Monday, August 31, 2009

Portable Scaffolding: Pros and Cons

Portable scaffolding is a type of scaffolding that serves the same purpose as any other form of scaffolding, with one additional benefit: Portable versions of scaffolding are capable of being moved while they are assembled as a result of casters, which are built in to the bottoms of each of the support poles or standards. There are both pros and cons associated with using this type of scaffolding, just as there are with any type of scaffolding available for builders.

Pros

One of the most obvious pros associated with this type of scaffolding is that it is completely portable. With most types of scaffolding, you have to choose a location first and then assemble the scaffolding. If you want to move the scaffolding later, it has to be disassembled, moved and then reassembled. With portable scaffolding, there are casters with wheels on every support pole or standard, meaning that as long as no one is on the scaffolding at the time, it can be easily wheeled from place to place, then secured into place and used.

Another pro that is associated with portable forms of scaffolding is that these types of scaffolding tend to be significantly more versatile than standard scaffolding. Portable versions of scaffolding are also a great deal more adjustable than the versions that are not portable. They can be adjusted to suit any height that you like for any project, and they can easily be adjusted and moved around as needed to suit a variety of different work environments as a result.

Other benefits of using portable types of scaffolding include that they are typically made from powder coated steel, meaning that they are protected from the elements and also capable of hauling a great deal of weight at a time. A single scaffolding platform can hold as much as 500lbs for most manufacturers and brands of portable scaffolding, but the powder coated steel construction means that despite their strength, these scaffolds are light weight and easily portable.

Cons

One of the biggest cons associated with portable types of scaffolding is that it is vital that the wheels be kept in good condition; otherwise safety hazards can be created. The casters and wheels are designed to lock into place, but if they malfunction as a result of poor care, the scaffolding can become unstable and cause injury.

Another con that is associated with this type of scaffolding is that as a result of the adjustability and the fact that portable scaffolding is designed to come apart easily, the screws and bolts holding elements together are capable of experiencing more wear and tear than normal. As a result, extra diligence must be taken to ensure that the structural integrity of the device is constantly maintained at all times.

Your Scaffolding Maintenance Guide

Scaffolding enables workers to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible; however, it can become a workplace hazard if not maintained and used properly. Regardless of whether your scaffolding is a simple set-up or quite complex, this guide will give you some basic maintenance requirements.

Keep Lubricated

Part of the proper maintenance of your metal or aluminum scaffolding includes keeping the parts lubricated. This is especially true if your set-up includes crossbar pieces. Keeping the parts well-oiled will prevent rust from occurring. Using regular machine oil will be sufficient.

Clean Regularly

You will need to keep your scaffolding clean in order to preserve its safety and extend its life, no matter how simple or extravagant your set-up is. If you get a lot of use out of your scaffolding, do a wipe down after each use.

Due to the nature of the equipment it would be unreasonable to try to keep it sparkling clean but you’ll want to prevent the buildup of dirt and other substances. Do not use a pressure washer on your scaffolding if it is metal or aluminum unless you plan to wipe it down thoroughly afterward. Any kind of spray washing will cause rusting: it can also cause rotting of any wooden plank boards.

Using a rag to wipe down the exposed parts of the scaffolding will work great.

Repair Immediately

Prompt repair of any broken or missing parts is absolutely vital in the maintenance of your scaffolding. From plank boards, to piping, to bolts; every piece must be in good repair. If you continue to work on your scaffolding while it is in disrepair, you are putting your life in danger, particularly the higher your scaffolding goes.

Making a habit or policy of checking the scaffolding after each use is good practice. Immediately replace any missing bolts. Repair or replace any planks that are soft, bent or broken. Replace any piping that is bent. Use crossbars where appropriate. Proper upkeep will increase the longevity of your scaffolding and will increase safety in the workplace.

Store Properly

Your scaffolding must be stored a manner that keeps the unit safe for future use. To prevent damage from the elements keep the scaffolding under cover when not in use. Exposure to excessive rain will cause rusting and wood rot, which over time is costly to fix and causes preventable safety issues.

Storing the scaffolding under cover will also prevent others from climbing on it, which would be a safety hazard and liability for you.

Follow Local Ordinances

Educate yourself as to state, city and county ordinances for workplace equipment that must be adhered to. Plan to research these ordinances and follow them exactly to avoid the cost of fines and other issues. Be sure to have any required permits before using your scaffolding.

Source :- doityourself.com

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Some Safety measures when using Aluminium Ladders

When you are looking for a ladder, you must consider that any type ladder can be a hazardous thing if you have little experience with ladders. Even though aluminium ladders are typically light, fire defiant, compact for storage, and have wide-rung varieties, one should use specific safety rules with an aluminium ladder.

Bear in mind that although the rungs of aluminium ladders are wide, they are also hollow; thus they can be easily bent or otherwise damaged. It is also important that your ladder has a quality type of aluminium because aluminium can come in low-grade, fragile forms. If a ladder is weak, it can become wobbly and excessive weight can cause bending. Because of this, be careful about the heaviness of anyone who is using the ladder.

A main concern to consider would be that aluminium attracts electricity. Do not use an aluminium ladder if you are in close proximity to live power lines. If you are out working in bad weather and you are near a live power source, you could obviously be in grave danger. Also, heat can be harmful to aluminium ladders. Even though they are flame resistant they can conduct and trap heat. Very high temperatures can make the ladder hot and cause a significant amount of discomfort. A very hot aluminium ladder can cause an accident while being used.

Aluminium ladder is popular with Australian home owners and tradesmen alike because they are lightweight, easy to handle and strong. Aluminium does not rust and is highly resistant to corrosion, an important factor to consider if you're going to be storing your ladder outdoors. Aluminium ladders easily withstand daily use and along with such use, the inevitable dents and dings. For long service and durability, they can't be beat.

Bear in mind that aluminium ladders have different construction methods and optional choices of aluminium. It is a considerable improvement over the open channel construction in strength as it is resistant to bending, wracking, or twisting.

Different Types of Ladders

A ladder is simply a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps There are pictures of ladders on rock paintings which date back to over thousands of years
A ladder is simply a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps. There are pictures of ladders on rock paintings which date back to over thousands of years. The original one was most probably made of tree trunks. From there it progressed to a steadier wooden one and then to a rope one and now of course these are made of aluminum and fiberglass.

Aluminum ladder is quite popular in the market place. There are number of reasons for its popularity. These come in different shapes and sizes. They can be as small as a step stool for around the house. Then you have the step ladders which come in handy for most of the jobs in and around your house and you have the extension ladders which can be raised to different heights. The cost of these varies and is based on its functionality.

Some of the key reasons for the popularity of an aluminum ladder are:

Aluminum is strong.

It's lightweight.

Its corrosion resistant

Aluminum Ladders are economical

They are durable.

They are flame resistant

Aluminum also isn't affected by moisture

They don't require protective finish that needs periodic maintenance.More

There are many advantages to aluminium ladders

Ladders have been an integral element in households for a large number of years. Ladders were invented thousands of years ago and used by the ancient civilisations in the same way that they are used today.

Ladders, nowadays, have come a long way since their simple wooden design. The ladders available today are sleek, modern and easy to use. While the ladders of yesteryear were tough to move around, the modern collection of ladders can be moved around and used with ease, owing to the materials they are made from. The oldest types of ladders were made from tree trunks while the latest ladders are made from aluminium and other durable materials.

One of the main reasons why aluminium ladder is popular is because aluminium is an extremely light weight material and does not require any maintenance. Aluminium ladders are perfect for domestic use since they are light and can be used in a variety of situations. Another reason why aluminium is popular is because as a material it is extremely strong and can withstand a large amount of weight without a problem.

With aluminium ladder having so many advantages, it makes sense to get them for your all your DIY needs.

Source: laddersandscaffoldtowers.co.uk

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Are You Searching For Aluminium Ladders In Australia? Implement Safety Precautions

When choosing ladders, think about the fact that every type ladder could be disastrous to a person with little knowledge of ladders. Even though aluminium ladders are generally storage friendly, light, flame defiant, and may have wide rungs, there are particular safety measures that must be followed when using an aluminium ladder.

Note that aluminium ladders have wide rungs; but note that they are hollow as well. One must be assured that his choice of ladders has a superior grade of aluminium; cheaper grades of this product can be weak. A weak ladder can become very unstable and can bend easily under too much weight. So, it is also a smart idea to consider the weight of the individual who will be using the ladder.

A main concern to consider would be that aluminium attracts electricity. Do not use an aluminium ladder if you are in close proximity to live power lines. Working near power lines in bad weather could be disastrous. Also, heat can be harmful to aluminium ladders. Even though they are flame resistant they can conduct and trap heat. In hot weather, this ladder can get powerfully hot and make the user very uncomfortable. An overheated aluminium ladder can even lose its strength while you are using it.

Consider the fact that ladders can be made with various kinds of aluminium and can be assembled in various manners. One exceptionally safe choice of aluminium ladder is the Little Giant ladder. The safety level of this ladder can be contributed to a closed box construction. This significantly outweighsthe open channel construction as far as strength because it cannot be twisted, wracked, or bent.

All things considered—when pondering taking care of some tasks at home or somewhere else and contemplating the use of aluminium ladder because they are the most handy, rest assured that you have the best kind in the Australian market. The most important thing is, whatever kind of ladder you choose, you need to practice safe usage. With any choice of ladder—let safety be of utmost importance. Be good to yourself.

All you want to know about Aluminium Ladders

Hard to reach places around your home can be made a lot more accessible by choosing the right Aluminium ladder for the task you want to carry out. Only too often people are taken to hospital for precariously balancing on chairs, stools and combinations in order to reach high places.

Choosing the right Aluminium ladder for the tasks that you regularly perform could literally save your life. The amount of options now available mean that it is not a case of just going to your local store or visiting an online retailer and choosing the first Aluminium ladder you see; there are now a lot of options. Options are good though, it means that you can get the right for your home and your situation. Choosing a Aluminium ladder is not just about how high you want to reach, it is also about what you want to do with your Aluminium ladder, where you will store it and how you will transport it if necessary.

In most circumstances a step Aluminium ladder is a great all round choice - they come in a variety of heights and configurations, they have a large flat surface on which you can stand or rest tools and paint buckets. More importantly they come in a range of materials, this may not sound like a big deal, but if you're an electrician using a non-conducting ladder may save your life. For a long time step ladders have been made from aluminium (which conducts very well), the traditional wooden folding step ladders are very difficult to find because they are now being replaced with fibre glass.

Aluminium Ladders

Aluminium ladder can be one of the most essential items in any handyman’s toolbox. Everyone from do-it-yourself home project enthusiasts to commercial construction workers can recall at least one instance where a ladder came in handy to get the job done. Selecting a ladder is not something to be done quickly. There are a few pieces of information to keep in mind before selecting a ladder off the shelf and heading off to the jobsite.

It is virtually imperative that one stops to consider the task at hand when purchasing a ladder. There are three main classifications of a ladder and each is determined by the size and scope of a job. The highest grade classification is an industrial strength ladder that safely handles up to 250 pounds of weight. Following this is the commercial grade ladder classification handling up to 225 pounds of weight safely. Regular need to access a roof or other high surface can be accommodated with this ladder type. The most commonly used ladder is a household ladder.

Many normal household tasks such as gutter cleaning or outside light fixture repairs can be handled safely with weight requirements extending up to 200 pounds.

Once the appropriate ladder for a job has been selected, there are a few more informational facts to keep in mind. Always look for a UL safety seal from the Underwriter’s Laboratory. This is a guarantee that the ladder has undergone safety checks and is ready for use. There are three basic materials utilized to construct a ladder. These are aluminum, wood and fiberglass with aluminium ladders being the most popular. This is due in large part to the durability factor present in aluminum materials.

Safety is of the utmost importance when using a Aluminium ladder. First make sure that the ladder type matches the job at hand. Before using the ladder for each job, take a few minutes to review the surface and rungs for damages or cracks that may need repair. Always place a ladder on a flat, stable surface before climbing or descending and remain facing the ladder at all times. When using a ladder to climb onto another surface, extend its length at least three feet past the other surface. Finally, never stand on the paint shelf. This is not designed for a great deal of weight and will crumble under the pressure causing injury.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

How to Choose Scaffolding

Scaffolding can be an important tool when attempting work around the house that leads you up high. You may need to paint exterior walls on a multi-story building, clean out roof gutters, or make repairs to things not easily reached from the ground. Scaffolding can provide a safe and secure work environment that ladders alone cannot provide.

Different Functions

Scaffolding can come in a variety of configurations designed for a multitude of uses. Decide if you need large, fixed structures or smaller, mobile units that are easy to reposition. You might need hanging scaffolding that attaches to the top of a building and lowers or rises on a mechanical pulley system much like the ones window washers use on skyscrapers and high rises. Fixed-type scaffolding is very popular and most common for work around the home. It is a freestanding structure one sits in one place secured to a foundation. If your need is to reposition frequently, use a mobile unit, it is also a freestanding structure, but it is mounted on roller wheels allowing for quick repositioning.

Accessories

There are certain accessories and other components to consider when planning your scaffold needs. Always use specifically designed scaffold planking instead of other commercially available wood platform material. Additionally, use toeboards as safety devices to prevent anyone underneath from being injured by dropped tools.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Scaffolding Safety Information You Must Know

Scaffolding has to do with the erecting, altering, or disassembling of an impermanent structure that was initially put up to support platforms. Scaffolding falls are normally categorized as internal, external, or climbing falls. Internal falls occur as scaffold planks are being placed or dismantled. External falls happen from the extremities or open sides of a scaffold. Lastly, climbing falls occur as one climbs from one scaffold lift to the next. Here is information on how you can preempt these falls so as to reduce fatalities and injuries.

Internal Scaffolding Falls

You can control these types of falls while erecting the scaffold by having all the lifts completely decked. In doing so you will first be required to align a deck load of planks at every lift. You will then proceed to align planks on the following lift while you are standing on a fully decked platform.

None of the lifts should be changed otherwise until the dismantling is done, as they should remain full-decked. With these precautions you will be at a lesser risk of falling through the scaffolding.

External Scaffolding Falls

External scaffolding falls can be pre-empted through the adoption of a sequential erection technique. You should install guardrails and standards at regular distances along the scaffold such that the exposed platform edge must not be greater than a bay length between intervals. To dismantle this type of protection it will simply be a matter of reversing the erection sequence.

Using the sequential erection method does not prohibit you from adopting any of the other protection steps that are commonly used. You can combine two or more scaffolding fall protection methods, the choice of which will be determined by how convenient the approaches are to the scaffold’s configuration.

Climbing Scaffolding Falls

To take care of climbing falls it is prudent to ensure that access routes from one lift to the next are appropriate. One of the most common ways in which this is done involves erecting ladders or stairways as the scaffold’s erection progresses. Having people climb up the scaffolding by way of the framework is a big risk and should be avoided at all costs.

The Use of Safety Harnesses

While constructing scaffolding, the possibility of using safety harnesses to deter fall injuries is quite limited. You must not use safety harnesses if they can fetter free movement and if they can get entangled with scaffold components. Safety harnesses should be avoided during the assembly and disassembling of conventional standing scaffolds.

Source: doityourself.com

Types of Scaffolding

There are several different types of scaffolding that you can consider for the project at hand. Here is a look at the types of scaffolding that are available to you.

Independent or Birdcage Scaffold

This type of scaffold has two or more rows worth of vertical poles, also known as standards that are connected using horizontal pieces or transoms and ledgers. The purpose of this type of scaffold is to be used on a single level, such as a ceiling.

Single Pole Scaffold

This type of scaffold contains only a single row of poles or standards, and it happens to be completely dependent on the structure it is being placed against to gain the support that it needs.

Suspended Scaffold (Swing Stage)

This type of scaffold can be raised and lowered with a suspended platform. This type of scaffold is used for window washing, window replacement and other similar purposes.

Cantilever Scaffold

This type of scaffold is attached at one end or supported at one end only.

There are obviously numerous types of scaffolding to choose from and numerous variations to these as well. Choosing the appropriate scaffold for your project is vitally important to your success.


Source: doityourself

Guide To Replacing Used Scaffolding

Replacing your used scaffolding with new accessories and equipment can bring it up to date in terms of assembly, safety and longevity. New guardrails protect you from falls, new brackets and buckets make transporting the scaffolding and its parts more convenient and metal and synthetics replace the wood for planking and mudsills.

Safety Equipment & Accessories

New barricade guardrails can protect you from falls at corners where your scaffolding extends past your home and at openings in walls. These guardrails actually let you block out sections of the scaffold and protect you from accidents. Adding guardrails to your scaffolding system is a great idea if you have more than one person on your scaffolding at once and it is highly recommended as a safety precaution.

There are also new baskets on the market that hold parts, braces, guardrails and tools for people that have trouble keeping and storing all the pieces in one place and help you move from place to place. These are especially helpful if you will be moving your scaffolding from one area to another so that you can move everything together at one time and save time.

Replacing Wood with Synthetics and Metal

Wood has long been used with scaffolding for mudsills and planking, but slowly it is being replaced by metal and synthetic materials. The new metal mudsills are more durable than wood and stay with the scaffolding when you pick it up and move it. If your used scaffolding system has wood mudsills and planking you should consider replacing it, especially if it is worn out or warped.

Several new synthetic planks are now on the market that are even lighter and as strong, if not stronger, than metal planks. Aluminum and steel have been used as planks for a long time, but they are quite heavy. Replacing your planking and mudsills with synthetics will increase the safety of your scaffold system, while decreasing its overall weight, making it easier to transport.

Time and Labor Savers

Scaffolding systems have been improved in other ways that save time, labor and money. New rack brackets let you take down a stop tower and clamp it together in a 4-foot-wide bundle. This can greatly reduce disassembly and assembly time and aid in your moving of it.

A weather protection system may be a nice time saver for you as well, especially if you are looking to do remodeling work during a season with inclement weather. New systems allow you to attach a weather protector to the scaffolding that moves along with the scaffolding.

By making some updates to your used scaffolding system, you can greatly improve your scaffold system’s efficiency and your own productivity when working on your home remodeling product. New scaffolding is even better and easier to use than older models, and making an investment in replacing some of your older pieces with newer technology will pay off in saving you time in the long run.

Source:- doityourself

Monday, August 3, 2009

Article Regarding Importance of Scaffolding

The scaffolding is a structure of supporting, manufactured by employing metal whistles or of the reinforcements, to help the building work of the skyscraper. These structures are of provisional nature and are employed by workers of construction and technicians to reach various parts of the building located at a size. Those can be set up inside or outside the building to carry construction material.

They also provide the base of support of cord for the workmen so that they can function with the size. The scaffolding is available in the parts prefabricated as well. These prefabricated parts of metal reinforcement can be easily transported and welded with the building site according to the condition. The scaffolding should be prepared according to the payments governing them. The inspection of the set up structure of scaffolding is most important of all the phases. A correctly inspected and approved construction will ensure the force and the longevity necessary of support. They are useful even in the event of minor repairs of ceiling. They are reusable structure and consequently can be dismounted after the achievement of work and the Re set up at another place provided there is not any damage.

The scaffolding is available in the variety of materials, forms, closing with key of arrangements, the sizes, and assembling details. If, you would find it painful to choose the structure of supporting for your work, the services for specialized professions of scaffolding can be rented. These experts will carry out the investigation of site, propose the material to you and also take care of the provisions of standardization.

The safety of the workmen carrying out of the tasks to the elevated levels above the ground must also be assured when you set up reinforcements of support. The scaffolding comes with the required belts, the cords and other accessories allowing the fastener. The training of the workmen who carry out work using the scaffolding is also a very important device to reduce the risk factor and to ensure their safety. The regular monitoring and the control running of these reinforcements cannot be neglected.

The factor of cost of the scaffolding depends on the factors such as the covered field, material, platforms and time. The structures are available on the rent also. Normally, the building contractors have their own arrangements for the scaffolding and the cost is built-in cost of construction. The contractors also formed the labour to assemble and dismount the scaffolding.

Few safety points regarding Scaffolding

As the availability of jobs in scaffolding can vary, always put some cash aside to pay your tax and see you through tough times.

NEVER drop scaffolding components from heights when dismantling scaffolding as it could present a serious danger to persons below.

Guard rails should be provided when working on scaffolding over the height of 10 feet. Otherwise, each worker must be protected by a fall protection system.

All employees should wear protective headgear, like hard hats, at all times when working on or around portable scaffolding.

The purpose of construction scaffolding is to provide a safe working platform to help builders in the construction of buildings.

Hanging bracket scaffolds should be designed by an engineer and include load testing and other safety measures.

Good jobs in scaffolding could be difficult to find – make sure you keep ahead of the game when looking for scaffolding jobs.

It is not unusual for scaffolding companies and contractors to offer a complete scaffolding hire service for its customers.

Make sure that the gap between scaffolding planks is no more than one inch.

Bamboo scaffolding is well renowned for its strength.

Cost of Scaffolding

Bear in mind, as the size of a construction project increases, so does the cost of scaffolding.

As of late, the pressures within the construction industry have caused the cost of scaffolding to become relatively stable.

Finding a scaffolding company that you can trust is very important when buying scaffolding, to ensure that you are buying a good quality product.

A good scaffolding rental company will be able to give you an exact date when the scaffolding will be delivered, and will also agree to give you a guarantee that if they do not deliver on the correct day you will receive some financial compensation.

You can always check with the manufacture if you need to know the load capacities of scaffolding components.

Before you buy your own scaffolding it will pay you to do some research on the available types of scaffolding.

Common causes of scaffolding accidents include; insecure bracing, faulty equipment, forgotten safety components, faulty planking and shoddy construction materials.

On surfaces such a hard concrete it's possible to use scaffolding without base plates. However, it is recommended to always use base plates.

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.

The trickiest part of any scaffolding job is the scaffolding design.