Scaffolding is a great option when you are working at heights and need a stable platform. However, many people make the assumption that scaffolding is for major jobs and that smaller jobs should be carried out with ladders. This is an assumption that should be challenged. While ladders are great for things like clearing out the gutters or cleaning the windows of your typical semi detached home. When you have a situation that requires you to go up and down with reasonable regularity then this would benefit from the use of scaffolding.

There are several reasons why scaffolding is much better than ladders and personal safety is just one of them. Falling backwards from even a short height can prove to be disastrous. With scaffolding you have a fixed structure to work from and as such is a much safer option. It also allows you greater access to the property, not to mention a handy platform for you to use to layout all of the tools and materials needed to carry pout the job at hand.

However there is a preconception among some people that only contractors can use scaffolding and that members of the public cannot themselves, hire such equipment. There is also a lack of knowledge about the different types available and therefore people wrongly assume that scaffolding is for external walls only and for large scale projects. Yet you’d be surprised at the number of jobs that can all be done quicker and safer using fixed structures:

Roof Saddles: these are fixed onto pitched roofs for chimney work or re-pointing – no more sliding down the tiles trying to get a foothold!

Putlog scaffold: allows access to the entire length of the wall and the platform can be raised or lowered as work progresses, so ideal for exterior painting or rendering.

Birdcage: for external or internal work the birdcage is ideal for painting high ceilings or replacing soffits.

Scaffold Towers: again these towers are ideal for indoor work but can also be used outdoors to repair outdoor structures. The best thing about towers is that they can either be static or mobile, so there is no need to dismantle and re-erect a tower.

Can I put up scaffolding myself?
Many people are put off from getting scaffolds for smaller jobs because they assume they are reliant on contractors erecting them and then failing to come back and take the structure down once the job is completed, leaving you with poles and tubes outside your property for weeks on end. However there is a product now called ‘system scaffolding’ which slot together and, when used correctly, are strong and flexible. This structure is ideal for the DIY market and of course once you have all the fittings you can use it again and again. However safety is paramount and before you attempt to erect the scaffolding yourself you should be aware of all the relevant safety regulations.

Conclusion
So if are convinced that scaffolding could be a great option for your next project then your next decision if weather or not you should either buy or hire your equipment. If it’s for DIY purposes you might be better buying as you can then use it over and over again, but for short-term larger projects then hiring will be more cost effective. Another option, if you think that the scaffold will be up for months, is to buy it, hire someone to erect it and then sell it on once the job is completed. There are always willing buyers and you may just get your money back.

For further scaffolding advice then call Alloy Access to speak with one of our professional scaffolding engineers or visit our website www.alloyaccess.ie.

Mobile scaffolding structures are a type of supported scaffold equipped with wheels or casters. The design of mobile scaffolds is meant to optimize freedom of movement. The major uses of mobile scaffolding include jobs where the worker is required to move frequently. Their adjustable nature, ease of dismantlement, and light weight structure help them expedite work.

Mobile scaffolding is suitable for painting big houses and structures, plastering, tiling, emergency repairs, theatrical performances using harnesses, mobile stairways for aircraft, foundry work, railway station repairs, and of course, normal building sites.

Besides the convenience of mobility in any direction, mobile scaffolding provides the added benefit of increasing tower height without much effort by adding a scaffold section to an existing tower.

There are a few safety measures to keep in mind during the assemblage and use of mobile scaffolding:

• The use of cross, horizontal and diagonal braces to provide a rigid structure is important.
• The scaffold should be (mandatory) level and squared.
• Platforms should not extend outward beyond the base supports of the scaffold unless outriggers or similar stabilizing devices are in use.
• When moving the scaffold, workers should not be riding it. Furthermore, if manual force is being used to move the scaffold, it should be applied as close to the base support as possible, but not more than five feet above the supporting surface.

How to choose the right mobile scaffold
There are a few general factors every builder or company must take into account when choosing their scaffolds.

Here they are, spelled out easy as pie:

• Choose a manufacturer with a good reputation and a technologically superior manufacturing process. Robot welding and laser cutting are your best bet for high quality components.
• 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 and we can help you out

Regardless if you are under contract to build a 10-story apartment block or you are doing a small extension or house renovation, it is very important that you would have a basic knowledgeable about scaffolding. Scaffolding’s are structures that are temporarily erected for repair, construction or decoration of commercial buildings or homes.

Not only is it important to buy or rent the correct type of scaffolding for your particular type of job to make sure the project gets done properly, but you also want to ensure the safety of the people who will be working in and around the site. It is estimated that 65% of those employed in the construction industry frequently work on scaffolds. Therefore, it should not be surprising that some of the most common accidents on work sites involve injuries incurred on or related to scaffolds.

Scaffolds are erected of easily assembled structures of steel or timber. On these frameworks, working platforms are placed for easy accessibility to high elevations of a building or other structure under construction or repair. There are two primary categories of scaffolding, fixed and mobile.

Fixed Scaffolds
Fixed scaffolds are constructed alongside a building and can be either independent or putlog. The independent scaffold has standards or uprights on both sides of its working platforms. This allows the independent scaffold to remain upright without support from the building under construction or repair.

The putlog scaffold has standards or uprights along its 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.

Once you determine the type of scaffolding that would best meet your needs, you should then turn your attention to selection. There are stores and Internet sites that sell and rent scaffolding and others that sell both new and used scaffolding. Factory direct outlets sell only new or used products they manufacture. Other stores or Internet sites are basically dealers and sell and rent a large selection of scaffolding from numerous manufacturers. By doing some comparative shopping, you would be able to find the best deal on pricing and components for your scaffolding needs.

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

Questions that should be answered are:

• What does the guarantee or warranty cover?
• How will the scaffolding be repaired within the warranty period and after?
• What is the compensation awarded if something were to go wrong or faulty components sold?

If you were currently looking to acquire scaffolding for a big or small construction or repair project, knowing what type of scaffolding needed is paramount. This not only insures that your project would be completed properly with minimal hassles and difficulties, but would also insure the safety of those on the work site.

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 question then make sure you give Alloy Access a call and we can help you out

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.