FAQs

1. Does Catari have its own production facilities?

Yes. Catari is a scaffolding manufacturer with more than 45 years of experience in the sector. We operate a modern industrial facility, the result of continuous investment in cutting-edge technologies and robotic processes. Our highly specialised technical team ensures the production of top-quality metal equipment, including scaffolding and all its components.

2. Where is Catari’s production located?

All Catari production is located in Vale de Cambra, Portugal, approximately 50 km from the city of Porto. Having 100% of our manufacturing in the same location guarantees full control over every stage of the process, ensuring efficiency and reliable delivery of a fully made in Portugal product.

3. Is Catari a certified company?

Yes. Catari holds several certifications, both for processes and products, issued by internationally accredited and recognised entities. You can consult all certifying bodies and respective standards here – Catari Certifications.

4. How can I buy Catari scaffolding?

It is very easy to buy Catari scaffolding, and you can choose from these options:

• Local branches and partners – You can contact our network of branches and partners directly: here. You will find specialised teams in Catari scaffolding available for sales, rental, and distribution services, ensuring close and personalised support.

• International team – If you are located in a region where we do not yet have a local presence, our international managers are ready to assist you. Just fill out the contact form on our website and, within less than 12 hours, you will be contacted to begin the purchasing process, with global response capability.

5. What scaffolding systems does Catari offer?

Catari offers a wide and diverse range of scaffolding systems and subsystems, which you can explore through this link – Catari Scaffolding.

In summary, our main systems are:

• Catari Universal System® – Multidirectional System

• Catari FA-48® – Frame System

• Catari FL – Light Duty Frame System

• Catari BLEND – Frame System

• Catari US Public Stairs System

• Catari UMBRA – Keder Roof System

• Catari Events System

6. What pricing policy does Catari follow?

Catari follows a fair pricing policy that reflects the quality and performance of its scaffolding systems. Our focus is to offer the best cost-benefit on the market, ensuring long-lasting and safe solutions. We also provide special conditions and financing support, making access to our products easier.

7. Is Catari scaffolding compatible with other brands?

Yes. We supply components compatible with the leading reference systems available on the market. However, we always recommend consulting our technical department beforehand and strictly following assembly standards to ensure maximum structural safety.

8. What are the minimum order quantities?

Except for specific product references, Catari does not require a minimum order quantity. Our team will inform you of any exceptions when applicable.

9. Does Catari provide transport and delivery?

Catari can ensure transport and delivery of scaffolding upon customer request. This service is available at an additional cost and can be carried out under different logistical modalities (EXW, DAF, CIF, among others), ensuring flexibility and efficiency throughout the delivery process.

10. What is the average delivery time for Catari products?

Delivery time depends on the region and stock availability at the time of order.

The average lead times below are presented in weeks (1 week = 7 days) and are based on immediate stock availability and full-truck/container shipments:

Always contact your sales manager to confirm stock availability and delivery times applicable to your region.

11. Does Catari offer engineering and design services?

Yes. Engineering and project services are one of the key benefits we provide. We analyse the project, perform structural calculations using scaffolding analysis software, and develop 3D modelling including components, quantities and detailed assembly drawings. In addition to project-phase support, we also provide on-site supervision and training upon request, ensuring complete and safe solutions. See all Catari services.

12. Does Catari provide scaffolder training?

Yes. We have a team of specialised trainers capable of delivering scaffolder training for Catari FA-48® and Catari US systems. At the end of the training, a Catari Scaffolder Certificate is issued.

13. How can I verify the validity of a Catari scaffolder certificate?

Validating a Catari certificate is very easy. Simply visit this page (https://catarigroup.com/certificates/), enter the certificate code in the search box, and the authenticity and validity of the document will be displayed immediately.

Note, however, that this feature is only available for certificates issued from the second half of 2025 onwards.

14. Do scaffolding structures require CE marking?

No. Scaffolding structures are not subject to mandatory CE marking. Under Regulation (EU) No. 305/2011, only construction products covered by harmonised technical specifications may carry CE marking. Currently, EN 12810 (facade scaffolding with prefabricated components) is not a harmonised standard and is not included in the list published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Therefore, CE marking cannot be applied based on this standard.

15. Is there a difference between the scaffold class and the platform class?

Yes, they differ. While platform class indicates the load capacity that a set of platforms can support per bay (e.g., class 3 = 200 kg/m²), scaffold class refers to the overall load capacity of the structure, considering load combinations and specific configurations as defined in EN 12810. For example, a platform may be class 5 (450 kg/m²) but installed in a scaffold structure with class 3 bays—thus the overall structure would be limited to class 3.

16. Can scaffolding be certified under EN 12811?

No, EN 12811 is not a certification standard. It defines calculation and testing methods applicable to different types of working scaffolds.

Certification applies to EN 12810, the specific standard for façade scaffolding with prefabricated components. This standard references several methods described in EN 12811. Therefore, when a scaffold is certified under EN 12810, it already demonstrates compliance with the relevant EN 12811 requirements.

17. Is it mandatory to use certified scaffolding in the European Union?

No, there is no EU-wide obligation requiring the exclusive use of scaffolding certified under EN 12810.

However, some countries have their own regulations; therefore, scaffolding must comply with national occupational safety legislation, including being designed, erected and used in accordance with applicable standards.

18. Why do many scaffolding systems use measurements ending in “0.07 m”?

These dimensions originate from the historical evolution of the scaffolding industry, along with the manufacturers’ constant concern for compatibility.

Many modern scaffolding systems are derived from designs originally based on the imperial system used in countries like the UK:
1 foot = 304.8 mm, 7 feet ≈ 2.13 m, 10 feet ≈ 3.05 m.
When these systems were converted to the metric system, the modular proportions were preserved to maintain compatibility between old and new components.

This led to standard lengths still used today, such as:

• 0.73 m (≈ 2’ 5”)
• 1.57 m (≈ 5’ 2”)
• 2.07 m (≈ 6’ 9”)
• 3.07 m (≈ 10’ 1”)

Over time, these dimensions became the de facto standards used by European manufacturers.

19. What is the durability of a scaffold?

Assuming proper maintenance, durability is directly linked to the component’s coating. At Catari, most parts are hot-dip galvanised in accordance with EN ISO 1461, which defines minimum and average zinc thicknesses.

Corrosion rates depend on the environment, classified under ISO 14713, with corrosion categories defined in ISO 9223.

For reference, in an environment with moderate pollution (medium exposure class), our experience shows that components typically retain their functional characteristics for 10 to 15 years.

Given the many variables involved, we always recommend consulting the relevant bibliography if in doubt.

20. I have technical questions about scaffolding and its use. What should I do?

Contact Catari directly. Our commercial team will provide all the support needed to obtain clear and safe answers. We work with a close-support structure, where the engineering, product management and project teams collaborate seamlessly with customer service.

📩 Contact us: https://catarigroup.com/contacts/