Monday, October 26, 2009

What is Scaffolding and the types of Scaffold Towers?

The temporary framework used in the construction or repair of buildings is called scaffolding. It supports the construction workers and materials used on a building site.

It is a modular system of metal pipes termed as ‘tubes’. The purpose of scaffolding is to provide a safe place for work with easy access to the materials.

Scaffolding consists of the following parts:

1) Tubes: These are metal pipes which could be steel or aluminium. Aluminium is preferred as it is light, flexible and more durable.

2) Couplers: These are like nuts or ‘bolts’ used to connect and join tubes.

3) Boards: Made from wood or light weight metal, boards provide a platform to support workers and raw materials.

Scaffolding can be of two types:

Independent Scaffolding: These are mobile scaffold towers with wheels attached and can be moved from one place to another. The wheels attached can be rotated for ease of movement.

Attached Scaffolding: These are immobile scaffold towers attached to buildings with ties.

There are different types of scaffold towers available. These include:

Aluminium Scaffold Towers: With a maximum load capacity of around 150kgs, these scaffold towers are extremely versatile and simple to use as well. The tubes are made from aluminium and hence they do not rust. Being very user-friendly, these are simple and quick to erect too. The boards are strong and sturdy and the end height of the tower can be adjusted too. More

Scaffolding

Benefit of using scaffolding in DIY job

Naturally, scaffolding meets the wide variety of requirements in maintenance and construction, as it is expandable and flexible. The building blocks called jacks which supports metal and are built of heavy tubing. It has telescopic adjustable feet that lock into position with steel pins. All scaffolds set-up requires at least two scaffold jacks. Due to scaffold’s expensiveness, it is available for rent for homeowners who cannot afford to buy. It is used for most large home-improvements, which made scaffolds more feasible now as it make any jobs easier and safer as well.

Assume that you have a two-story or three-story house, and the ceiling in the main atrium and great room soars up to the upper level. You want to install crown molding but you don’t want to damage the walls by leaning tall extension ladders against them which are sheetrock. This kind of job calls for help from scaffolding. You can measure the length by simply assembling scaffold jacks accordingly. You can also use it or painting in high-ceiling rooms and for installing ceiling fans or other fixtures in such a room. Even though ladders are the most essential tools homeowners have, the availability of rental scaffolding opens a new range of do-it-yourself jobs that are higher above the ground. Always exert an extra carefulness.

Scaffolding for Do-It-Yourself Jobs

If you have your own house or you are planning to have one, in the long run, you will encounter house problems like replacing rotten boards, repainting or installing new features, which are simple problems that you can do alone. Ultimately, you will work on higher parts of your house. Nowadays, it is very convenient to have ladders that can help solve this kind of renovation. They are available in a variety of configurations and they are designed to lean on the wall. This type of ladders maybe all some homeowner’s asking for, but for special situations, it is not as suitable as scaffolding is.

Although scaffolding is a type of rolling ladder, ladders are different from scaffolding. Scaffolding is ideal for construction as it is safe because of its ability to operate and stand alone, adjustable height, lockable wheels and the capacity to hold multiple persons and materials as well. It is used temporarily and it is elevated framework that supports workers and materials in construction work. Particularly, it is used for building or other large type of structures.

On the other hand, despite the fact that scaffolding is effective and safe, there are still some risks in using it for construction work. Accordingly, knowing how to use scaffolding properly and careful maintenance is required to ensure its good condition, prevent scaffolding related injuries or accidents and promote overall construction safety

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Concrete Wall Scaffold – Facts, Hints & Tips

For light duty tasks, aluminum scaffolding is an ideal choice. Strong and quick to assemble it can easily be moved from location to location.

Any qualified scaffolder should be able to find employment with building contractors or scaffolding firms.

Scaffolding companies are beginning to use light prefabricated equipment to make a job less labour intensive.

Scaffolding tubes can be used horizontally, vertically and diagonally using a variety of clamps including swivel clams.

Ensure that the scaffold company you propose to use has a good history in terms of reputation service and safety.

The width of the boards will always determine the width of the scaffolding structure. It is recommended that the width scaffolding should be no less than 600mm. A four board scaffold would be 870mm.

Only use scaffolding boards that carry the mark of an approved grading agency.

There are a number of scaffolding types available. Therefore it’s always advisable to familiarize yourself with the hazards associated with the scaffold type you’re using.

Before portable scaffolding is used, all the wheels will need to be locked and rigid which will keep the portable scaffolding stable for climbing.

If you are working on a building that is adjacent to a public highway, then the safety of all highway users is of great importance.

Roof Scafold – Facts, Hints & Tips

Scaffolding bars are used to make the structure of scaffolding which is used for the construction and maintenance of buildings etc.

Do not move DIY scaffolding systems when people are on the working platform as this is extremely dangerous to all concerned.

Never use unstable objects such as bricks or boxes to support DIY scaffolding.

If you are planning to erect scaffolding and feel that it might cause an obstruction it may be a good idea to contact a local scaffolding company for advice.

ALWAYS WARE A HARD HAT whenever you're erecting, dismantling or moving scaffolding.

Hanging bracket scaffolds may have horizontal structures that are supported by the floors of the building or other edifice under construction or repair.

Where scaffolding towers are concerned workers must be capable in the building and use of such towers.

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

When you buy scaffolding that is used, check it out for rust, damaged or distorted parts before you buy.

Did you know that tubular scaffolding is usually three times the cost of bamboo scaffolding?

Scaffolding Spanners - Facts, Hints & Tips

It's also essential that anyone who will work on a scaffold over 12 feet take prior training and hold a competency certificate.

If you become a victim of scaffolding accident and you’re able to prove that your employer is to blame then it’s likely you’ll to be entitled to compensation.

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

When you buy scaffolding that is used, check it out for rust, damaged or distorted parts before you buy.

Price is always a consideration when choosing a scaffold companies, especially in today’s economic conditions, always make sure that any of the scaffold companies that you choose will not compromise on service or safety.

Falls from a height, especially from independent scaffolding, continue to be the biggest killer on construction sites.

In the interest of staff, it is a company’s legal duty to ensure that all safe scaffolding practices are carried out.

Make sure your construction team is doing its part to incorporate scaffolding safety into its daily work regimen.

Never cut corners when erecting DIY scaffolding by leaving out cross braces or out riggers which give stability to the structure.

Overall, scaffolding costs, like any other construction cost, will vary from project to project and whether you hire out or do it yourself.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Scaffold Fittings - Facts, Hints & Tips

To erect scaffolding on or over a public highway, you’ll need to be issued with a license from your local Highway Authority.

NEVER use scaffolding components that are damaged.

As portable scaffolding becomes more and more popular, there are more and more companies who are able to train those who use portable scaffolding.

Overall, scaffolding costs, like any other construction cost, will vary from project to project and whether you hire out or do it yourself.

To prevent accidents every scaffolder should be familiar with scaffolding regulations.

It’s essential that all upright scaffolding poles are positioned no more than six feet apart.

When you buy scaffolding, it is much more convenient to move and re-erect it with your own labor force.

It is essential that all base plates and screw jacks (that come with base plates) must be secured firmly to the base of the scaffolding.

Remember to be careful whenever you're erecting scaffolding on soft, frozen or suspect ground.

When you buy scaffolding that is second hand, always carefully inspect all parts of the scaffolding to ensure that it is in good condition.

Wooden Scaffolding Boards – Facts, Hints & Tips

Decide on the type of scaffolding you want to buy from the many types available.

When installing scaffolding, place vertical ties at the ends of the scaffolding. These ties should only be removed when the scaffolding is dismantled.

Equipment and property insurance are also necessary for scaffolding companies. These coverage packages protect your scaffolding business from financial ruin in the event that equipment is stolen, or is otherwise damaged at a jobsite.

The main purpose of scaffolding structure is to provide a safe working place for workers who are involved in working in high rise structures.

Make sure that all workers are aware of the new ‘fall zone’ when moving portable scaffolding.

Buy using a clamp connector you can join two scaffolding components together quickly and safely.

If you are planning to erect scaffolding and feel that it might cause an obstruction it may be a good idea to contact a local scaffolding company for advice.

ALWAYS WARE A HARD HAT whenever you’re erecting, dismantling or moving scaffolding.

Never use unstable objects such as bricks or boxes to support DIY scaffolding.

If you are working on a building that is adjacent to a public highway, then the safety of all highway users is of great importance.

Cuplock Scaffold - Facts, Hints & Tips

The width of the boards will always determine the width of the scaffolding structure. It is recommended that the width scaffolding should be no less than 600mm. A four board scaffold would be 870mm.

Scaffolding bars are used to make the structure of scaffolding which is used for the construction and maintenance of buildings etc.

Make sure that all scaffolding bars, tools, and materials are at least 10 feet away from energized power lines and that the power lines are also protected.

Independent scaffolding is a supported scaffold consisting of a platform(s) resting on cross beams (bearers) supported by ledgers and a double row of uprights independent of support.

Be sure that when you research a scaffold company you keep in mind your own needs for scaffolding – make sure the scaffold company will be able to be flexible enough to accommodate what YOU want from them.

Any stresses that are caused by the use of scaffolding planks must be properly distributed from the scaffolding plank to the framework.

If you don’t know how to erect scaffolding, always ask a professional in order to avoid accidents.

Make sure that the scaffold companies you propose to use have a good history in terms of reputation service and safety.

A scaffolding rental company has the knowledge and equipment to swiftly set up and dismantle scaffolding.

Never use unstable objects such as bricks or boxes to support DIY scaffolding.

Scaffolding

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

How to Work with Scaffolding Safely

The next time you have to work up high, consider renting scaffolding rather than struggling with ladders. Scaffolding provides a large, stable work platform where you can stack materials and set up your tools. With scaffolding, you can easily reach all areas of the repair to do a better job in half the time. And you’ll save tons of time and energy by not constantly climbing up and down to reposition your ladder.

Guard rails attached to the top of the scaffold frames allow you to concentrate on the task at hand without worrying about falling. We’ll show you how to set up your rented scaffolding so it’s safe and secure and then show you a few of the home-repair jobs where scaffolding really shines.

Rent Scaffolding For Those High Jobs
The frame scaffolds we’re using (sometimes referred to as “pipe-scaffold”) are perfect for exterior work and are available at most full-service rental centers. Also check the Yellow Pages under “Scaffolds, Rental” for businesses that specialize in scaffolding rental and sales. You’ll usually get lower rates and expert advice from these specialists. More

Scaffolding: Parts and Functions

Looking at repairing your house or having extensions done to it? If it has to be done from the outside, there is going to be a few weeks when the beauty of your house will be affected. This is because of scaffolding.

What are scaffoldings? Scaffoldings are temporary frames erected outside the house which is under repair or construction. This frame is usually made of metal pipes or tubes and in some places it is still made of bamboo sticks. The purpose of a working scaffold is to provide a safe place of work with safe access suitable for the work being done, for instance, if the work has to be done at a great height or higher floor, which is not accessible from the ground.

The basic materials used for erecting a scaffold are tubes, couplers and boards. The tubes are either steel or aluminium and are either galvanized or black. They come in various lengths but are of a standard diameter. The boards provide a working surface for users of the scaffold. It is on these boards that the workers stand or sit while working. The boards are made of seasoned wood and are made according to specific thickness. Their ends are protected by metal plates called hoop irons or nail plates. Couplers are the fittings which hold the tubes together firmly. The most common are called scaffold couplers, there are three basic types: right-angle couplers, putlog couplers and swivel couplers. To join tubes end-to-end joint pins (also called spigots) or sleeve couplers are used, or both together. Only right angle couplers and swivel couplers can be used to fix tube in a ‘load bearing connection’. Single couplers are not load bearing couplers and have no design capacity. Apart from these three basic materials there is a need for ladders, ropes, anchor ties, sheeting etc.

Since scaffolding need to be very strong and stable, a good foundation is important. The scaffolding should be able to carry the load as well as spread it evenly. The working platform also needs to be strong and stable so as to carry the load.

Once a proper scaffolding has been erected, half the job is done as it will make working, repairing or constructing much easier.