Why Is Commercial Scaffolding So Important?

One of the most critical jobs on a worksite is scaffolding installation. When working at heights, at any time, a worker could fall. A poorly installed scaffolding or a defective working system can cost thousands of dollars to repair and even more to replace. Scaffolding provides a safe working platform for working at heights. In this article, we’ll outline why scaffolding hires should be your top priority if you need to work at heights. 

What is the Purpose of Scaffolding in Modern Construction Sites?

In the past, scaffolds were just used by building workers for carrying heavy loads and lifting large structures like buildings and bridges. But today, this safety system has become an integral part of every construction project, especially in the construction of skyscrapers and tall buildings. More than one construction project each day requires the services of scaffolds, making scaffolding an essential safety tool.

In most construction projects, scaffolding systems are made of a single framework made of steel or aluminium. The frame is usually attached to the floor using a steel rod. When the scaffolding is raised high enough, a harness is placed around the worker’s body, and the rope is wrapped around the worker’s body. When the string is pulled tight, the scaffolding system can support the entire weight of the person working at heights and can even be used to lift heavy objects.

How Is Scaffolding Erected?

The actual mechanism of scaffolding is composed of four parts: the pulley, chain, a metal wire, and the harness. The pulley is used to allow the chain to pull the rope through the metal wire. If the chain pulls too hard, the pulley may break, and the string will lose its tension.

The harness is used to support the person wearing the scaffolding and prevent him or her from falling from the structure. Sometimes the harness will attach to the top of the saddle and sometimes it will connect the harness to the base of the harness. Sometimes the harness is worn over the waist, and sometimes it is worn over the chest, and sometimes it is worn on the chest. Some scaffolding harnesses have separate straps which are attached to either side of the waist.

Is Scaffolding Safe? 

When installed, scaffolding is safe and reliable for a multitude of reasons. If the metal wire breaks, the wire breaks in a specific way that prevents another strand from breaking off from the metal wire and coming down to the worker. The metal wire is then connected to a hook on the scaffolding, and the hook is turned and pulled off by the chain on the scaffold. Then the hook and the metal wire are attached to the frame, and the anchor is locked into place.

What Are the Different Types of Scaffolding? 

Different types of scaffolding are available. They can be made of wood, vinyl, metal, fibreglass, fibre cement, or steel. Each scaffolding material has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, wood scaffolding is generally more robust than metal scaffolding, but they are not as flexible.

Why Does Scaffolding Need to be Inspected? 

Major construction companies that do a lot of scaffolding have a maintenance crew that inspects the scaffolds daily. This team consists of people who wear safety gear such as goggles, protective clothing, and breathing apparatus. They also wear hard hats and safety harnesses.

Experts inspect many scaffolding projects before they are erected. Inspectors check the condition of the metal wire that is attached to the pulley, the connection of the harness to the harness, and the stability of the metal wire. They also check for loose bolts, loose clamps, broken sections of metal wire, and other dangerous components.

The Final Steps of Erecting a Scaffold

Once the maintenance team has inspected scaffolding, the scaffolders begin the process of erecting structure for a scaffolding project. In most cases, the scaffolders begin scaffolding erection by placing the steel cable into place and attaching the hooks, and the turn latches to the line. Then they secure the rope onto the chain. They then make several sections of string and attach them to the wire and the pulley to create teams of rope. They use the wire loops to loop the rope into areas that will run along the cable when the string is pulled across the wire.

Once the wire loops are made, they place them onto the wire loops. They tie the sections of rope around the wire loops and secure them with clamps. Using the clamps, the scaffolding is attached to the scaffolds. If a unit of yarn is not long enough, it will be placed back onto the wire loops and secured. Once all the scaffolding is fixed in place, the workers then put the end of the rope back onto the chain and tighten the chain.

When scaffolding is erected, all employees should move as slowly as possible during the entire process. Because framing can get very heavy, workers should work with caution because they are lifting a large amount of equipment. The speed at which the scaffolders are working will depend on the type of material that they are carrying and the height of the scaffolding.

Where Can I Find Competent Scaffolding Hires in Queensland?

If you’re on the Sunshine Coast, you’re in good hands. There are a multitude of scaffolding hires available. Lately, BTA Scaffolds have been developing a strong reputation for their scaffolding Sunshine Coast services. Get in contact with them today to discuss your available options.

Everything You Need to Know About Scaffolding Safety

If you’re a construction site manager, you know full well the importance of erecting scaffolding on the premise you’re building on. Scaffolding provides both fall-prevention measures and keeps pedestrians safe from falling objects. When it comes to scaffolding, you shouldn’t be cutting corners. It’s fundamental that you find the right scaffolding services for your individual circumstances to ensure that your employees are working in an environment that adheres to Australia’s strict workplace health and safety measures. In this article, we’re going to outline absolutely everything you need to know about scaffolding and where to find the right services to suit your individual circumstances. 

The purpose of scaffolding is to provide a safe working platform. If you are looking for a competent place for scaffolding hires, the good news is, there are plenty of options available for you. The best thing you can do is search around on Google for your local services and call around between them to compare quotes. This way, you’re going to be able to find the most affordable scaffolding services to suit your needs. It should be noted that you shouldn’t be sacrificing quality for cheaper services. Make sure you look into the company’s reviews to determine whether or not their services are reliable. 

What are the 3 types of scaffolding?

Generally, there are three main types of scaffolds that are employed in professional scaffolding services. The need for each of these different types of scaffolds depends largely upon where you are situated, the weight of what you need to carry and how many people are going to be working at the heights you require. The three main types of scaffolds are: 

1. Supported scaffolding – when you think of scaffolding, this type of scaffolding is probably what comes to mind. Supported scaffolding is the most common form of scaffolding services. Supported scaffolds are built from the ground-up. They are erected using metal tubes and some other materials (depending on the country you’re in). They are built around the outside of a building and provide a great way for workers to reach different parts of the building.
2. Mobile scaffolding – this kind of scaffolding is also referred to as rolling scaffolding. Its uses on large construction sites where the deconstruction and reconstruction of the scaffold are needed frequently. When dealing with mobile scaffolding, it’s important that your workers are careful. 
3. Suspended scaffolding – if you’re trying to reach areas at the top of a building that is above two storeys, sometimes using supported scaffolding is unnecessary. Supported scaffolding is hung from the roof and lowered down slowly. This is most commonly used for people that clean the outside of a skyscraper or large commercial building. 

Can scaffolding be erected in difficult locations?

Sometimes working on buildings that are located on a steep slope is necessary. You might be surprised to find out that scaffolding can be erected on a slope. Although it is more difficult and takes more time to erect, scaffolding services can raise and lower particular beams of the scaffold as they please, allowing them to create flexible foundations. 

Sometimes scaffolds need to be constructed over a pool. To avoid scratching the bottom of the pool, it is typically recommended that cushioning is used to prevent the pool surface from being scratched away during the process. If you have a garden or other areas of your property that you need to preserve, you can be sure that your scaffolding services have the solutions for you. 

How dangerous is scaffolding

Did you know that between 2003 and 2011, 232 workers were killed from working at heights? Working at heights is dangerous at the best of times. For this reason, construction site managers are bound by law to ensure that they are implementing fall-prevention measures to keep their workers safe. Scaffolding provides employees with a safe working platform when working on the outside of a building. For this reason, it’s commonly found on construction sites and other kinds of maintenance or painting. For large commercial buildings and skyscrapers, sometimes erecting scaffolding from the ground up is an inefficient way to go about the services they need to provide.

It should be everybody’s right to know that at the end of their working day they are going to be able to return home to their loved ones. Ensuring that all of your employees are equipped with safe working platforms is a task you cannot cut corners on. For this reason, you need to consider a professional scaffold hire. Companies like QuikScaff are developing a great name for themselves in erecting reliable scaffolds that can support high degrees of weight and endure any conditions. 

Why Are Scaffolding Inspections Necessary?

Scaffolding needs to be inspected at least once a week after the first use. Every time torrential weather sweeps through the area, the scaffolding needs to be inspected by a professional. When inspecting a scaffold, a few of the key aspects that must be checked prior to allowing entry are:

1. The type of scaffold, the weighting, the number of employees and upcoming weather conditions
2. That the scaffold is kept away from electrical power lines
3. Ensure that there are no bends, cracks or other damages in the scaffold’s foundations

Do Scaffold Boards Need to be Tied Down?

Before a scaffold can be considered a safe working platform for your employees, the boards must be fastened and tied down. In the case of bad weather, if the boards are loose, they could be moved out of place. When operating heavy machinery, if the boards were to move out of place it could be devastating. For this reason, it’s essential that you always have your boards tied down when erecting a scaffold. If you have come across any boards on your scaffold that have not been tied down, do not hesitate to contact your site manager.

What Are the Risks Associated with Scaffolding?

Inevitably, working at heights poses a threat to the safety of your employees. Scaffolding provides a platform for your employees, but there are risks involved. A few of these risks are:

1. Falls – even though scaffolds are erected for fall-prevention, accidents do happen. Falling is a common cause of death from working at heights on a scaffold. It can be prevented with attentive care towards your environment. 
2. Being Struck by Falling Materials – wearing a safety helmet is required by law on a construction site. However, there are still people who die every year from not wearing their safety helmet. 
3. Electrocution – because most traditional scaffolds are erected using metal poles and beams, it creates a perfect circuit for a current of electricity. If scaffolding is erected too closely to powerlines, you run the risk of electrocuting the people who use the platform. For this reason, it is absolutely fundamental that scaffolding is not erected too closely to powerlines. 

How do you calculate the cost of scaffolding?

To calculate the cost of scaffolding, you’re going to need to keep a few things in mind. One of the key aspects you need to consider is the difficulty of the task at hand. If you’re hoping to erect scaffolding on an area that’s on a slope, it’s going to be more difficult for the scaffolding servicemen to do their job. Although it isn’t impossible, you can expect to pay a hefty fee for their services.

Typically in Australia, the cost to hire scaffolding services can be anywhere between $20 and $30 an hour. When you’re calculating the cost of your scaffold, you need to consider how long they are expected to take with their service. If you’re unsure on how long you believe they’re going to take or how much they’re going to charge for their services, it never hurts to contact the company you would like to hire to have them come and inspect your premise. This way, they will provide you with a quote for their services and you will be able to determine whether or not you believe it’s the most cost-effective route for you.

How much weight can a scaffold board take?

As a general rule of thumb, anything over 150kg per scaffold board is too heavy. Scaffolds that are higher than 120 feet will require a professional registered engineer to design. Depending on the boards that are used, they’re going to be able to support different amounts of weight. The three main kinds of scaffold boards are:

• Light-duty: can support up to 25 pounds per square foot
• Medium-duty: can support up to 50 pounds per square foot
• Heavy-duty: can support up to 75 pounds per square food

Where can I find more information on scaffolding?

If you’re searching for more information on scaffold hires, it never hurts to do more research on your own accord. This way, you’re going to be able to find the best alternative for your circumstances. If you’re in a hurry to get your scaffolding erected, the best thing you could do is contact your local scaffolding services. There, they will be able to answer any of the questions you have about their services and they’ll be able to get your services underway promptly.