Scaffolding is a temporary structure made of wooden planks or metal poles. It is used by workers for providing support during cleaning, construction or repairing of buildings or bridges. Scaffolding is considered an easier and safer option compared to ladders because it provides access to higher points and also a larger working platform. There are different types of scaffolding you can choose from for a project, and you'll want to be sure to take safety precautions any time you use scaffolding.
Types of scaffolding
The type of scaffolding you choose will depend on a number of factors such as the nature and height of the building, the number of workers to be supported on each platform at a time, the amount of time available to construct scaffolding and the size of the area to be covered. The following types of scaffolding are available
Supported scaffolding
The structure is built upwards from the ground and platforms are supported by poles fixed in the ground. Though it can only be used at a particular point unless deconstructed and put up again, it is the easiest, safest and most cost effective type of scaffolding. Extra support should be provided if you plan to hold heavy weights.
Suspended scaffolding
This type of scaffolding is suspended from the roof of the construction. It is used when it is impossible to build the structure from the base or when the workers require access to very high points, which would make construction from the ground unrealistic. It can be used on constructions such as bridges.
Rolling scaffolding
The structure of rolling scaffolding is similar to that of supported scaffolding. Variation is brought about by the presence of wheels that allow the base to be moved. Workers are able to cover a larger area than when using fixed base scaffolding. If you choose to use this type of scaffolding, you should remember to lock the wheel casters once you are in position to prevent further movement of the structure.
Aerial lifts
This type of scaffolding allows for platforms to be raised or lowered as required. Using vehicle mounted aerial platforms, workers can move from one level to another or to different parts of the construction to another within a short period during construction.
Safety precautions to take
Scaffolding, if improperly used, can result in terrible injuries that may end up in fatalities. Incidences of collapsed scaffolds and workers falling from high points are common in cases of poor construction and improper use. The following considerations should be taken to guarantee safety
For more information and tips, contact a local scaffolding supplier.
Share8 January 2016
Concrete may seem boring to the uninitiated, but as the wife of a concrete contractor, I have learned, over the years, that it is anything but boring. Contemporary concrete can be used in a range of applications from functional sound walls to decorative koi ponds, and it can be left gray, stamped or acid stained. If you are getting ready to do a project, you have come to the right place. In this blog, I am going to post a myriad of information about concrete with an emphasis on project ideas and the different uses of concrete. By the end, I hope you find concrete as exciting as I do!
