FAQ




FAQ categories
General
What is a base-to height ratio?

This ratio is given by standards: CSA, ANSI, OSHA. This ratio changes depending on the region in which the scaffolding is used. It gives the maximum platform height depending on the width of the smallest base. Without anchoring, the platform height must not exceed 3 times (or 4 times depending on the applicable standard) the width of the smallest base.

For example: On figure 1 below, the width of the smallest base is Y. So, without anchor, the maximum platform height is 3 x Y (or 4 x Y depending on the region).

On figure 2, the width of the smallest base is X. So, without anchor, the maximum platform height is 3 x X (or 4 x X depending on the region).

What is the life span of our scaffolds?

There is no life span because each user has his own way of using and maintaining his equipment. However, the assembly instructions and standards must be respected.

An inspection must be done before each use.

Equipment inspection instructions are available in the assembly instructions or on our website under the product’s heading.

What is the warranty of our products?

The warranty of all our products is 1 year. A section is dedicated to the guarantee on our website, here is the link: https://www.metaltech.co/warranty .

The warranty does not cover damages caused by improper maintenance, abuse or modification of the product.

At what height the use of a guardrail is mandatory?

ANSI and OSHA standards say that a guardrail is mandatory when the platform height is 10 feet (3 m) or more. The CSA standards say that a guardrail is required if the platform height is 8 feet or more. (The height may change depending on the applicable standard).

Different standards may apply in different regions. Always respect local standards.

Metaltech recommends the use of a guardrail even for work under 8 feet.

At what height a scaffolding must be designed by an engineer?

The height depends on the standard which applies.

According to ANSI and OSHA standards, fabricated frame scaffolding of 125′ (38 m) or higher, measured from the base, must be designed by an engineer.

According to the CSA standard, fabricated frame scaffolding with a height of 49′ (15 m) or more, measured from the base to the highest deck, must be the subject of design plans prepared by an engineer.

According to the CNESST, the installation of fabricated frame scaffolding over 60′ (18 m) high must be designed by an engineer.

Exterior scaffolding
Can we climb on the cross brace?

No, you cannot climb on the cross brace.

With which frames can the leveling jack be used?

All Metaltech frames and arches with their upright’s having an outside diameter of 1,69″ or 1,625″ are compatible with the leveling jacks whose codes start with M-MBSJ

Which leveling jack can be used with light duty frames?

The light duty frames, those whose code starts with LD-LD and whose upright’s outer diameter is 1.25 ” are compatible with the leveling jack LD-LDBJP24.

How wide can the M-MF60EPS be adjusted?

The M-MF60EPS frame can be locked at 36" or 60" wide. It cannot be locked between these two positions.

What is the maximum distance between two wall brackets (M-MWB42)?

The maximum distance between two wall brackets is 10' (3 m), center to center.

Portable scaffold
When assembling a Jobsite Series 6′ Baker (I-CISC) and its 39″ extension (I-ISEX4PPNCAS), do we have to install a guardrail (I-CISGRJP)?

Yes, a guardrail must be installed.

Standards say that a guardrail is required if the platform height is 8′ or more for CSA standard and 10′ or more for ANSI & OSHA standards (this value can change depending on the local standards).

Metaltech recommends the use of a guardrail even for a I-CISC without its extension, even if standards do not require it.

Can we stack Jobsite Series 6′ Baker (I-CISC)?

Yes, it is possible to stack up to three units one on top of the other.

  • When stacking 2 units, a guardrail (I-CISGRJP) and the 14″ outriggers (I-CISO4) must be installed.
  • When stacking 3 units, a guardrail (I-CISGRJP) and the 46″ outriggers (I-BMSO4TT) must be installed.

Can the Jobsite Series 6′ Baker (I-CISC) be installed in stairways?

Yes, you just have to adjust the braces that support the platform, so it is horizontal. Each end can adjust separately every 2″ to be used in stairways.
Remove casters when using on stairs.

Does the scaffolding tower (I-T3CISC) come with platform with trap door?

No, this tower contains platform without trapdoor.

With which product the leveling jacks (I-IBSJP12H4) can be used?

These leveling jacks are used with interior scaffolding. They are compatible with:

  • I-CISC
  • I-BMSS
  • I-CAISC
  • I-CISCTP
  • I-CISCAS
  • I-CISCH1
  • I-CISCDW

Are the Jobsite Series 6′ Baker (I-CISC) & the Jobsite Series Perry style (I-CISCPY) compatible?

No, these two scaffolds are not compatible.

Can I use the rungs of the interior scaffolding to climb on the platform ?

For the 6' Baker (I-CISC, I-BMSS, I-CAISC) & 6' (I-IRC, I-BM6S) scaffoldings, yes you have to use the rungs of the frame. If the scaffolding has a platform with trapdoor, you have to climb from the inside of the scaffold. If the platform does not have a trapdoor, climb from the outside of the scaffold while respecting the “Maximum climbing distance” table in the assembly instruction. You can find the assembly instruction on our website under the product’s heading.

For the 6' (I-CAIRC), 5' (I-IMIS) and 4' (I-IMCN, I-BM4S, I-IMAC) scaffoldings, no you cannot use the rungs to climb up or down the structure. You have to use the platforms.

Can I remove the strap that is on the platform with trapdoor of the Jobsite Series 6′ Baker (I-CISCH1, I-CISCTP)?

No, the doors must always be closed when you are on the platform. By closing the doors, we avoid falls and it adds rigidity to the guardrail’s structure.

Can I leave the guardrail’s (I-CISGRJP, I-CAISCGR, I-BMSGRJP) doors open?

No, the doors must always be closed when you are on the platform. By closing the doors, we avoid falls and it adds rigidity to the guardrail’s structure.

Is it possible to have bigger casters on the Jobsite Series 6′ Baker (I-CISC)?

Yes, the Jobsite Series 6′ Baker (I-CISCDW) have 6” casters. The Buildman 6′ Baker (I-BMSS) also have 6″ casters while having a higher capacity.

What is the difference between the 14″ outriggers (I-CISO4) and the 14″ outriggers Perry style (I-CISO4PY)?

These two models of outrigger have different casters. The casters of the outriggers (I-CISO4) have a square stem, while the casters of the Perry style outriggers (I-CISO4PY) have a round stem. These casters are not interchangeable between the two different models of outrigger.

Are the Jobsite Series 6′ (I-IRC), 5′ (I-IMIS) and 4′ (I-IMCN) all stackable?

The Jobsite Series 6' (I-IRC) is stackable. It can be stacked 2 units high, one on top of the other. When stacking two units, guardrail (I-IRGR) and outriggers (I-IRO4) must be installed.

The Jobsite Series 5' (I-IMIS) & 4' (I-IMCN) are not stackable. Use only one unit high.

Can I have an antislip platform with my Jobsite Series 6′ Baker (I-CISC)?

Yes, the scaffoldings Jobsite Series 6′ Baker (I-CISCH1, I-CISCAS) have an antislip platform.

Do you have an interior scaffolding that has a higher capacity than the Jobsite Series scaffoldings?

Yes, the Buildman Grade has a higher capacity than the Jobsite Series.

Do you have a lighter interior scaffolding than the Jobsite Series scaffoldings?

Yes, the Alu Series, made of aluminum, is lighter than the Jobsite Series which is made of steel.

Can we stack the Buildman 6′ Baker (I-BMSS) scaffolding?

Yes, it is possible to stack two units one on top of the other. When stacking two units, the guardrail (I-BMSGRJP) & outriggers (I-BMSO4) must be installed.

Can we stack the Alu Series 6′ Baker (I-CAISC) scaffolding?

Yes, it is possible to stack three units one on top of the other.

  • When stacking 2 units, a guardrail (I-CAISCGR) and the 14" outriggers (I-CAISO4) must be installed.
  • When stacking 3 units, a guardrail (I-CAISCGR) and the 46" outriggers (I-BMSO4TT) must be installed.

Are there casters with a larger diameter available for the mobile scaffolding 4′ Jobsite Serie (I-IMCN)?

No, the mobile scaffoldings 4' Jobsite Series only come with 4" diameter casters.

What is the battery voltage that can propel the Climb-N-Go® ?

The Climb-N-Go® can be powered by an 18 to 21 volt-battery.

What type of battery can power the Climb-N-Go®?

DEWALT®, MAKITA®, MILWAUKEE®, STANLEY®(18V), PORTER CABLE®, BLACK & DECKER (®†All trademarks listed above, including DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Porter Cable, Black & Decker, and Stanley are the property of their respective owners. Neither Metaltech nor its products are in any way affiliated with, authorized with or have been tested, certified or approved by any of the companies or trademarks listed above, including for use with any of these companies’ batteries.)

Can I stack two bakers and use the Climb-N-Go®?

No, the Climb-N-Go® can only be used with one story baker.

How far can you go with the Climb-N-Go®?

You can ride approximately 4500 linear feet with the Climb-N-Go®.
Many factors can impact the distance of a battery charge: The battery voltage, the Ah, the brand, the age of the battery, the speed that the user is setting on the Climb-N-Go® and the ground surface.
Based on tests that were performed with a 20 volt-battery, 4 Ah, it can ride from 4500 to 5800 feet.

Can outriggers be installed on a baker when using a Climb-N-Go®?

No, outriggers cannot be installed with the Climb-N-Go®.

Does the Climb-N-Go® meet OSHA standards?

Yes, the Climb-N-Go® complies with the OSHA standards.

Do we need to lock the baker wheels when using the Climb-N-Go®. How can we be sure that it is safe and stable when working?

There is an automatic wheel locking system on the Climb-n-Go® wheels. When the motor is not on, the wheels are automatically locked.

Up to which level can a Climb-N-Go® go on uneven ground?

The Climb-N-Go® is designed to be used on even ground. We do understand that no ground is perfect, but to comply with OSHA standards the Climb-N-Go® must be used on a floor that has a 3-degree maximum slope.

Can the Climb-n-Go® move upwards and downwards like a scissor lift?

No, the Climb-n-Go® can only move on a 360-degree span. To reach higher levels you will need to manually lift your baker to the desired height.

Can I install the Climb-N-Go® on another traditional baker brand.

The Climb-n-Go® was built to be used and was tested solely on Metaltech Bakers. We do not recommend using on another scaffolding brand.

Is the Climb-n-Go® compatible with my DeWalt® 20V/60V Flex battery?

Yes, the Climb-n-Go® can be powered and was tested with the DeWalt's® 20V/60V Flex battery. This battery can power a product that needs a 20 V or a 60 V battery, in the case of CNG it works as a 20V battery.

Can I use my Climb-n-go® outside?

Yes if you are working on a flat surface.

Is the Climb-n-go® resistant to rain and water?

No the motor was not built to resist to water.

Aluminum scaffolding
Why use an aluminum scaffolding?

Aluminum scaffolds have many uses:

  • Lightweight and easy to handle
  • High durability
  • High strength system
  • Highly versatile
  • Easy and fast assembly
  • Safe
  • Used in sanitary and food environment.

What is the difference between the Span 300 and Span 400?

The “Span” is the spacing between two rungs.
The Span 300 has a spacing of 11" (276 mm) between two rungs.
For the Span 400, the spacing between two rungs is 16" (414 mm).

Can we climb in the rungs of the frame of the aluminum scaffolding Span 300 & Span 400?

It is possible to use the rung to climb, but you must respect regulations regarding the distance between two rungs. OSHA standards require a maximum spacing between two rungs of 16 3/4″ (425 mm), while CSA standards requires 12″ (305 mm).

As such, the Span 300 frames can be used as an access ladder both in Canada and United-States.

The Span 400 can be used in Canada, but it cannot be used as an access ladder because the spacing between two rungs is too big. To access the scaffolding, use the 6-steps ladder (AL-L0002) or the frames with ladder (AL-F4101, AL-F4103).

Other local regulations may apply. Make sure to always respect them.

Can the aluminum scaffolding Span 300 & Span 400 be used outdoors?

Yes, the aluminum scaffolding can be used both indoors and outdoors, but the scaffolding must not be used in bad weather or high winds.

You can find safety instructions regarding the wind force in the assembly instruction. The assembly instructions are available on our website under the product’s heading.

What is the load capacity of the aluminum tower kits Span 300 & Span 400?

The total load capacity of the tower is 1587 lb (720 kg). The load capacity of the platforms is 25 lb/ft² (122 kg/m²) evenly distributed.

For the aluminum tower Span 300 & Span 400, what are the available dimensions?

The aluminum scaffoldings Span 300 and Span 400 are available in two different widths, single width 26 5/8” (0,667 m) and double width 50 3/4” (1,29m).

Three platform lengths are available: 6′ (2 m), 8′ (2,5 m) & 10′ (3 m).

Our aluminum tower kits are available in single or double width with 8′ (2,5m) platforms. The 8′ (2,5 m) platforms can be replaced by 6′ (2 m) or 10′ (3 m) platforms.

The tower kits vary in height: from 13′ (4 m) to 27′ (8 m) for the single width; from 13′ (4 m) to 41′ (12 m) for the double width.

What is the maximum height of the aluminum scaffolding Span 300 & Span 400?

For indoor use, the maximum height of the single width tower is 27′ (8 m ) and the maximum height of the double width tower is 41′ (12 m ).

For outdoor use, the maximum height of both towers is 27′ (8m).

Why use Easy-set (AL-Q0100, AL-Q0105, AL-Q0106, AL-Q0107 & AL-Q0108)?

The easy-set is made for light duty jobs. Its foldable base and its lightweight construction make it easy to assemble.

Its load capacity is lower than the Span 300 and Span 400, but it is lighter and more economical.

Why are the aluminum scaffolding kits shipped in crates?

The aluminum scaffolding kits are shipped in crates to protect the components during transport.

Drywall
What is the maximum reach of the drywall panel hoist (I-IDPL)?

The maximum reach is 11' (3,35 m.)

What is the maximum reach of the Buildman drywall panel hoist (I-BMDPL)?

The maximum reach is 14′ 5″ (4,39 m).

Do you have a drywall cart that can be disassembled? Is its capacity as high as a welded cart?

Yes, the drywall carts Series 3600 (I-BMD3631R, I-BMD3631P, I-BMD3631RK, I-BMD3631PK) have a removable handle that make storage easier.

The removable handle doesn’t affect the capacity of the drywall cart. In fact, the drywall carts Series 3600 has a higher capacity than some other welded carts.

Do you have a multifunctional cart?

Yes, the H Series drywall cart (I-BMDHER31YGR, I-BMDHER31YGP, I-BMDHER31YGRK, I-BMDHER31YGPK) offer several possibilities. It can be used as a cart with its two handles or the handle can be removed to create a transport surface.

Ladder, stepladder, ramp
Can the aluminum platforms with plywood deck be used with the multi-position ladders (E-MTL series)?

No, this platform cannot be installed on the multi-position ladder. It is made to be used with exterior scaffolding.

Platforms to use with the multi-position ladders are the telescoping work planks: M-PEP7000AL, M-PEP7100AL, M-PEP7200AL.

Is it possible to stand on the last step of the work stands (E-PWS)?

You can stand on the last step of the 2′ work stand (E-PWS7000AL). You cannot stand on the last step of the 3′ (E-PWS7100AL), 4′ (E-PWS7200AL) et 5′ (E-PWS7300AL) work stands according to standard due to the risque of falling.

Fiberglass scaffolding
For the fiberglass tower kits (F-KIT), what are the available dimensions?

The fiberglass scaffolding tower kits are available in two different widths: 26 3/8” (0,7 m) wide and 49 1/2” (1,2 m) wide.
One platform length is available: 8′ (2,4 m).
The tower kits vary in height: from 5′ (1,5 m) to 17′ (5 m) for the 26 3/8” (0,7 m) wide towers ; from 5′ (1,5 m) to 23′ (7 m) for the 49 1/2” (1,2m) wide towers.

Is the fiberglass scaffolding Speedy (F-ISPC) compatible with the fiberglass tower kits (F-KIT)

No, these two models of fiberglass scaffolding are not compatible.

Why use fiberglass scaffolding?

Fiberglass scaffolds have many uses:

  • Non-conducting
  • Lightweight & inert
  • Corrosion resistant
  • Ideal for: Electric substation, chemical environment, computer rooms…

Are the outriggers (F-OUT20 & F-OUT30) adjustable in length?

No, the outriggers are not adjustable in length, but we have two different lengths of outriggers: 2m (6’-7”) (F-OUT20) & 3m (8’-6”) (F-OUT30).

If a shock or static incident occurs, can the fiberglass scaffolding still be used?

Make sure to inspect carefully each part of your scaffolding by following the Fiberglass Scaffold -Inspection Guide. Ask our customer service to get this document.

If no defect is detected, the scaffolding can still be used. If in doubt, stop using the components.

Can the fiberglass scaffolding be used outdoor?

Yes, the fiberglass scaffolding can be used outdoor, but do not use in bad weather or high winds. Also, a long exposure to ultraviolet light may cause a discoloration of the scaffold.

How long does the fiberglass scaffold stay effective?

It all depends on the environment it is in use, the storage and a lot of factors.

Always inspect your scaffolding before use. Make sure the scaffolding and all its components are free from deterioration. If deterioration of a component is detected, stop using it.

Does the exposure to ultraviolet light affect the scaffold?

Long exposure to ultraviolet light may affect the color of the scaffolding, but not its performance.

Can a personal fall arrest system be fixed to specific components of the scaffolding?

No, you cannot fix your personal fall arrest system to the scaffolding. This scaffolding is not designed to withstand the force produce by the fall of a worker. If you want to use a personal fall arrest system, you will have to fix it to another structure.

However, fiberglass scaffold towers (F-KIT) are designed to be erected, used and dismantled without a personal fall arrest system. In fact, when erected and dismantled correctly, the user should always install guardrails before climbing onto a platform.

ANSI & OSHA: Guardrail required from 10′ above the ground.
CSA: Guardrail required from 8′ above the ground.
Other local regulations may apply.

Can we climb in the frame’s rungs ?

Metaltech strongly recommend to use the ladder (F-LAD2436) to access the scaffolding. However, the rungs have a load capacity of 250 lb and they are evenly spaced at a distance of 9 3/4″.

So, it is possible to climb in the rungs during assembly and dismantlement while no ladder is installed. It is also possible that the working height requires a half-level configuration, too low to install a ladder. In this case, it is acceptable to climb in the frame’s rungs.

Finally, always climb from the inside of the scaffold.