ANSI A11 Update

As an Accredited Standards Developer for the American National Standard Institute’s (ANSI) Accredited Standards A11 Committee (ASC,) the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) has highlighted a number of recent changes that have been published, along with four additional standards currently in development.

Photo: Superior Scaffold

“The overall importance of the A11 standards is to ensure the quality and consistency of the testing for scaffolding, shoring and forming products along with the related components and accessories,” said Celeste Ortiz, former ANSI Liaison for the SAIA. “The procedures set forth in these standards are intended to be used as a guide for industry testing best practices.”

The ANSI/SAIA A11.1-2019 for Testing and Rating Scaffold Assemblies and Components replaces SSFI SC100-5/05 provides methods for testing and rating the performance of a number of scaffold-related products and components. (Photo: Pilosio)

Additionally, Ortiz notes, the SAIA/A11 standards will also tie into the SSFI verification program which will verify the validity of the testing to the A11 standards. The SSFI committee consists of leading manufacturers of scaffolding, suspended scaffolding, shoring, forming, planks, platforms and related components.

Updates and changes

The most recent standards updates include the ANSI/SAIA A11.1-2019 for Testing and Rating Scaffold Assemblies and Components, which will be going under revision by the end of this year, and the most recently published standard, the ANSI/SAIA A11.2-2023 for Testing & Rating Shoring Equipment, which has an effective date of July 31, 2023.

The ANSI/SAIA A11.1-2019 for Testing and Rating Scaffold Assemblies and Components replaces SSFI SC100-5/05 provides methods for testing and rating the performance of the following:

• Tube and coupler scaffold components
• Welded frame scaffold assemblies
• System scaffold assemblies and components
• Guardrail scaffold components
• Screwjack scaffold components
• Caster (with lever actuated brake and swivel lead) scaffold components
• Putlog scaffold assemblies
• Side and end bracket scaffold components
• Mobile work stands
• Attachable ladder scaffold assemblies and components
• Base widening outrigger scaffold components
• Stair units

The ANSI/SAIA A11.2-2023 for Testing and Rating Shoring Equipment will provide methods for testing and rating the following:

• Vertical shoring posts, frames, assemblies, and components
• Horizontal shoring beams and assemblies
• Truss assemblies used with horizontal shoring
• Column- or wall-mounted shoring

Additionally, the committee has the following proposed standards in the development and is actively recruiting Users and General Interest participants to make further progress for them to become an approved American National Standard:

• A11.3 Standard Requirements and Test Methods for Testing and Rating Portable Rigging Devices for Suspended Scaffold
• A11.4 Standard Requirements for Testing and Rating Multiple Point Suspended Scaffold Platforms
• A11.5 Standards for Testing and Rating Vertical Concrete Formwork, Ties, and Accessories
• A11.6 Standards for Testing and Rating Manufactured Scaffold Planks and Decks

Resources and information

The ASC A11 Committee is also actively looking for volunteers to assist with writing standards, specifically to assist with C-2 Users.

This category would be suitable for those who are predominantly interested in the use of the product, materials or services. This category usually includes consumers, customers of product producers, distributors, retailers, etc. and may include regulatory agencies, safety associations, certification agencies and similar organizations.

The Committee also needs help with standards writing within the C-3 General Interest category. Volunteers not associated with production, distribution or direct use of products, materials or services are needed. This category typically includes professional and lay people employed by academic and scientific institutions, experts, government agencies, insurance companies, utilities, etc. Regulatory agencies, safety associations, certification agencies and similar organizations may belong in this category as opposed to the user category, as well.

For anyone interested in learning more, the A11 Main Committee and the SSFI Committee will meet on Monday, October 16, 2023 at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver (conference room Cambie) during the SAIA’s Annual Convention & Exhibition (Oct. 16-20.) The meeting is open to all interested parties. To learn more, visit www.saiaonline.org.