A Guide On Scaffolding
A scaffold is an essential piece of equipment in your construction site. Ideally, a scaffold allows builders and other technicians to work safely at heights. If you have not previously used a scaffold, below is an extract with a few scaffolding FAQs.
What Is Scaffolding?
Scaffolding is a wooden or metallic structure pinned to a building to ease access to elevated working areas. Different types of scaffolds are needed when putting up or renovating a building. Single and double scaffolds are pinned to the ground and the structure's wall. Conversely, cantilever scaffolding is solely pinned to the building's wall. It is a perfect solution when site conditions complicate the installation of a scaffold at the building's base. For instance, the area around the building could be a busy street or have unstable soil.
A suspended scaffold is installed on the top of a building and lowered using pulleys and chains. The equipment is a perfect choice when conducting building maintenance works that do not necessitate the installation of a large scaffolding. For instance, you could use the scaffold to clean windows, repaint the building, or install lighting. A trestle scaffold is a small scaffold used to conduct internal and external building maintenance. These scaffolds are easy to set up and lightweight. Some of these scaffolds are mobile. As such, you do not have to disassemble the scaffolding when moving it to a new location.
What Safety Measures Should You Observe When Using Scaffolding?
You must prioritise safety when installing and using scaffolds. First, read the installation guide when assembling the scaffold. Alternatively, you could hire an experienced scaffolder to install the scaffold at your site. The primary benefit of these professionals is that they have the technical expertise needed to install, inspect, and repair scaffolding. Once the scaffold is erect, inspect it for defects or installation oversites. Ideally, the standards, needles, and putlogs should not have any weaknesses. You must also assess the working platforms for cracks that could predispose workers to falls. Finally, the scaffolding must be stable. If possible, install additional supports or riggers to improve its stability.
Your employees must be cautious when working on the platform. For example, they should use the ladders to access the platform and not jump between the lower and upper platforms. The construction crew should clean the platforms to remove debris that could cause slips and falls. Inspect the scaffold after every shift to identify potential defects. You must also conduct routine maintenance to avoid scaffolding failure.
Share