GB2550562A

GB2550562A - Scaffold

Info

Publication number: GB2550562A
Application number: GB1608684.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Travers Mark
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-05-17
Filing date: 2016-05-17
Publication date: 2017-11-29
Also published as: GB201608684D0

Abstract

A stanchion 14 for a scaffold 16 comprises a support member 13 comprising a first end 13a and a second end 13b, said first end 13a includes an attachment means for releasable attachment to a worker or person, and the second end 13b releasably attachable to a portion of the scaffold frame such that in use said support member extends upwards from said frame. The second end 13a may be attached using a clamp 23 to a portion of the scaffold frame including a horizontal ledger 17 or a vertical standard 15a, 15b. Preferably the stanchion may also comprise a securement member for releasable attachment to the scaffold frame, wherein said frame is beneath the working platform on which a person is standing when the stanchion is in use. Also included is a plank stabiliser for a scaffolding plank on an inverted T-section support member of a scaffold frame (Fig 2a). A bracing device for stabilising a scaffold frame is also disclosed (Fig 9).

Description

Title

Scaffold

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to scaffolding. In particular, the present invention relates to a scaffold structure with improved stability and safety. The present invention also relates to accessories or fixtures for scaffolds to improve stability and safety of said scaffold.

Background to the Invention A scaffold is a temporary arrangement used for the support and protection of workers for the purpose of construction and repair of a structure, such as a building. Scaffolding must be properly constructed with sufficient strength and stability having regard to the possible loads and stresses to which it may be exposed to during its period of use.

Basic scaffolding comprises a plurality of modules composed of interconnected bars, or tubes, of predetermined lengths, usually formed from steel or aluminium. The modules generally comprise frame elements composed of vertical bars commonly referred to as standards. Standards serve to transfer loads from the structure to the ground. Horizontal bars called ledgers connect between the vertical standards of opposing frame elements. Ledgers are usually releasably connected to the standards by couplers. A scaffold structure can be constructed in number of configurations depending on the intended use and/or the structure to which it is associated. The user can implement a configuration based on the scaffold material available or based on the operation required for use.

Star leg scaffolding is commonly used in Ireland. It is a cheaper option than other systems. A pipe and clamp system is the predominant arrangement used in the United Kingdom.

Scaffold bracing is included to strengthen the entire system. Scaffolding is usually braced in at least two directions to prevent unwanted movement. Horizontal ledgers with diagonal bracing is the most commonly used form of bracing. In general, bracing comprises a tube with a swivel wedge at both ends for attachment to a standard. One type of bracing called cross-sectioning is used between opposing scaffold frames to stabilise and to increase rigidity of a scaffold structure in the horizontal plane and may be placed diagonally between the vertical standards connected to the ledgers and/or the standards themselves. Some structures require bracing in one direction only. This type of arrangement could be very beneficial if a scaffold structure is to be utilised in temporary structural shoring because the frames would be used in tower formation, which would require bracing in only one direction. Despite the advantages associated with current bracing techniques, one unfortunate drawback is that the arrangement can hinder access to the working platform. The current invention serves to alleviate this problem.

Working platforms are structures, such as board decking made from timber, on a scaffold that extend horizontally between frame elements of a scaffold structure to support workers and/or material. Working platforms usually rest and are retained on transoms. Transoms are short tubes or bars that extend horizontally between opposing ledgers. A platform must be constructed in a manner that allows the support of the loads intended to be placed on it and that also ensures the safety of the workers using it. In order to comply with safety standards, a working platform should be of uniform thickness, slip resistant and be substantially horizontal, i.e. not pitched at an angle. In order to avoid work place accidents, such as falls, platforms should be secured to prevent displacement in normal use, such as sideways movement, be stable in the longitudinal direction under applied force, and be positioned to avoid gaps between adjacent platforms. It is common place to arrange platforms with overlapping ends (often referred to as lapped platforms) in order to avoid gaps. Nevertheless, while avoiding gaps, this arrangement can be a trip hazard. T-section supporting members have been developed to combat this problem. These members comprise part of the scaffold frame and are designed to retain working platforms in non-lapped level arrangement (UK Patent Application GB2464358). The working platforms are placed on the inverted T-section supporting members such that their ends are butted. Accordingly, there are no trip hazards as workers or personnel walk from one platform to the next. Although this is an improvement over the existing systems, which utilise overlapping platforms, there is still a risk that in periods of extreme weather the planks may become unstable and blow off. The current invention serves to alleviate this problem.

In order to prevent scaffolding related accidents, guardrails, or other forms of fall protection equipment, are utilised by scaffold workers. However, it is not always possible to have guardrails or safety harnesses in place when constructing the scaffold structure. As a result, falls, often fatal, can occur during scaffold erection (or dismantling) before the fitting of planks, rail guards or safety harnesses is possible.

The current invention provides a means to obviate one or more of the above problems associated with current scaffold structures. In one aspect, the current invention provides a means to stabilise a scaffold structure using an arrangement that allows for unhindered access to the working platform. In a further aspect, the current invention provides a means to secure working platforms in place in a non-lapped level arrangement. This offers increased strength and safety to a scaffold structure as scaffold planks are secured such that they cannot be dislodged by vibration, construction or wind forces. The current invention also provides a means to improve the safety of a worker while the worker is constructing or dismantling a scaffold structure. This aspect of the invention provides a safety device or fitting that prevents falls whilst allowing the worker to construct a scaffold on the same level that the worker is standing on.

Summary of Invention A first aspect of the current invention provides a safety device (or stanchion) for a scaffold comprising a support member comprising a first end and a second end, said first end having an attachment means for releasable attachment to a worker or person and a second end for releasable attachment to a portion of a scaffold frame such that in use said support member extends upwards from said frame.

Preferably, said portion of a frame is the ledger of a scaffold frame.

Preferably, said support member is an elongate support member.

Typically, said attachment means is a clamp.

Still preferred, said safety device further comprises a securement member for releasable attachment to a portion of a scaffold frame when in use. Preferably, said portion of a scaffold frame is a standard of a scaffold frame.

Preferably, said securement member is connected to said support member at the second end of said support member.

Typically, said support member and said securement member are connected by a clamp assembly.

Suitably, said support member and said securement member are connected by a hinge assembly.

Preferably, said clamp assembly or said hinge assembly releasably attaches both members to said frame or said ledger when in use.

Preferably, said safety device is for attachment to a frame beneath the working platform on which a person or worker is standing when in use. Typically, said frame is the frame directly beneath the working platform on which a person or worker is standing. Typically, said device is attached to the ledger and standard of the frame.

Preferably, said first end of the support member comprises a rope, a wire, a wire cable or a cable sheave for releasable attachment to an individual.

Preferably, said rope, wire, wire cable or cable sheave is from about 1 meter to about 40 meters in length, preferably from about 2 meters to about 20 meters in length.

Typically, said rope, wire, wire cable or cable sheave is attached to a harness and lanyard arrangement or a belt on said individual or worker.

Preferably, said rope, a wire, wire cable or a cable sheave is attached to the first end of the securement member by a hook.

Typically the device comprises mild structural steel.

Preferably, the elongate support member is rectangular in shape and cross-section or a parallelepied. A further aspect of the current invention provides a stabiliser for releasably retaining at least one plank of a working platform on an inverted T-section support member of a scaffold frame, said stabiliser comprising an elongate plate member having a first end and a second end, wherein said first end and said second end each comprise an attachment member for releasably securing the stabiliser to the inverted T-section support member, wherein in use on a scaffold said elongate plate is positioned over and engageable with the terminus of at least one plank of a working platform.

Conveniently, the elongate plate is positioned over and engageable with the intersection of at least two butted planks of a working platform when in use.

Preferably, said attachment member comprises at least one flange having a substantially vertical upper portion extending downwards from said plate and a substantially horizontal lower portion forming an L shape with respect to said upper portion and extending inwards towards the longitudinal axis of said attachment member, said attachment member being engagable when in use with the flange of an inverted T-section support member of a scaffold frame for attachment thereto thereby retaining said stabiliser in place.

Typically, said first end comprises a first L-shaped flange, wherein said horizontal lower portion of said flange extends inwards towards the longitudinal axis of said plate, and said second end comprises a second L-shaped flange, wherein said horizontal lower portion of said flange extends inwards towards the longitudinal axis and the horizontal lower portion of said first flange.

Typically, said elongate support member comprises two opposing sidewalls substantially parallel extending between said first end and said second end, and wherein said first L-shaped flange extends inwards from said sidewall at the first end and wherein said second L-shaped flange extends inwards from said side wall at said second end.

Typically, said plate comprises two opposing side walls and the flange of the first end and the flange of the second end are on opposing sidewalls of the elongate plate.

Typically, said flange is at the outer most edge of the side wall of the first and second end. Conveniently, said flange is integral with the elongate plate member.

Typically, said flange is engageable with the underneath of a flange of a T-section support member.

Alternatively, said attachment means is a rope.

Preferably, said plate is releasably secured to said plank of a working platform by an attachment means.

Typically, said attachment means comprises a plurality of screws.

Preferably, said plate comprises at least one bore for retaining a screw.

Preferably, said plate comprises a plurality of bores. A further aspect of the invention provides a bracing device for stabilising a scaffold frame, said bracing device comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member having a transverse member extending there between and substantially horizontal with respect to the first and second elongate members, said first and second elongate members each having an attachment means for releaseably attaching to a standard of a scaffold frame when in use.

Typically, said attachment means comprises of plurality of flanges spaced equidistant along the elongate tubular member.

Suitably, the flanges are spaced from about 200 to about 800 mm apart. Preferably, about 500 mm apart.

Preferably, each flange is spaced such that it aligns with a corresponding pin on the standard of the scaffold frame. Preferably, each flange comprises an aperture or groove for releasably receiving a pin of a scaffold frame and retained therein.

Preferably, the elongate members are between 500mm and 2000mm, preferably about 1000mm.

Alternatively, each flange is spaced such that it aligns with a corresponding aperture on the standard of the scaffold frame such that in use said flange is releasably received within the aperture of the scaffold frame and retained therein.

Typically, said attachment means comprises from one to ten flanges. Preferably, from two to four flanges, preferably three flanges.

Alternatively, said attachment means comprises a clamp.

Typically the device comprises mild structural steel.

Typically, the device further comprises a number of struts extending diagonally from the elongate members to the horizontal transverse bar. A further aspect of the invention provides a scaffold comprising the safety device as described above. A further aspect of the invention provides a scaffold comprising the stabiliser as described above. A further aspect of the invention provides a scaffold comprising the bracing device as described above. A further aspect of the invention provides a scaffold comprising the safety device as described above, the stabiliser as described above and/or the bracing device as described above.

Brief Description of the Figures

Figure 1(A) is an aerial view of a working platform retained on an inverted T-section support member

Figure 1(B) is an aerial view of the stabiliser of the invention on a working platform retained on an inverted T-section support member

Figure 2 (A) is an isometric view of the plank stabiliser of the invention fitted on a working platform.

Figure 2 (B) is a cross sectional view of an inverted T-section support member.

Figure 2 (C) is a perspective view of an inverted T-section support member.

Figure 3 is an aerial view of the plank stabiliser of the invention.

Figure 4 (A) is a side perspective view of the plank stabiliser of the invention Figure 4 (B) is a front view of the plank stabiliser of the invention.

Figure 5 is a side view of a scaffold frame comprising the stanchion of the invention Figure 6 is a side view of a scaffold frame comprising the stanchion of the invention Figure 7 is a side view of the safety device of the invention when in use on a scaffold.

Figure 8 is a side view of a plurality of connected scaffold frames Figure 9 is a side view of the bracing device of the invention

Figure 10 is a side view of a scaffold structure stabilised by the bracing device of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Figures

The current invention will now be described with reference to the following figures.

The current invention provides a stabiliser to prevent unwanted movement of planks of a working platform when exposed to extreme weather conditions. This may occur in periods of high winds and may result in injury to workers or passers-by or cause damage to a building or the scaffold structure itself. Advantageously this stabiliser is for placement over the butted ends of two adjacent planks. However, it is to be appreciated that it can be used or placed over any portion of a plank, including the end terminus of a plank, in order to retain and stabilise the plank to the scaffold structure. In use the plank is positioned on the scaffold on an inverted T-section support member. One embodiment of the stabiliser is illustrated by Figure 1(B) which is described in further detail below.

Figure 1 (A) is an aerial view of the butted ends (la, 2a) of two working platforms (1, 2). Each working platform (1, 2) comprises 5 planks. The platforms are retained on an inverted T-section support member 3. The inverted T-section support member is retained on the standard of the scaffold. The inverted T-section support member is illustrated in Figure 2C and 2B. As shown in Figure 2C, the inverted T-section support member has a substantially flat plate 6 on which the working platform rests. In cross section as illustrated by Figure 2B the support member is T-shaped. As illustrated in Figure 1(A) the two ends of the platform (la, 2a) are butted and there is no overlap or gap between the two platforms.

Figure 1(B) is an aerial view of the arrangement of Figure 1(A) further comprising the stabiliser 7 in accordance with the current invention. The plank stabiliser 7 comprises a substantially flat plate overlaying the intersection or meeting point of the ends (1a, 2a) of the two working platforms (1, 2). Each working platform is made up of five planks (1b, 1c, Id, 1e, If) (2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f). It will be appreciated that the width of the plate can be of any size provided that it overlays this meeting point. In a typically embodiment the dimensions of the plate are 1.2m x 0.15m. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the shape of the plate can be any shape. Preferably, said plate is rectangular in shape. The plank stabiliser 7 also comprises a plurality of bores for bolts or screws. In the current figure there are eight bores comprising bolts. However, it will be appreciated that any number of bores can be present, for example 1 to 24, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or 24. The number of bores present depends on a number of factors, such as the width and length of the plank stabiliser and the number of planks in use. In use screws are placed in the bores of the plate to attach the plate to the plank of the working platform.

Figure 2 (A) is a perspective view of the arrangement of Figure 1(B). The standard (4) of the scaffold frame retains the inverted T-section support member 3 which comprises an extending flange on which the working platform is positioned. Each end of the plank stabiliser comprises an attachment member for releasable attachment to the inverted T-section support member. In the current Figure the attachment member comprises a T-shaped flange 8 adapted to insert and engage with the underneath the flange of the T-section support member on which the platforms are placed. The flange abuts the outer sidewall of the outermost plank of the working platform. This arrangement holds the stabiliser in place. Each end of the stabiliser has one flange (only one flange is shown in Figure 2A). The flange 8 comprises a substantially vertical upper portion (8a) extending downwards from said plate 6, and a substantially horizontal lower portion (8b) forming an L-shape with respect to said upper portion and extending inwards towards the centre of the plate. The two flanges on opposites side walls of the plate and attached to the outermost edge of the plate 6. In the current embodiment the flanges are integral, e.g. moulded or welded. However, it will be appreciated that the flanges may be attached to the plate by other means. The horizontal lower portion 8b of said first flange extends inwards towards longitudinal axis of the plate and the lower portion of said second flange (not shown). A plank stabiliser such as that of Figure 2 (A) when placed in this arrangement serves to releasably retain the platform on the plate of the frame of the scaffold structure. When in use, the plank stabiliser prevents planks or work platforms from being blown or uplifted by strong winds. The plank stabiliser comprises mild structural steel. In the current embodiment, each flange is 44mm x 4mm in size. It will be appreciate that any size suitable for this function may be used. For example, 20mm to 100mm x 1mm to 10mm, preferably, 30mm to 50mm X 2 to 5mm in size.

Figure 3 illustrates an aerial view of the plank stabiliser of the invention. The plank stabiliser comprises a substantially flat rectangular plate 6. It will be understood that any shape of any length and width could be used. The plank stabiliser comprises two opposed flanges (8, 9) positioned at opposing ends of the plate and on opposing side walls of the plate. The plank stabiliser comprises four pairs of diametrically opposed bores (10) comprising a screw for attachment to the work platform (not shown).

Figure 4(A) is a side view of the plank stabiliser of Figure 4 showing the side edge of the rectangular plate 6 and the side edge of the upper portion 8a of one flange 8.

Figure 4(B) is a cross sectional front view of the arrangement of Figure 4(A) illustrating the upper 8a and lower 8b portion of a flange 8.

In the current embodiment, the flange is an L-shaped flange. However, it will be appreciated that the flange could be any shape that allows it to engage with the inverted T-section support member and be held in place, e.g. a C-shaped flange.

In an alternative embodiment, the attachment means is a robe or a wire. The robe or wire may extend from the plate and attach to the standard of the scaffold or an inverted T-section support member.

In the current embodiment each end of the elongate plate has one flange. However, it will be appreciate that the stabiliser of the invention as described herein may have a plurality of flanges. For example, each end may have two flanges. A further aspect of the invention provides a safety device for preventing a worker from falling from a scaffold structure when the worker is constructing the scaffold or dismantling the scaffold. This device allows a worker to be tied to the top of a scaffold structure and to be capable of constructing the scaffold on the same level about their person without the risk of falling from the structure. This ensures the safety of a worker before guardrails or other safety devices can be put in place.

When all work platforms are in the desired position and a continuous platform is evident, the fall arrest system stanchion of the invention may be lifted into position from the ground level. It is to be understood that a stanchion is required on the first frame. A stanchion may also be required on the last frame, depending on the length of the platform.

Advantageously, the worker is tied to the safety device by a cable or a rope. This may be connected to the worker by a certified harness and lanyard arrangement. In use once standing on the elevated platform the operative connects the lanyard onto the horizontal cable. Only one operative may connected to the cable at one time and therefore only one installer is allowed to work on the elevated platform. The installer, who is tied off to the safety device in accordance with the invention, receives all the framing from the ground level operatives and builds the framing including placing the handrails at the appropriate position. The other operatives/installers may climb onto the elevated platform when the handrails and framing are completed. The device is designed for a maximum cable length of about 17 metres and a minimum length of a bay or frame of scaffold which is typically between 2 and 2.4 m.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the stanchion of the invention 14 on a scaffold frame 16. The scaffold frame 16 comprises two vertical standards, 15a, 15b, and a horizontal ledger 17 there between. Placed on top of the ledger is a working platform 18. The stanchion comprises an elongate support member 13 comprising a first end 13a and a second end 13b. In a preferred embodiment this member is about 1m to 2m in length, preferably about 1 m to 1.5m in length. The second end 13b is securely but releasably attached by a clamp 23 to the ledger 17. The elongate support member extends upwards from said clamp assembly away from the upper surface of the ledger and the work platform. The stanchion also comprises a securement member 19 having a first end 19a and a second end 19b. The first end 18a is securely but releasably attached to the ledger 17 at the clamp 23. The securement member extends diagonally from the ledger to the standard 15a. The securement member is attached to the standard by an attachment assembly 24. The attachment assembly may be any suitable fastening or attachment arrangement, such as a clamp.

The support member further comprises a rope or wire for attachment to a worker in use [not shown]. Preferably, said rope or wire is about 1 to 40 meters in length, preferably about 2 to 20 meters in length. It will be appreciated that the the length of the wire is such that if the worker falls, the worker will not hit the ground on which the scaffold is standing.

Figure 6 illustrates a worker 20 tied to the stanchion as illustrated by Figure 5. The worker is standing on the platform 18 and is attached to the first end of the support member by a rope 21. The length of the wire is such that the worker can freely walk the length of the platform while remaining attached to the support member. This is illustrated in Figure 8. Figure 8 illustrates a plurality of connected scaffold frames 22. A worker 20 is tied to the safety device of the invention 14 by a rope 21.

Figure 7 illustrates the connection between the ledger of the scaffold frame and the safety device of the invention. In this particular embodiment, as illustrated by this Figure the device is clamped about the ledger and held in place by a pin.

In use, a stanchion may be provided at predetermined intervals along the length of the scaffold structure as needed.

To obtain a system that has a safe working leg vertical load of e.g. 2.4 tons, the optimum method is to brace the frames of the scaffold in each direction by the bracing. Frame can be braced in one direction for scaffolds that are used for light construction or scaffolds that are not built to their full height potential. One aspect of the invention provides a tressle or bracing for this purpose which is adapted to transfer the load from one frame of the scaffold to the next thus avoiding the need for cross bracing. This is important in areas of the scaffold where unhindered access is required, e.g. in areas where materials need to be lifted on and/or off the scaffold structure. It will be appreciated that the bracing of the invention may be used to stabilise any frame of the scaffold. It may be used as the sole bracing of the scaffold or may be used in combination with traditional cross-bracing.

Figure 9 illustrates the bracing device of the invention. The device comprises a first end having a vertical elongate tubular member 24 and a second end having a vertical elongate tubular member 25. The opposing tubular members (24, 25) have a horizontal bar 26 extending horizontally to the tubular members there between. Each tubular member comprises three equidistant outwardly extending flanges (27). Each flange comprises an aperture for receiving the pin of the scaffold standard to which it is to be attached in use (not shown). In the present embodiment, there is a distance of 500mm between each flange. The bracing device also comprises a number of struts 28 extending from the vertical members to the horizontal bar. The current embodiment comprises four struts. However, it will be appreciated that any amount of struts may be present.

Figure 10 illustrates the bracing device of Figure 9 when in use. Figure 10 illustrates the side view of a scaffold structure made up of a plurality of modules. The first column 29 comprises a plurality of opposing frames braced by standard cross bracing 30. The second and third columns (31, 32) are stabilised by the bracing of the current invention (33). This type of arrangement is beneficial when the full vertical structure work area is required to be unobstructed. The bracing of the invention allows a 100% wall opening and the bracing box allows a 75% wall opening for works purposes. The bracing of the invention is normally used on the scaffold leg closest to the building or work area, whilst the outside leg would normally be braced by the regular method of diagonal bracing. However, it will be appreciated that other configurations are possible depending on the specific use.

As shown in Figure 10, in particular column 31 and 32 by utilising the bracing of the current invention the workers have unhindered access to the working platform. This allows easy access to the platform by the workers and unhindered access to load and unload materials. While allowing ease of access, it also avoids any trip or fall hazards that may be associated with loading and unloading material through a frame having cross bracing or other types of bracing.

The words “comprises/comprising” and the words “having/including” when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

Claims

1. A stanchion or safety device for a scaffoid comprising a support member comprising a first end and a second end, said first end having an attachment means for reieasabie attachment to a worker or person and a second end for reieasabie attachment to a portion of a scaffoid frame such that in use said support member extends upwards from said frame.

2. The safety device of ciaim 1, wherein said portion of a scaffoid frame is a iedger of a scaffoid frame.

3. The safety device of ciaim 1 or 2, further comprising a securement member for reieasabie attachment to a portion of a scaffoid frame when in use, wherein said frame is beneath the working piatform on which a person or worker is standing.

4. The safety device of ciaim 3, wherein said portion of a scaffoid frame is a standard of a frame.

5. The safety device of any one of the preceding ciaims, wherein the support member is an eiongate support member.

6. The safety device of any one of ciaims 3 to 5, wherein said securement member is connected to said support member at the second end of said support member.

7. The safety device of any one of the preceding ciaims, wherein said support member and said securement member are connected by a damp assembiy for attachment to a iedger of a scaffoid frame.

8. The safety device of any one of the preceding ciaims, for attachment to a frame directiy beneath the working piatform on which a person or worker is standing.

9. The safety device of any one of the preceding ciaims wherein said second end of the support member comprises a rope, a wire, wire cabie or a cabie sheave for reieasabie attachment to an individuai.

10. The safety device of ciaim 9, wherein said rope, wire, wire cabie or cabie sheave is from about 1 to about 40 meters in iength, preferabiy from about 2 to about 20 meters in iength.

11. The safety device of ciaim 9 or 10 wherein said rope, wire, wire cabie or cabie sheave is attached to a harness and ianyard arrangement on said individuai or worker.

12. The safety device of any one of the preceding claims, where said device is positioned near or at a bracing point of a scaffold frame.

13. A stabiliser for releasably retaining at least one plank on an inverted T-section support member of scaffold frame, said stabiliser comprising an elongate plate member having a first end and a second end, with a longitudinal axis there between, wherein said first end and said second end each comprise an attachment member for releasably securing the stabiliser to the inverted T-section support member, wherein in use on a scaffold said plate is positioned over the end surface of at least one plank of a working platform.

14. The stabiliser of claim 13, wherein the elongate plate is positioned over and engageable with the intersection of at least two butted planks of a working platform when in use.

15. The stabiliser of claim 13 or 14, wherein said attachment member comprises at least one flange having a substantially vertical upper portion extending downwards from said plate and a substantially horizontal lower portion forming an “L” shape with respect to said upper portion and extending inwards towards the longitudinal axis, said attachment member being engageable when in use with the flange of an inverted T-section support member of a scaffold frame for attachment thereto thereby retaining said stabiliser in place.

16. The stabiliser of any claim 15, wherein said first end comprises a first L-shaped flange, wherein said horizontal lower portion of said flange extends inwards towards the longitudinal axis and said second end comprises a second L-shaped flange, wherein said horizontal lower portion of said flange extends inwards towards the towards the longitudinal axis and the horizontal lower portion of said first flange.

17. The stabiliser of any one of claims 15 or 16 wherein said elongate support member comprises two opposing sidewalls substantially parallel extending between said first end and said second end, and wherein said first L-shaped extends inwards from said sidewall at the first end and wherein said second L-shaped flange extends inwards from said side wall at said second end.

18. The stabiliser of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the flange of the first end and the flange of the second end are on opposing sidewalls of the elongate plate.

19. The stabiliser of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein said flange is integral with the elongate plate member.

20. The stabiliser of any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein said flange is engageable in use with the underneath of a flange of an inverted T-section support member.

21. The stabiliser of any one of claims 13 to 14, wherein said attachment means is a rope.

22. The stabiliser of any one of claims 13 to 21, wherein said plate is releasably secured to a plank by an attachment means.

23. The stabiliser of any claim 22, wherein said attachment means comprises a plurality of screws.

24. A bracing device for stabilising a scaffold frame, said bracing device comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member and a substantially further aspect of the invention provides a bracing device for stabilising a scaffold frame, said bracing device comprising a first elongate member and a second elongate member having a transverse member extending there between and substantially horizontal with respect to the first and second elongate members, said first and second elongate members each having an attachment means for releaseably attaching to a standard of a scaffold frame when in use.

25. The bracing device of claim 24, wherein said attachment means comprises of plurality of flanges spaced equidistant along the elongate member.

26. The bracing device of claims 24 or 25, wherein the attachment means comprises three flanges spaced from about 200 to about 800 mm apart, preferably, about 500 mm apart.

27. The bracing device of any one of claims 24 to 26, further comprising a number of struts extending from the elongate tubular end members to the horizontal bar

28. The bracing device of any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the elongate members are between 500mm and 2000mm, preferably about 1000mm.

29. The bracing device of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein each flange is spaced such that it aligns with a corresponding pin on the standard of the scaffold frame when in use and wherein each flange comprises an aperture for releasably receiving said pin of a scaffold frame and retained therein

30. The bracing device of any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein each flange is spaced such that it aligns with a corresponding aperture on the standard of the scaffold frame such that in use said flange is releasably received within the aperture of the scaffold frame and retained therein.

31. The bracing device of any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein said attachment means comprises three flanges.

32. The bracing device of any one of claims 24 to 31, further comprising a plurality of struts extending diagonally from the elongate members to the horizontal transverse bar.

33. A scaffold comprising the safety device of any one of claims 1 to 12.

34. A scaffold comprising the stabiliser of any one of claims 13 to 23.

35. A scaffold comprising the bracing device of any one of claims 24 to 32.

36. A scaffold comprising the safety device of any one of claims 1 to 12, the stabiliser of any one of claims 13 to 23 and/or the bracing device of any one of claims 24 to 32.

37. A safety device, a stabiliser or a bracing device substantially as described herein with reference to the figures.