Can an Adjustable U-Head Jack Safely Replace a Screw Base Jack for Scaffolding?

Hi all, I am working as a Safety Incharge. I want to know whether an adjustable U-head jack can be used instead of an adjustable screw base jack at the base and whether it is safe and can be used for scaffolding erection. I have attached an image of the same. Kindly guide me on this. Thank you.

Regards,

What is shown in the picture is fully unsafe. The adjustable U-head jack is not designed to be used as a base jack. The main function of a U-Head is to hold timber or steel beams securely in place on top of a standard/vertical pipe.

@ Kesava Pillai

Thank you for your interest shown in this thread. Please correct me if I am wrong.

The U-head is specially designed to support and hold the wood runners and steel beams on top of standard or vertical elements. It is not acceptable to use it as the base of the scaffold. The base of the scaffold should be flat and rigid. The U-head jack takes the load when the load is within the U-shape.

Regards.

A safetyman should have a basic engineering background. Scaffolds are designed to hold weight depending on the intended use. A factor of safety is also applied due to the risk of failure.

Scaffold Standards and Load Bearing

Standards bear the load and rest on the ground. Since only pipes are used as standards, with limited contact area on the ground to support the entire load, the ground surface may easily give way under loading. To address this, base plates are used under standards on concrete, asphalt, or other solid surfaces. Sole boards are also used when the scaffold's base surface is not solid enough.

Regarding the U Head Shown

1. There is limited contact area.
2. The load-bearing capacity of the supporting plate may be questionable, as it could open up under load. Side plates are not designed to bear any load but rather to hold the section in position.

Due to these issues, it is not advisable to use it as shown.

Not only engineers, but nature itself designs every organism with many components, each with its intended use. Can anyone walk upside down on your head? The head is designed for a specific purpose, just as the feet are.

I hope this explanation is satisfactory.

Regards,
Kesava Pillai

Yes, it can be used, but the case is, what is your base? If it is a flat surface, then it should be flat. If your base is a pipe, brick, or rectangle shape, then a U-shape will help you for a better grip.

When we use a jack in a different way as shown in the photo, what is the issue? Please reply, I am waiting.

Regards,
Amol P