Choosing the Right Mobile Scaffold Tower for the Job

Falling from height is extremely common. It is also the most common cause of fatalities among workers. Research has revealed that almost one-third of fatalities was due to workers falling from several feet from the ground. Combined with a reliable safety harness and suspension cables, mobile scaffold towers are an essential tool for people working at height.

Important Considerations For Finding the Right Mobile Scaffold Towers:

Choose QC Passed Models

Finding the right mobile scaffolding can be very confusing as there are so many available. Check if the equipment has a seal indicating that it has passed all quality standards set by the law and the industry itself. There can be a lot of brand imitations. If you carry out research, you will learn the authentic seal.

Conduct Good Research
Conducting good research is not difficult. The internet can provide you with reliable information about how genuine ‘QC passed’ seals should look. It may even give you specific details on how you will be able to distinguish mediocre-quality scaffold towers from the one with the finest qualities.

Read online reviews
Online reviews have long been helping consumers when it comes to having the assurance that they are not spending their hard-earned money on a product with poor quality. If you are in search of premium quality mobile scaffold towers or the equipment’s most reliable providers, online reviews can help you a lot. With the help of reviews, you would know if the promise of excellence and reliability by a product provider is really true.

You will know about the pros and cons that the equipment may offer. In addition to that, you will also gain insights from the actual experiences of real users. They may also be extremely generous to direct you to the best product providers.

If you will do this however, be sure that you are browsing a review page that is not paid by the product provider; otherwise, you will not obtain honest reviews.

Purchase from reputable product providers
Check the credibility of the store where you plan to purchase the equipment. It must be one that has been known for consistent excellence in the industry. You may also ask for its previous and existing clients regarding the quality of their products. This way, you’ll know if they’ve been consistently reliable.

Safety of workers should always be a top priority. If you are working on elevated locations be sure that you are using the right mobile scaffold towers.

If you need a question answered or some extra information, don’t hesitate on contacting Alloy Access!

Read more

Mobile Scaffolding – Your Ultimate Guide

Mobile scaffolding structures are designed to optimize freedom of movement while working at height. They are adjustable, easy to dismantle, and are light in weight making it easy to move around.

This type of scaffolding is suitable for but not limited to:

  • painting
  • plastering
  • tiling
  • emergency repairs
  • railway station repairs
  • normal building sites.

Safety measures for assembling and using mobile scaffolding:

  • Important to use braces that cross and are horizontal & diagonal. This is to provide a rigid structure for safety.
  • The scaffold should ALWAYS be level and squared.
  • It is important that platforms do not extend out over the base supports of the scaffold. If the platforms need to extend outwards then ensure that outriggers or similar stabilizing devices are in use.
  • Ensure that there is nobody on the scaffold while moving it.

Choosing the right mobile scaffold:

  • A good reputation and a technologically is extremely important with regards to choosing scaffolding. For high quality components, look for scaffolding that used robot welding and laser cutting..
  • Adjustable scaffolds with wheels can be quite expensive, so if you’re buying them, make sure your investment is worth it. Invest in a strong, durable material like steel rather than a shorter-lived one like aluminium. While steel is heavier, it maximizes a worker’s safety.
  • Ensure that your scaffolding comes with a warranty so that you aren’t burdened with a flawed product.
  • Scaffold towers with chassis beams will allow workers to simply release a break and relocate their scaffold. These provide convenience in terms of mobility, so chassis beams are a feature to look out for.
  • New ranges of mobile scaffolding offer foldaway options that can fit into small spaces and optimize ease of assembly, and stability. You could be ready to roll in a jiffy.
  • Depending on your requirements, some companies will customize your components for increased productivity. Contact your dealer to ask if they can make you a specialized scaffold.

When not to use mobile Scaffolding:
It’s crucial to keep in mind that mobile scaffolding structures have certain shortcomings in terms of suitability to environments.

Using a mobile scaffolding structure in the following areas is not advisable in the following situations:

  • In areas where the ground is unstable or uneven, for example, above mines and on floodplains. Unless you want to re-enact Jack and Jill going down the hill, best stay away from slopes as well.
  • In landslide-prone regions of high altitude or mudslide prone regions in river basins.
  • At building heights of above 15 meters.
  • Wherever they will prohibit access to the inside of a building requiring convenient passage, especially in front of emergency escape routes.

Other than this, contractors should keep in mind that fiberglass scaffolding towers are essential for safety when dealing with electronic equipment atop scaffolding. It is a great idea to buy an aluminum mobile scaffold as they last longer and are sturdier. If you have any further question then make sure you give Alloy Access a call!

We’re also on Facebook!

Read more

The Scaffolding Guide

Basic knowledgeable about scaffolding is important regardless of the job at hand. Scaffolding’s are temporary structures used mainly for repair work or for construction sites.

Ensuring the safety of the people who will be working in and around the site is just as important as choosing the right scaffolding. The most common accidents on work sites involve injuries incurred on or related to scaffolds.

Scaffolds are easily assembled and erected. They are structures made out of steel or timber. Within the frames, there are platforms for carry out work. They are laid down for easy accessibility to high elevations. The high elevations are usually tall buildings that need repair work.

There are 2 primary categories of scaffolds:

  1. Fixed
  2. Mobile

 

Fixed Scaffolds
Fixed scaffolds are constructed alongside a building. These scaffolds can be either independent or putlog.

 

The Independent Scaffold

Independent scaffolds have standards or uprights on both sides of the platforms to allow the structure to remain upright without support from the building under construction or repair.

 

The Putlog Scaffold

Putlog scaffolds have standards or uprights along the outer edges, but its inner side is supported by the structure or building itself. Putlogs have flattened ends that are placed between courses of brickwork in the building or edifice to add support. The putlogs are used to support a working platform. Independent scaffolds should also be secured or tied to the structure under repair or construction at various intervals to lend support to its overall stability.

 

Mobile Scaffolds
A mobile scaffold is a type of freestanding independent scaffold. It is mounted on castors or wheels that swivel and allow the scaffold to be easily moved from location to location.

 

Suspended or Swingstage Scaffold

A suspended or swingstage scaffold has a platform that can be raised or lowered. An example of a suspended scaffold are those commonly used as a means to wash the outer windows on highrises.

 

Hanging Bracket Scaffold

Hanging bracket scaffolds may have horizontal structures that are supported by the floors of the building or other edifice under construction or repair. These scaffolds should be designed by an engineer and include load testing and other safety measures.

Before purchasing or renting a particular scaffold, you must determine the scope of the project including your particular situation, budget, and needs. You must first know what function you want your scaffold to achieve. Does your project consist of a single story building or will it have multiple levels? What is the design of the building or other structure under construction or repair? How long do you project that you will need the scaffolding? What is your estimated budget? Once you have answered these questions, you can best determine the scaffolding that is best suited for your needs within your budget.

When estimating your budget on scaffolding, make sure not to put price before safety. Skimping on price can be costly both economically and emotionally if there were to be an injury or death due to improper or faulty scaffolding. A few Internet sites that both sell and rent scaffolding have estimator tools. These tools enable you to design the scaffolding for your particular needs and project and then tell you what would be needed for your design.

It is also important to review the guarantee and return policies of both manufacturers and dealers of scaffolding.

 

Once you have determined the particular scaffold that would best meet your needs, you could then turn your attention to pricing and selection. By taking the time to do some comparative shopping, you would not only find the best scaffolding for your project at the most reasonable price, but you could possibly ward off potential problems such as faulty components or useless or worse yet, no guarantees on the rented or purchased scaffolding.

If you have any further questions then make sure you give Alloy Access a call!

Read more

Safety With Scaffolding

When working with scaffolding it is very important to adhere to a set of robust safety standards. This is to ensure that on-site injuries are minimized and hopefully avoided all together.

To explain, the primary elements of basic scaffolds are: – Ledgers, Standards and Transoms.

Standards are perpendicular tubes which are used to relocate the entire weight of the structure to the floor where the scaffold rests. These kinds of Scaffolds are also called uprights. Ledgers are flat poles used to connect between standards. Transoms are always kept in the way which makes the right angle with the ledgers. It is an ordinary practice to place main transoms next to the standards to grasp the standards in place and to supply extra support to the boards. Main transoms will be associated by transitional transoms to supply extra support to the boards over and above the scaffolding.

Safety measures to adhere to when using scaffolding:

When moving towers, care must always be taken to ensure that the tower will remain upright. Particular concern must be taken when moving the scaffolding tower over a rough surface, as this may cause it to fall. No equipment should be left on the scaffolding platform at the same time as you are moving it. If the equipment falls it could damage or harm someone standing beneath, and the weight of the equipment could also make the scaffolding less powerful.

The tower should always be tied to the building in dubious weather conditions. Acute concern should be taken when there are high winds, as this could cause the scaffolding to move and bend. If the tower is not tall enough for its purpose, rather erect a taller structure of scaffolding. Inserting boxes or a ladder or any heavy equipment on top of scaffolding to gain extra height is very dangerous.

When scaffolding is upright, be it for industrial use or residential, the size and shape of the building must be taken into deliberation. A trained contractor who specializes in scaffolding is always ideal, because they will be able to decide accurately what size of scaffolding. They will draw up a scaffolding construction and installation plan that is customized for your building necessities.

For all your access solutions, call Alloy Access today or click here to view our website.

Read more

Tips for Scaffolding Safety

Scaffolding is a great way to gain easy access in many applications. From a small extension project to multi-story skyscrapers scaffolding help to get the job done. However, there are dangers when working with scaffolding not least of all falls.

Whether it is a stationary scaffold or a mobile scaffold, chances of accident are always there. Remember, falls from high places typically result in serious injuries and it is of critical importance to follow safety standards, irrespective of the type of scaffolding that you are using. So the good news is that falls from scaffolds can be avoided if a few important safety tips were to be followed.

The first and most important tip that anyone could give is to have a competent authority to take care of the scaffolding on the site. This supervisor should be the person who should oversee all the scaffold erection. Reputable scaffolding suppliers will also offer additional services such as assistance in scaffolding erection. However, there should be a trained supervisor who should always be available to deal with any scaffolding issue.

It goes without saying that it is extremely important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions whenever scaffolding are being erected. If you have any doubts, do call up your supplier or the manufacturer’s representative and get them clarified. Remember, there is nothing wrong in seeking help.

It is important that to ensure that no one works on the scaffolds, whether it is a stationary scaffold or a mobile scaffold during stormy weather. Most of the accidents involving fall from heights usually happen during windy weather. The safety supervisor on site should ensure that the scaffolds are a “no go” zone during such weather.

Before anyone climbs on to a scaffold, it should be checked whether they are leaning to one side or wobbly. It should be made mandatory for all to do this check before they use any of the scaffolds. This will ensure a drastic reduction in the number of workplace accidents.

Under no circumstances should the mistake of using concrete blocks or loose bricks for supporting scaffolding be made. Remember, if the manufacturer says that there is foundation required for scaffolding, especially if it were to be erected on a hard surface, then it is in your best interests to go by the recommendation and at all costs avoid shortcuts.

In case of the use of mobile scaffolding, make sure that you chock the wheels. This will prevent the mobile scaffold from rolling. Remember, aluminum scaffolding is extremely light and there are chances of the scaffold rolling. It is therefore important that you check whether the wheels have been locked.

Finally, it is also important that you do not move the mobile scaffold if someone is working on them. Most of the fall accidents involving scaffolding happen due to this mistake.

In this article we have addressed a few different components in order to better understand scaffold safety procedures. By incorporating a good safety routine and awareness you will be in a better position of keeping yourself and workers safe.

If you need information and answers related to using scaffolding equipment, mobile or static and scaffold towers for your next project, be sure to get in touch with Alloy Access. Your trusted access solution provider.

Read more

Get The Job Done With Scaffolding

What type of scaffolding best provides reliable support for the workers is largely dependent on the task at hand. There are many different types of scaffolding to choose from.

Scaffolds provide reliable support for workers while they perform tasks much higher than the ground level. They can be non-moving support structures that remain in place unless they are disassembled for moving and set up in a different location. Another type of scaffolding features are wheels or rollers that allow the scaffold to move in a particular area without the need for workers to dismantle the scaffold. The cables are used to help scaffold the slide deck from front to rear or raise and lower the scaffolding to move to a new spot. They also have locking mechanisms to keep the scaffolding safely in place after it has been moved to the desired location.

The scaffolds are made from different types of materials. Aluminum is a very popular material in many scaffolding because it is a solid material that weighs less than most other materials used in construction scaffolding. The lighter weight of aluminum scaffolding makes it easier to transport than scaffolds using heavier materials. Safety is a priority on any job, and sometimes a more heavy scaffold is a more appropriate choice for a specific job. If you are unsure about which type of scaffold is the safest and best choice for the work you do, ask a specialist in scaffolding for their recommendation on the type of scaffolding that they would choose for the task.

H-frame, light and versatile are three varieties that scaffolds can be found under. Scaffolding consists of several parts and when securely fastened together, creates an area of support for workers to perform tasks safely, even at very high above the ground. It is very important that scaffolds are properly maintained and inspected regularly to ensure it still works correctly to ensure worker safety.

Employers are required to provide workers a safe environment in which to perform tasks. This includes the provision of equipment that offers protection against accidents and serious injuries. Providing workers with the strong support of quality scaffolding for managing the demands of the task, gets the job done and protect the workers at the same time. Internet use and other resources such as talking to scaffolding experts to learn more about the different types of scaffolding that is available will help you in choosing the scaffolding that is most appropriate for the work you and your staff do. For additional security benefits, it is strongly recommended that you and your workers also complete a training course scaffold in the safe and proper use of scaffold.

Alloy Access is a trusted scaffolding company, where you are assured of receiving the highest quality scaffolding. Contact us today.

Read more

When to Use Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a tool not an option. Like many other tools, scaffolding is designed with a specific purpose in mind. Also, like a tool, knowing when and how to use scaffolding a must. Fear not, we’re here to clue you in a bit.

Scaffolding is generally used when a ladder is not practical or comfortable to use. Knowing when these times are is probably the first most important step in the process. Ask yourself these three questions; Will you be moving a lot of heavy material up and down? If you use a ladder will you have to move it several times an hour? Is the job such that you will be uncomfortable on a ladder? If the answer to any of these three questions is yes, then you better start thinking scaffolding.

There are options with scaffolding that most people are not aware of. For example when painting a room or remodeling one, use of a single scaffold with wheels is perfect for doing ceiling work. You can relax and work on your back rather than straining or risking a nasty fall by trying to bend over backwards (literally).

When doing outdoor masonry work or anything that requires a lot of going up and down a ladder, having a scaffold serves two purposes; it gets you where you need to be as you need to be there and provides a platform for tools and materials keeping you from climbing up and down as much. Not having to climb as much helps keep you safe and a little less tired at the end of the day.

Setting up scaffolding is pretty simple and nearly a two person job. Making sure that your scaffold is level and on a firm footing is the first step to safety. Proper assembly is the second. If you are not sure how to assemble the scaffolding, get some help. Improperly assembled scaffolding will leave you wishing you had asked a few questions when it crashes. Third and just as important, inspect the scaffold before every single use, not just as you assemble it. Often scaffolding left overnight can settle or unreported chips in the planks can occur weakening them.

Finding scaffolding is as easy as finding a phone book. Most lumber yards and home improvement stores will rent or lease scaffolding to the one or two time user at a fair price. Again, inspect the scaffolding as it’s unloaded to make sure you are not renting damaged goods. If you find something that is damaged, don’t assume that it will be fine because it was delivered; get a new piece.

If you are business owner thinking about scaffolding on a permanent basis, you can buy scaffolding towers. Scaffolding owned by you assures that your workforce will have an intimate knowledge of the scaffolding and become very familiar with it. This has an advantage over leasing a different style from job to job and watching your workforce try to figure out how to put it together every few weeks.

Scaffolding has its place on the construction site and even in home improvement. Again, knowing where and when to use scaffolding is a win-win for everyone. Keep it safe and know what you are getting yourself into before you get started will help you perform your job much more effectively.

Read more

How To Scaffold Your Home, Simply and Safely!

Sometimes, ladders just aren’t up to the job! If you are working alone, it is impossible to ensure your safety whilst perched precariously at the top of a narrow ladder. Do not despair; there is another, safer, option – the scaffolding system. As well as being more stable, you will have a wide platform from which to work from. It will save time and also enable you to do a better job. If you thought scaffolding was strictly for large buildings and construction sites, think again!

Where To Start

You can either buy or rent a scaffolding system.

How High?

You should measure the height of the area that you need to work on, use a reliable measuring system, and speak to the experts where you bought or hired the scaffolding from. You will need to calculate how many frames you need. A scaffolding frame is about five feet wide and five feet tall. Also remember that your platform needs to be about five or six feet below the area you are working on.

Assembly Time

So you’ve spoken to the experts and they have advised you of the correct scaffolding equipment. So what next? Firstly, you will need to assemble the base parts; this is achieved by placing two end frames together and connecting them with the correct screws. Ensure the base is rested on a solid surface, preferably wooden pads or concrete if available. After the base is assembled you can start on the planks and handrails.

Don’t Scrimp!

Do not be tempted to use some old planks you had lying around in the garden shed; you need strengthened wood for this job. You will risk a serious accident if you try to cut corners – be warned. You should also install guard rails to avoid a nasty fall, although you shouldn’t require them on the area that is facing the building.

Look Out!

A real danger when working on scaffolding is the possibility of falling objects, and the safety of people beneath them. You can avoid this by placing boards underneath the platform. These will catch any tools that become wayward.

Other Tips

Your scaffolding tower has been erected, with the help of a few friends, and now you are ready to start the work. Or are you? Here are a few extra ways to ensure your experience is a safe one:

• Construct a workstation – this allows you work extra hours without needing to climb down.
• Always lock the casters before you start to climb up the tower.
• Look out for any overhead wires nearby, they may be live electrical conductors.
• Take regular breaks, especially if you are working alone.
• Use a bucket to hoist required materials up into the workstation.
• Finally, if the job becomes too much, do not be afraid to call in the professionals!

Read more

Scaffold Tower Facts

Scaffold towers are used all over the world to get the job done in high places. They are unique pieces of equipment that allow people to build or repair things that are too far off the ground to reach safely by ladder. Among other things, they help people carry out work such as roof repair. You can either buy your own scaffolding or rent it, whichever works out best for you.

Scaffolding is simply a structure made from metal poles and planks that is held together by couplers and other attaching devices. Most scaffolding is made from steel and wood products. The framework itself is generally composed of metal and the platforms and planks are wood. Some scaffolds are fixed while others are mobile.

Mobile scaffolding is freestanding and can be moved about by its casters and wheels which are placed on the bottom of its poles. It doesn’t have to be disassembled and reassembled each time that it is moved. This makes it preferable when you need to do work over a large area. This type of scaffolding, however, can prove to be dangerous if its wheels aren’t locked properly once it is in place.

Fixed scaffolds are built, in place, right next to your building or home. Putlog fixed scaffolding has uprights placed against its outer edge and is supported against the adjacent structure. Independent fixed scaffolding has uprights on both sides of its platforms and doesn’t use the adjacent structure for support.

Another common type of scaffolding is suspended and used mostly on high-rise buildings for window washing purposes. The scaffolding is basically just a platform that can be raised up and down the structure as needed. This type of non-towering scaffolding is commonly used today.

Scaffold towers are wonderful ways to do construction and repair work on your home as long as you are careful when selecting the type of scaffold you want. Be sure to find out warranty information before you buy. Also, inquire about safety precautions and installation instructions and make sure that the company you choose has an excellent customer service department.

Read more

How to Erect Scaffold Towers Safely

If you need to use scaffold towers as part of your home improvement project, it is recommended to adhere to the HSE guidelines as if working on a site. Working safely with scaffold towers is both a legal requirement as well as a critical way of avoiding nasty accidents. Before undertaking work on scaffold towers, The Work at Height Regulations require that an assessment is carried out. This assessment should confirm that there is no alternative to working at height and that the most suitable equipment has been selected for the job in hand.

Scaffold towers are, when used correctly, a safe means of gaining access to work which is being done at height. They are used widely throughout Ireland. Where incidents can occur is when there has been inappropriate erection or the misuse of the scaffold towers. Numerous accidents occur because of these reasons but with the correct health and safety practices these are being lowered and can be prevented.

When erecting scaffold towers, the workers need to be aware that aluminum and the thin-wall steel towers are relatively light and can overturn easily with incorrect use. All parts must be in their correct place to ensure the required core strength. If sections are left out there is a good chance that the towers can collapse.

There are two approved methods which are recommended by the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association, which have been developed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive. However, all manufacturers also have the duty to provide the instruction manual which explains the erection sequence and this should include any bracing requirements. The same applies to any organisations which hire the towers.

The first approved method is an advance guard rail system, which makes use of guard rail units which are specifically designed for the job. These guard rail units are locked in place form the level below and moved up onto the platform level. They provide collective fall prevention and are put in place before the operator accesses the platform in order to fit the permanent guard rails. It is the progressive erection of guard rails from the protected areas at the lower level which makes sure that the operator will not be exposed to the risk of falling from an un-guarded platform.

The second approved method of erection is the “through the trap” method. It involves the operator taking up a working position in the trap door of the platform. From this position he can add or remove the components which are acting as guard rails on the level above the platform. This method is designed to make sure that the operator does not stand on an un-guarded platform, yet can install the components to a particular level while he is positioned within the trap door of that level.

All operators must be trained in the health and safety aspects of ensuring that the scaffold towers are stable. They must also be fully trained in the use of the towers, as well as knowing about moving the towers. Before use, the scaffold towers must always be inspected by a competent person. Additionally extra safety precautions need to be taken when the work is being carried out in a public place. Finally all operators should be trained in the dismantling of towers.

For more information, contact Alloy Access.

Read more
scaffold towers accreditation
Savvy Business Gals