There are a number of different types of staffs that are used for levelling. They are usually made of a rigid fibreglass or aluminum box sections of about 1.5m in length, that telescope or socket together. Other varieties are made from wood and hinge together. The total height for a staff is generally no higher than 5m.

The most common staffs are graduated in metres, decimetres and centimetres using alternating colours of black and red (see picture at right). There are a variety of ways in which they are graduated. The two most common types of staff faces are the E type face or the 5mm graduated face.

The staff should be held vertical over the point to be measured with the face of the staff pointing towards the level. The staff can be held vertical with the aid of a bubble which has a convenient right angle handle which allows it to be held against the staff. If a precise level is to be taken at a point then care must be taken too ensure the staff is correctly positioned over the point and it does not subside under the weight of the staff. For points that are not clearly defined or on soft ground a change plate is often used.

Types of Staff

• E type staff
• 5mm staff
• Invar Staff
• Digital Staff
• Wooden Hinged staff