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Birdcage or crash deck scaffolds are often used indoors to undertake repairs and redecorating work at ceiling height. They are also almost always constructed on the inside of new build properties, so tasks such as installing floor joists, plaster boarding and painting ceilings can be undertaken safely and securely.
Because they are internal deck scaffolds, birdcages and crash decks are usually lighter-duty structures. This means that they can be built and dismantled quickly, although health and safety regulations should still be fully considered. Trade contractors like painters and joiners must be assured of a safe working environment just as much as builders on open construction sites.
However, this type of scaffold deck must be built by qualified scaffolders. Birdcage scaffolds need a large number of platform boards because the working area is generally much larger – just think of the framework required to paint the whole ceiling of a hotel reception area. An accurate weight-bearing capacity assessment must be made as the scaffolding used must be sufficient to take the load. The lighter the load, the simpler the birdcage or crash deck can be.
A birdcage is a construction of standards, often evenly spaced apart, designed to provide lift heights and a full working deck platform at the top of the structure. It’s a must that the fall protection decking is tied or braced to make sure that the top boards are stable, and it must be tested before it is used to make sure that the birdcage doesn’t sway or move to the side.
Special attention must be paid to the top work platform for a crash deck to be safe. This should be built to ensure that there are no gaps, and it’s advisable that appropriate protective measures, such as toe guards or rails, are included. To meet industry standards, a birdcage must offer an enclosed working area for contractors, avoiding the risk of falling through any gaps.
Access birdcages fall outside the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation’s definition of a basic scaffold. This means that a full scaffold design service is also required, including risk assessments and statements of working practice. In order to provide this kind of scaffold, we have trained several of our scaffolders to provide this kind of documentation and devise a birdcage that is safe and fit for purpose.
Some minor construction companies or trade contractors are so focused on the external working at height issues that they forget that accidents can quickly happen inside the property as well. When sourcing a fall safety company, you should find one with as much expertise on indoor scaffolds and staircases as on outdoor access scaffolds.
The ‘crash deck’ name arose because birdcages can also be used inside a new build property while workers are constructing the roof. If someone slips off the roof, they must be protected by the platform below rather than fall to the ground.
Birdcage scaffolds can also be used on the following projects:
The main advantage of deploying a fall safety structure is that it’s simple to build: this means it can be constructed and disassembled quickly and easily, with minimum fuss and mess. In addition, its layout means that workers have ample space on which to walk and work.
If the dimensions are calculated correctly, all of the repair or redecorating work can be done at once, and there will be no need to move the crash platform to a different corner or wall. This can reduce time on the project’s internal phase, and if it doubles as a crash deck for earlier external work, the cost efficiencies are even greater.
There are several manufacturers of birdcage scaffold systems and equipment, but we only use a number of suppliers who have proven their reliability. Although birdcages are lighter-duty structures, we’re still concerned with issues of robustness and security, so we only source high-quality materials.
However, we can also supply heavier-duty crash platforms that can withstand a load of up to 2kn per square metre. Indeed, this can be extended to 5kn per square metre if a support scaffold is incorporated, which is helpful if work needs to be done on internal support walls or pillars. We believe that crash decks & birdcage scaffolds offer virtually endless solutions to access internal spaces, regardless of how small or large the building is. They work in bungalows as well as in country estates and factories.
The cost of supplying a birdcage or crash deck scaffold depends upon the size of your property. Building a large birdcage can be labour-intensive because of all the bracing and platform boards involved. Our London scaffolding company guarantees its scaffold rates will remain competitive. Our team have the experience to suggest ways where the scaffold can increase access on site, thereby reducing labour time on internal decorating and refurbishment. Anyone who requests a quote is not obligated to use our services, but we hope you will be pleased with our professionalism and affordability.
