Loads imposed letter

A loads imposed letter is a signed and sealed statement from a registered design professional confirming that the structure underneath a scaffold can carry the loads the scaffold puts on it. Where a supported scaffold bears on a sidewalk shed or other structure, the drawings have to be accompanied by one.

When it is required

The trigger is bearing. If a supported scaffold sits on a sidewalk shed, on another temporary structure, or on any element that was not designed with that scaffold in mind, the question of whether the thing below can take the load has to be answered in writing by someone licensed to answer it.

This applies even where the shed itself was filed against the standard design. The standard design does not contemplate an arbitrary scaffold landing on it.

What it contains

The letter identifies the site and the filings involved, states the loads the scaffold imposes at each bearing point, and confirms that the supporting structure is adequate for them, with any conditions or reinforcement required. It is signed and sealed.

Why filings get rejected without it

It is one of the most common objections on supported scaffold work, and it is entirely avoidable. The configuration that requires the letter is visible on the elevation drawing, so an examiner sees the omission immediately. Preparing it up front costs a fraction of what a week of delay costs on a live job.

Key facts

Required when

Scaffold bears on a shed or structure

Sealed by

Registered design professional

Filed with

The supported scaffold drawings

Common objection

Yes, one of the most frequent