Top Points to Consider When Choosing Scaffolding




Scaffolding has been used for thousands of years to support workers and materials during the construction, maintenance, and repairs of structures. Today, there are countless different types of scaffolding which are used for unique purposes and needs. Almost all types of construction require the use of scaffolding and choosing the right scaffolding for your individual requirements isn’t an easy task. To ensure your project is completed on time and on budget, the appropriate scaffolding should be used in order to maximise worker safety and productivity.

There are many points to consider when purchasing or hiring scaffolding, and today’s article will offer you a step-by-step guide to ensure you choose the right scaffolding for your requirements.

Understanding the different types of scaffolding

The first place to begin is understanding the different types of scaffolding and the unique functions they serve. As there’s no one-size-fits-all with scaffolding, you must have a good understanding of how workers use each type of scaffolding to accomplish their tasks. For large projects with intricate requirements, scaffolding will usually be custom-made to maximise safety and efficiency, but broadly speaking there are three general categories of scaffolding which can be used for any given project:

1.    Suspended scaffolding

This scaffolding system uses wood or metal platforms that are suspended in the air by ropes attached to the top of the structure.

2.    Supported platform systems

The most commonly used scaffolding system which use elevated wood or metal platforms that are supported by poles and frames connected to the ground.

3.    Adjustable scaffolding

Adjustable scaffolding consists of a wood or metal platform that can be raised or lowered to the necessary height by using pulleys and other mechanisms.

Your project requirements

The best type of scaffolding for your project relies heavily on your project requirements. Will the scaffolding need to be relocated to other areas of the construction site? Will heavy materials and equipment need to be supported by scaffolding? How tall is your project? These are a few questions which will aid you in selecting the best scaffolding for your needs.

As an example, adjustable scaffolding isn’t suitable for sites with tight space restrictions given that a crane is typically needed to operate the system. Additionally, suspended scaffolding is not reliable when working on tall buildings and if the building is rectangular or square, supported scaffolding systems are commonly the best because they are practical and easy to use.

Your budget

Budgets are always a key element to construction projects and scaffolding costs vary depending on which type of scaffolding is used. Generally, supported scaffolding systems are the least expensive solutions considering that most of the components are reusable. Although adjustable scaffolding are more expensive than supported scaffolding systems, workers can usually perform their tasks faster and more proficiently. Lastly, suspended scaffolding must be custom-made for each project so they are certainly the most expensive scaffolding system.

Prioritising safety

When operating from heights, safety is the top priority which should never be compromised. Appreciating safety standards when it involves scaffold use is key and only skilled and competent individuals can erect scaffolding which is more than four metres in height. It's also strongly recommended to use recognised brands that comply with strict safety regulations, and not cheap copies manufactured overseas. Safety features which should be used with scaffold equipment include guardrails, slip-resistant surfaces, toe boards, sturdy platforms developed solely for scaffold use, together with detailed user information and instructions.

Get recommendations!

One of the most dependable ways to know which type of scaffolding is best suited to your project is by getting recommendations and assistance from professionals in the industry. Contractors with experience in the same sort of projects will have the opportunity to offer pragmatic advice to help you complete your project more efficiently and productively. If you need any suggestions on selecting the right scaffolding for your next project, reach out to the professionals at Uni-Span by calling 1300 882 825.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

5 Errors to Avoid in Home Improvement Projects

Image
With housing prices soaring across Australia, many first homebuyers choose a home with renovations in mind. Refurbishing areas like the kitchen or bathroom can significantly increase the value of their home, and property owners who undertake these projects themselves can save heaps of money and have a fun and rewarding experience as well. DIY home improvement projects have taken off in Australia with roughly two-thirds of homeowners undertaking some type of DIY projects last year. The problem is that not all homeowners are competent in performing these types of tasks and often make costly mistakes which can easily be avoided. While the internet has an enormous amount of helpful information, turning these ideas into reality isn’t as easy as many people believe. Of course, outsourcing difficult tasks to professional contractors is often required, however there are many simply mistakes that people make which can turn their home improvement projects into a nightmare! So, if you’r...
Read more

What You Need to Understand about Scaffolding Safety

Image
It’s no secret that the construction industry is prone to injuries. Recent data published by Safe Work Australia has disclosed that the construction industry is one of the most dangerous sectors in Australia, having the third highest frequency of serious injuries and fatalities. With scaffolding being such a vital component of the construction industry, stringent scaffolding safety measures must be integrated into construction sites to decrease the threat of injuries to employees as well as the public. There are many scaffolding safety measures that must be adhered to on construction sites to reduce the risk of injuries. Each day, new threats and hazards need to be identified to make sure that workers can carry out their tasks in a safe working environment. One of the most common reasons for injury on scaffolding equipment is associated with human error, suggesting that the training of workers on scaffolding is crucial step in reducing the number of accidents. To give you ...
Read more

Top 3 Scaffolding Maintenance Tips

Image
Working from heights presents many risks to workers, and it’s estimated that roughly two-thirds of construction workers use  scaffolding at some point during a project. Unfortunately, the construction industry is still ranked as one of the most dangerous industries in Australia, so safety must always be the leading priority on construction sites. For contractors, extending the life of their scaffolding equipment through regular maintenance not only provides a safer workplace, but it also maximises their return on investment. There are many aspects to scaffolding safety which must be considered to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. For workers, appropriate knowledge and education in how to correctly use scaffolding is very important, however the functionality and reliability of the equipment itself is just as important. Contractors must ensure that their scaffolding equipment remains functional and safe for the entirety of a project, so regular maintenance must ...
Read more