Working & protective scaffolds
Working & protective scaffolds.
Working scaffolds are a workplace and storage area; protective scaffolds save lives by arresting falls and holding back falling objects. Both are strictly standardised.
Working scaffolds
Working scaffolds to EN 12811-1.
Working scaffolds provide safe workplaces at height and are classified by six load classes. The load class describes the permissible area load per deck.
| Load class | Area load | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0.75 kN/m² | inspection, light work without storing materials |
| 2 | 1.5 kN/m² | trade work without storage (plaster, paint, pointing) |
| 3 | 2.0 kN/m² | storage of light building materials and equipment |
| 4 | 3.0 kN/m² | masonry/plastering with material storage |
| 5 | 4.5 kN/m² | heavy materials, stonework / solid construction |
| 6 | 6.0 kN/m² | very heavy loads, special cases |
Protective scaffolds
Catch scaffold, roof-edge catch, protective fan (DIN 4420-1).
Protective scaffolds prevent persons from falling or shield against falling objects. DIN 4420-1 governs the component groups and dimensions.
| Type | Application | Catch-deck width | max. fall height | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Catch scaffold (FG) | surfaces up to 20° | ≥ 0.90 m | max. 2.00 m | arrests a deeper fall |
| Roof-edge catch (DG) | roofs 22.5°–60° | ≥ 0.60 m + barrier ≥ 1.00 m | max. 1.50 m | fall arrest on pitched roofs |
| Protective fan (SD) | over walkways | ≥ 1.50 m horizontal | — | protects against falling objects |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is a roof-edge catch scaffold required instead of a catch scaffold?
For roof pitches between 22.5° and 60°, a roof-edge catch scaffold with an additional barrier (≥ 1.00 m) is required; the simple catch scaffold only suffices up to a 20° pitch.
Is every working scaffold also a protective scaffold?
No. A working scaffold can be upgraded to a protective scaffold with a catch deck, barrier or cladding – otherwise these are separate functions.
Brand values
What our customers relied on.
- “Super fast – site visit, quote and erection within a few days.”
- “Highly professional, reliable and more than friendly in communication.”
- “Flexible and solution-oriented on every site.”
ROHRGERÜSTBAU Pronin · Hamburg, Germany · a reputation as a special-scaffolding specialist, earned over many years.
Sources & standards
- Baunormenlexikon – DIN EN 12811-1
- Baunormenlexikon – DIN 4420-1
- BauNetz Wissen – Schutzgerüste
- BauNetz Wissen – Gerüstklassen
Standards information is for general guidance and does not replace professional design. Research date: June 2026.
Please note
A knowledge resource on the craft of scaffolding.
ROHRGERÜSTBAU stood for special and high-end scaffolding since 1949, and from 2021 as ROHRGERÜSTBAU Pronin GmbH (Hamburg). The business was given up in 2026 for health reasons. These pages preserve the expertise – as a reference for the trade worldwide.
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