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.
Monday, August 31, 2009
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
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.
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.
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