaffolds to increase the height.
16. Do not overload scaffolds.
17. Planking
    a) Use a minimum of 50mm (2″) x 250 mm (10″) spruce construction grade lumber that is properly inspected.
    b) Wood planking shall overlap or extend no less than 150 mm (6″) and no more than 300 mm (12″) and be cleated at each end beyond centre of support when extending.
    c) Fabricated scaffold planks and platforms, unless cleated or restrained by hooks, shall extend on their end supports not less than 150 mm (6″) nor more than 300 mm (12″). d) Steel or aluminum planking should be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
18. For rolling scaffolds, the following additional rules apply
    a) Do not ride rolling scaffolds.
    b) Secure or remove all material and equipment from platform before moving scaffold.
    c) Caster brakes must be applied at all times when scaffolds are not being moved.
    d) Casters with plain stems shall be attached to the panel or adjustment screw by pins or other suitable means.
    e) Do not attempt to move a rolling scaffold without sufficient help – watch out for holes in floor, overhead obstructions, slopes and debris.
    f) Do not extend adjusting screw on rolling scaffold more than is recommended by your supplier.
    g) All rolling scaffolds must be horizontally braced.
    h) Do not use brackets on rolling scaffolds without consideration of overturning effect (consult your supplier).
    i) The working platform height of a rolling scaffold must not exceed three times the smallest base dimension unless guyed or otherwise stabilized.
19. For putlogs and trusses, the following additional rules apply :
    a) Do not cantilever or extend putlogs/trusses as side brackets without thorough consideration for loads to be applied.
    b) Putlogs/trusses should extend at least 150 mm (6″) beyond point of support unless a special fixed connection is provided.
    c) Place proper bracing between putlogs/trusses when the span of putlog/truss if more than 3.7 metres (12′)
20. All brackets shall be seated correctly with side brackets parallel to the frames and end brackets at 90 degrees to the frames. Brackets shall not be twisted from normal position. Brackets (except mobile brackets designed to carry materials) are to be used for work platforms only and shall not be used for storage of material or equipment.
21. All scaffolding accessories shall be used and installed in accordance with the manufacturers recommended procedure. Accessories should not be altered in the field. Scaffolds, frames and their components, manufactured by different companies should not be intermixed.

FORM #SIAC 84-1

CSA Group Z11 Portable Ladders (PDF)CSA Group 2797 Code Scaffold (PDF)