Swivel Clamp Usage in the Industrial Market Have any attendees had customers/erectors bring to light any issues regarding the use of swivel clamps? Is anyone aware of any swivel clamp failures? What instructions do you give to erectors/users for the proper use of swivel clamps? What testing do you as users/suppliers of swivel clamps provide? Do you have generally accepted safe practices for swivel clamp usage? If a supplier – are there specifications and are the clamps measured against these specifications to assure QA?

Intent of Imitative To develop a “preferred practice” document for use in the field – similar to what this council developed, with the input of the SAIA for hanging scaffolds. Develop “dos” and “don’ts” with visuals for use by scaffold customers/users as well as labor crews. Post finished document on SAIA website.

Original internet for swivel clamps Original use as diagonal bracing for various types of scaffolding. Not intended for carrying loads.

Typical Use of swivel clamp

Cantilevered Scaffolds Utilizing Swivel Clamps

Hung scaffold applications

United Brotherhood of Carpenters “Swivel clamps must never be used for load- bearing connections. Only right angle clamps are designed to carry loads.” From UBC training manual

Scaffolding the Handbook for Estimating and Product Knowledge “The biggest difference between a swivel and right angle coupler is that the swivel is only as strong as the bear-rivet that joins the two halves of the coupler and unless specifically rated otherwise, a swivel should never be assumed as a full load- bearing coupler.” “One of the applications where swivel couplers are often misused is for knee-brace supports on cantilevered scaffolds. Michael “Terry” Marks

OSHA Tube and Coupler Definition Tube and coupler scaffold means a supported or suspended scaffold consisting of platform(s) supported by tubing, erected with coupling devices connecting uprights, braces, bearers, and runners.

OSHA Appendix E Subpart L

OSHA Appendix E Disclaimers Non-mandatory Appendix E to Subpart L – drawings and illustrations: This appendix provides drawings of particular types of scaffolds and scaffold components and graphic illustrations of bracing and tie spacing patterns. This Appendix is intended to provide visual guidance to assist the user in complying with the requirements of subpart L, part 1926.

Some suggested Solutions Add an additional bar and attach with RA clamps where SW clamps had previously been utilized. Will require more labor, material and time than just using SW clamps. Method allows for additional kicker tubes if required.

Install a horizontal tube on the scaffold legs using right angle clamps. Clamp knee brace tube to horizontal tube using right angle clamp.  

Install a horizontal tube on the putlogs or bearer tubes using right angle clamps. Clamp knee brace tube to horizontal tube using right angle clamp.

Clamp two horizontal tubes to scaffold legs immediately below hockey stick members using right angle clamps. Install dead leg to horizontal tubes using right angle clamps.

Suggested future steps Incorporate changes/modifications from today Post revisions on SAIA website for comment from others Have SAIA review committee provide input. Add to SAIA website