Every scaffold starts at ground level, and the quality of your foundation determines the stability of the entire structure above it. The scaffold base plate from Altrad Generation distributes the load from each scaffold standard across a wider surface area, preventing tube sinking and providing a level base for safe erection to any height.
Manufactured to BS EN 74 and available for hire and sale, Altrad Generation scaffold base plates are a core component in compliant scaffold erection. Pair them with scaffold tube, drop forged double couplers, and the full range of scaffold fittings for a complete scaffolding solution.
Why Base Plates Are Essential on Every Scaffold
Distribute load from each standard across a larger bearing area at ground level
Prevent scaffold tube sinking on soft or unprepared ground
Provide a stable, flat seating for the standard to prevent tube rotation during erection
Required by NASC TG20 and BS EN 12811 compliant scaffold designs
Compatible with 3.2mm scaffold tube and 4.0mm scaffold tube used across all UK construction scaffolding
Base Plates in Compliant Scaffold Design
NASC TG20 compliant scaffold designs specify base plates on all standards as a minimum requirement for safe ground-level load transfer. Where ground conditions are soft or variable, combine base plates with sole boards and base jacks to achieve a stable, level scaffold foundation. The Altrad Generation scaffold ancillaries range includes compatible base jacks and sole board fixings.
Complete Scaffold Foundation System
Build your scaffold foundation with Altrad Generation base plates, base plate tubes, and the full range of scaffold fittings. For the complete scaffolding materials solution, explore scaffold tube, couplers, and scaffolding tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a scaffold base plate used for?
A. A scaffold base plate distributes the load from a scaffold standard across a larger surface area at ground level. You fit it beneath each standard to prevent the tube sinking into soft ground and to provide a stable, level foundation for the entire scaffold structure.
Q. What standard does the Altrad Generation scaffold base plate comply with?
A. The Altrad Generation scaffold base plate is manufactured to BS EN 74 and relevant British Standards for scaffold fittings. All base plates from Altrad Generation are available for hire and sale. Contact your local branch to confirm current certification details.
Q. What size scaffold tube does the base plate fit?
A. Altrad Generation scaffold base plates are designed to fit 3.2mm and 4.0mm scaffold tube, which is the UK construction industry standard. The central spigot locates the standard securely during erection.
Q. Do I need a base plate on every scaffold standard?
A. Best practice and NASC guidance recommend fitting a base plate on every scaffold standard. On hard, level surfaces the base plate distributes load and prevents tube rotation. On soft or uneven ground it is essential for spreading the imposed load and preventing differential settlement.
Q. What is the difference between a scaffold base plate and a base jack?
A. A base plate is a fixed height fitting that provides a flat load-bearing surface for the standard. A base jack incorporates a threaded screw mechanism that allows height adjustment to level the scaffold on uneven ground. Altrad Generation supplies both. Contact your local branch to discuss the correct base component for your ground conditions.
Get in Touch with Us
Contact your local Altrad Generation branch to discuss scaffold base plates and scaffolding foundation components, or find your nearest branch using our branch locator.
