Hiring Scaffolding – by Phil ray

Hiring scaffolding

When you need scaffolding to do a job don’t think of it as a DIY job. If you need scaffolding you’ll need to contact a scaffolding hire company. If you do it yourself, you may find that you will become liable for any problems or issues that arise.
A good place to start looking for a hire company is your Local Council or authority. They may have a list of approved hire companies and you will need to contact them to find out. Remember – your Local Authority will not be able to recommend a particular company as such, but you should be able to make sure that it is am approved company.

In this way you can help to make sure that you employ a qualified builder or scaffolding company to carry out the erection of scaffolding. Again, as working off scaffolding can be a hazardous occupation, leave any building work to the professionals and a qualified builder to do any related building work.

Scaffolding licences

Your scaffolding may need a license. It is the responsibility of the builder or scaffolding Hire Company to get a licence for any scaffolding that is put up on the highway (this includes the pavement). However, you need to be clear that it is your responsibility to check they have this and that it does not run out before the building work is finished.

You can always contact your local authority to apply for more information as to if you need a license and what to do about this.

Safety

Safety is of prime importance when erecting or using scaffolding. Employing qualified people to erect your scaffolding and carry out building work should help to make sure your building site is a safe place. However you should discuss safety issues with the person or company you employ. In particular, you will need to be aware of the following points:

- Scaffolding should always be erected on a firm, level foundation.

- If there is any risk to the public, schedule scaffolding work for quiet times or get a highway closure your local council.

- It is dangerous to erect scaffolding too near power lines. Your local power company can temporally move or protect cables but you will need to organise this well in advance.

- All scaffold boards used should be British Standard BS2482.

- There must be suitably strong barriers in place if someone could fall more than two metres.

- in order to avoid building waste falling on passers-by, keep scaffold boards clear and provide protective catch netting if necessary.

- Ladders should be strong, secure and in good condition, domestic ladders are generally not suitable. Make sure that they are long enough and securely fixed for safety’s sake!

Heavy or bulky loads shouldn’t be carried up and down ladders. Make sure a hoist is available for heavy or large awkward loads.

Make sure that scaffolding structures are checked weekly, and inspected after alterations, damage and extreme weather conditions. Make sure that it is recorded that you have an appointed person responsible for doing this – even if it is you.

Components should never be removed out of position for any reason whatsoever. Even on a temporary basis.

Building Regulations

it is always wise to contact your local council for details of any building regulations you may need to consider, like the ‘materials and workmanship’ regulation or the ‘access to and use of building’ regulation. Copies of the current building regulations are available from Building Regulations Publications HMSO.

You also need to make sure you have any necessary planning permission for the building project your scaffolding relates to. Again your local council will be able to advise you on this.

Remember – when it comes to scaffolding – safety first, last and always!

Article by Philip Ray
©

Whilst this article endeavours to contain up to date and accurate information, the article can only be considered as a guide. The author would always recommend that you take local independent professional advice.

After many years working in the construction industry, Phil now teaches in the UK. He has written many articles for web sites like Householders Guide, ukhomeonline.co.uk and yourhomeonlineuk.co.uk. His wide knowledge of the Construction Industry and Housing Markets makes him a popular author on Buying Real Estate.©

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Construction Accidents – An Unfortunate Product of the Building Boom – by Tim Penn

The early part of the 20th Century saw the United States enjoy an unprecedented building boom, both for residential and commercial properties. This was obviously a benefit to the overall economy, as more people own homes and commercial property now than ever before. Owning property is one of the safest and most reliable investments available for many reasons, but there was also an upswing in one unfortunate variable in regards to this boom – a distinct rise in construction accidents.

Below is a look at some of the construction accidents that have occurred with alarming frequency in recent years, but you also need to understand that if you’ve been injured in a construction accident, you need to contact a construction injury lawyer as soon as possible to schedule an initial consultation.

Construction Falls
Statistics compiled by the government show that on average, more than 1,200 construction workers are killed every year in the United States, and this industry also leads the way in terms of workplace injuries. The same statistical compilation that was formulated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the most common type of construction worker injury is the fall, and that makes sense.

Construction workers are required to climb upon structures that are not stable in order to complete certain aspects of a building job, and certain situations and occurrences lead to a construction worker falling from extremely dangerous heights. This also falls in line with the fact that the most common construction worker injury is to the back, as the back is what normally takes the brunt of a fall.

Scaffolding Worker Injury
Another extremely common construction worker injury is the scaffolding worker injury, and this, too, was one of the leading causes of missed work time and serious injuries within the construction industry. Scaffolding is often built with only a temporary means of access in mind, and as a result these structures are often unstable in nature. Therefore, the types of construction accidents that can occur include falling from the scaffolding, head injuries from falling debris from the top of the scaffolding and a plethora of “other” injuries that result from the collapse of the scaffolding.

Welding Injury
Every year, more than 10,000 people are injured as a result of a welding accident. Welding is an inherently hazardous duty to perform, and as you may guess, the leading type of construction injuries that occur as a result of welding is an injury to the eye or eyes. Welding guns produce heat that tops 1,000 degrees, which means that this flame or heat causes serious injuries when making contact with the eyes.
Of course, there are many other causes and types of construction worker injuries. If you have been injured on the job, you may have the right to file a construction accident lawsuit. Contact a construction injury lawyer today to get the process of protecting and enforcing your rights started.

Learn more about construction construction accident
then visit www.resource4constructionsiteaccidents.com
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Your Guide To Scaffolding: Choosing The Right Type And Deciding Whether To Rent Or Buy – by

Your Guide To Scaffolding: Choosing The Right Type And Deciding Whether To Rent Or Buy

Regardless if you are under contract to build a 10-story luxury hotel for the Marriott or you simply want to do a roofing or structural repair on your home, it is imperative to have some rudimentary knowledgeable about scaffolding. Scaffoldings are structures that are temporarily erected for repair, construction or decoration of commercial buildings, homes or other edifices. Not only is it important to purchase or rent the correct type of scaffolding to insure that the job is done correctly, but also to maintain the safety of the construction workers employed on the job. 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 worksites 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.

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Things To Think About With Scaffolding Rental – by

Things To Think About With Scaffolding Rental

Things To Think About With Scaffolding Rental Business Articles | February 26, 2009 All about scaffold tower hire, including tower ladders hire, domestic tower hire, commercial tower hire, scaffold tower sizes, scaffold tower costs and more When you work in the building trade you need to make sure that you keep your costs down as much as possible, because once they get out of control you can find that your finances can take a real hit. One of the ways that you can keep costs under control is by renting scaffolding instead of buying it. This article will look at three points that you need to keep in mind when you look at the various scaffolding rental companies that are out there.The first thing to think about is whether or not the company can deliver the right type of scaffolding. There are many different styles of scaffolding and you need to make sure that the company has the one that is right for the job in hand. Many companies will say that they have a full range of scaffolding options, but before you go ahead and choose one particular company it is always a good idea to ask some questions about the style of scaffolding that they have available, and make absolutely sure that you’re getting the right sort.Another important point is how quickly the company can actually deliver the scaffolding to the job site. As anyone in the building trade knows, time really is money, and the last thing you want is to have to wait for several days for the company to deliver the goods. 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.If you have a team of scaffolding experts on your building team, you can probably set up the scaffolding yourself. However, it is a good idea to check whether or not the scaffolding company will actually build the scaffolding for you, since they should be experts in their own materials, and should be able to do the job much better than your in-house team. By choosing the company that can construct the scaffolding for you, you will probably save yourself some big headaches and also save time into the bargain.By following the points listed above you should make sure that your scaffolding rental goes very easily. Take time to make sure that the company you choose is exactly the right one for you, instead of rushing into hiring scaffolding from the first company you find. Article Tags: Think About, Scaffolding Rental, Make Sure

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The Uses of Scaffolding Services in South Africa – by

The Uses of Scaffolding Services in South Africa

Scaffolding services in South Africa have become an increasing necessity in the transformation of the country into a first world entity with a thriving infrastructure of impressive buildings, busy freeways, massive sports stadiums and world-leading industry. Scaffolding services are required for a variety of projects taking place on a daily basis in South Africa. Quality products and experienced scaffolding service providers are becoming sought after in the wake of rapid growth and construction taking place in the country. Many providers of scaffolding services in South Africa use scaffolding systems such as Metri-Form formwork systems, Self-Lock towers and Kwik-stage systems. These scaffolding systems provide contractors with a lot of benefits due to their increased safety, easy assembly and dismantling and lesser need for manpower. These systems lower construction costs due to the decreased amount of manpower and time needed in their use. Construction scaffolding and formwork Scaffolding and formwork is a key element of the construction industry. With the use of scaffolding and formwork, incredible structures with modern and complex architecture are able to be constructed. Scaffolding is used to create the support for formwork to be completed in building construction, as the scaffolding provides a medium for the concrete of the formwork to set. Scaffolding services are also used as a support structures for workers to access parts of the building which are difficult and dangerous to reach, such as alongside buildings at extremely high elevations. The FIFA 2010 World Cup tournament is being hosted by South Africa next year, and has brought much transformation for the country. Where previously central business districts of major cities have been left looking unsightly due to negect and improper maintenance, scaffolding services in South Africa have been used by restoration companies and builders to improve the conditions of the buildings in these areas. This will provide a more aesthetic view of the CBDs and scaffolding has been used extensively in the renovations. Many new buildings have been erected to cope with the influx of people for the tournament, including the impressive sports stadiums in major cities which will be used for the football games in the World Cup and the Gautrain, an underground railway system for public transportation. These structures have required an immense amount of scaffolding and formwork in their construction. Special Events Scaffolding Scaffolding services in South Africa have become widely used in special events such as marathons, rock concerts and public engagements. Scaffolding can be used to create stages for these special events which are safe for use in performances and prize givings. Commentary towers are often required in sports events where commentators and judges need to have a very clear view of the action. Additionally commentary towers enable speakers and screens to be elevated so that those attending these events can see and hear what™s going on. Scaffolding is also used to create signage towers for use in special events, allowing the use of large banners for advertising and displaying sponsorship logos. This is an important part of special events as advertising generates much capital for these events. High towers can also be used as camera towers for film crews and television stations to report and film the special events. Scaffold towers provide a stable temporary structure for the use of cameras. Special events also require seating in some instances. Scaffolding services in South Africa can be hired to construct seating stands for spectators which are not only large enough to cope with the crowds, but safe enough to support the weight of thousands of people watching the event. Spectators may need to cross busy roads and highways to access a special event. Access scaffolding built as bridges over roads provides a means for spectators to cross dangerous routes to the special event without having to come into contact with traffic or other dangers. Scaffolding in the film industry South Africa has become a favourite location of film makers to produce motion pictures due to the large range of scenery available, the good weather and low production costs. Scaffolding services in South Africa allow film makers to save time and money in productions and have thus become widely used on film sets in South Africa. Mobile tower scaffolds are easy to move and kwik-stage scaffolds are suitable for use on uneven terrain which is often experienced at film locations. Time is money on film sets, and often they have to work with the elements if they are filming outdoors. This requires that the assembly of scaffolds is quick and easy. Scaffolding Services in South Africa are a vital part of the country’s transformation into a first world country. Whether used to create formwork, to renovate buildings, to provide access ramps, stages, signage towers and temporary structures for important events, for use on film sets and to help with the immense preparations for the FIFA 2010 World Cup tournament, scaffolding is a necessity. With the versatile use of scaffolding, the true potential of South Africa can be reached.

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The Use of Scaffolding in Construction – by

The Use of Scaffolding in Construction

Scaffolding is a temporary structure that is erected for use in the construction of either industrial or residential buildings. It allows for convenient working platforms that can reach many meters high. Scaffolding is necessary, because even if you were to use a tall ladder, a ladder will not provide the same level of stability. A ladder would not be very useful on a forty-story high rise building! Only with scaffolding can you safely reach those heights. On scaffolding you will have a large platform for your construction tools and a more usable workspace. The platform will need to be surrounded by guardrails for extra safety. Scaffolding is fairly easy to erect and shorter towers can even be set up by two unskilled people. In most instances though, when scaffolding is being used on the construction or remodeling of a tall building, only trained professionals are allowed to erect the towers. There are training courses available on the erection of scaffolding, and many safety rules and regulations to be adhered to. In most countries, there will be random checks conducted on the scaffolding on industrial construction sites to ensure that they meet all their safety regulation requirements. In most cases scaffolding will be constructed out of steel pipes and wooden platforms. In some Asian countries, bamboo is still used to erect scaffolding. This is because bamboo is more cost-efficient and also readily available. There are certain weight restrictions for different types of scaffolding, and certain ratios of the steel pipe width and height to each other. If the safe base-to-height ratio is exceeded, the scaffolding should be tied with scaffold tubes and fittings. Each individual scaffolding tower will be its own structure, but it will be tied and connected to its neighboring towers for more security. Here are some safety precautions to adhere to when using scaffolding: When relocating towers, care must always be taken to ensure that the tower will remain upright. Particular caution must be exercised when moving the scaffolding tower over an uneven surface, as this may cause it to fall. No equipment should be left on the scaffolding platform whilst you are moving it. If the equipment falls it could injure someone standing below, and the weight of the equipment could also make the scaffolding less sturdy. The tower should always be tied to the building in questionable weather conditions. Extreme caution should be exercised when there are high winds, as this could cause the scaffolding to move and sway. If the tower is not tall enough for its purpose, rather erect a taller structure of scaffolding. Placing boxes or ladders on top of scaffolding to gain extra height is extremely dangerous. When scaffolding is erected, be it for industrial use or residential, the size and shape of the building must be taken into consideration. A trained contractor who specializes in scaffolding is always ideal, because they will be able to determine exactly what size of scaffolding. They will draw up a scaffolding construction and installation plan that is tailor-made for your building requirements.

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Scaffolding Suppliers in Cape Town – by

Scaffolding Suppliers in Cape Town

Cape Town is a cosmopolitan, modern and vibrant city which is growing consistently, receiving upgrades and requiring services from scaffolding suppliers. In Cape Town, scaffolding services are an important part of the city™s growth and functioning. This impressive metropolis hosts major sporting, social and political events and is the centre of the South African film industry. These features all require the use of dedicated, reliable and safe scaffolding contractors. Safety Safety in the use of scaffolding services is incredibly important. Whilst accidents are incredibly rare, safety precautions of the highest standards need to be observed by all scaffolding services. All construction workers and contractors should be fully trained in the correct use of scaffolding and in the correct safety procedures. Contractors should ensure that all staff are fully compliant with the OHS Act & SANS 10085 to ensure maximum safety and to reassure customers that they are compliant with strict government legislation. Construction and formwork Scaffolding services in Cape Town are often used for construction. These safe, temporary structures are highly versatile in construction work and help jobs to be completed properly and quickly. Formwork is the use of supporting structures such as scaffolding to create moulds for concrete to be poured into. In Cape Town, steel scaffolding is generally used as it is of a high safety standard and very reliable in its use. Scaffolding provides access to places that are otherwise difficult to reach and creates safe walkways for workers and pedestrians to cross uneven and hazardous terrain. Scaffolding towers Scaffolding is not only used on construction sites but for a host of other requirements as well. Scaffolding towers and stages have become a much needed commodity, especially in Cape Town. The city has a very busy annual calendar, filled with important sporting competitions, highly publicised social events and a booming film and media industry. Special events in Cape Town require scaffolding services for many uses. Stages are required for many events such as rock concerts, sporting events, and large public gatherings such as political rallies. These events require signage towers to display important information such as sponsorship. Camera and lighting towers are also required for expensive broadcasting and lighting equipment. Commentary towers are important for sporting events such as marathons, as broadcasters require their commentators to be able to see the action clearly. Important guests and speakers may require an elevated commentary tower to make speeches and announcements. Access ramps for easy pedestrian access are also very useful at public events as they provide safe passage for spectators to the event, allowing attendees to have uncompromised safety by not crossing dangerous roads on foot. Seating stands are used in public events for spectators to be seated on. Film industry The film industry in Cape Town has boomed in recent years and it is now considered one of the best filming locations in the world. With a diverse array of scenery, low cost labour and favourable weather, the city has many scaffolding contractors providing temporary scaffolding structures on film sets. Kwik-Stage scaffolding and Self-Lock towers hired from scaffolding suppliers in Cape Town are extremely useful for film sets as they are easily assembled and movable yet do not compromise on safety. Scaffolding services also need to be incredibly reliable as cameras and other expensive equipment will be supported on these temporary structures. Lighting and weather changes keep film crews on a tight schedule requiring scaffolding to be versatile. FIFA 2010 World Cup Preparations for the FIFA World Cup in 2010 have become increasingly more pressurised as the tournament approaches. Major overhauls of city centres and public transport systems as well as infrastructure repairs and upgrades are being incorporated into Cape Town™s plans for hosting parts of the tournament. Scaffolding is being used widely throughout the city in preparation for the world™s favourite sports tournament. Scaffolding suppliers in Cape Town are in high demand as scaffolding services are required to keep the city in world-class condition. Through the use of construction scaffolding and other temporary structures created by scaffolding, the city is well into preparations for the FIFA World Cup tournament and also remaining a first class travel destination.

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Scaffold Towers Working Safely – by

Scaffold Towers Working Safely

Safety first should be the two most important words for all constructions workers, especially for those working at height using scaffold towers, ladders or any other form of access equipment. Whether working on a single storey dwelling or taller industrial building, it is very important to consider all the potential hazards before starting any kind of work. It should also be noted that working from an elevated platform or podium can cause hazards for the people below as well as those on the scaffold tower. Scaffold Towers can cause injury Incorrectly erected and faulty scaffold towers or podiums are a major cause of serious or fatal injury for construction workers, that is the reason why strict woking standards have been introduced to reduce the number of accidents for those working at height. These standard practices reduce the occurrence of human error and other factors which may lead to such accidnts. Construction workers are usually under the pressure to complete projects within a given time frame and it is all too easy for them to try and cut corners to save time. This is especially true when erecting and dismantling scaffold towers or podiums. Even when the correct guidelines are followed it is still possible for accidents to occur. It goes without saying that attention should also be given to pedestrians or others working in proximity to the scaffolding. Providing that simple guidelines are followed, the risk of injury or death can be greatly reduced, employers will also benefit by building creating a good safety record, this in itself can improve profitability by reducing the cost of insurance and other long term operating expenses. Scaffold Towers Safe Practices With regard to the safety of the scaffoldings towers and podiums, guidelines have been produced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) these guidelines should be followed strictly to help reduce and prevent the occurance of accidents. To prevent scaffold towers from collapse, the manufacturers instructions should be correctly followed and no modifications should be made to the tower structure. The capacity, the bracing, the proper pinning and the components of the said structure should always be checked for damage before assembly. The following important factors should always be adhered to. 1. Do not excced the manufaturers safe working loads The scaffolding should be able to support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times its maximum intended load. And with regards to the workers, they should never overload the platform of the scaffold towers. 2. Make sure all bracing is correctly fitted. All the brace connections must be properly secured to prevent it from dislodging. 3. Pins and locking Frames and panels must be joined vertically by stacking pins or coupling or any equivalent means. Frames and panels should be locked together. 4. Component checks Scaffold components that are from different manufacturers should never be used in a single tower. Different manufacturers will use materials that may nit be compatible with one another. Even scaffold tower models from the same manufacturer may differ in the way they are manufactured. Always check with the manufacture to be sure that components are compatible. Scaffold Tower Maintenance The scaffolding equipment should be maintained regularly to make sure that it is in good condition and operable. The scaffolding should be sturdy with all nuts and bolts tightened. Workers should not be permitted to use scaffolds that covered with snow or ice. It needs to be cleaned of snow and ice anD ANY BATTINGS should be checked prior to use to avoid slipping. And finally, never use damaged or improperly constructed scaffold towers. Accidents can never be completely stopped from happening, but at least they can be reduced by using common sense and following simply guidelines.

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Scaffold Towers – The Safety Issues From Scaffold – Towers – by

Scaffold Towers – The Safety Issues From Scaffold – Towers

Safety is amongst the primary concerns whenever there is a construction. The use of Scaffold Towers is necessary for workers to do their jobs in elevated heights. With the proper safety guidelines in using these, there will be fewer accidents during the work. “Safety first!” We always encounter these two words whenever we pass by or visit a construction site. It is written almost all around a construction site’s premises. Whether it is a small house to the tall skyscrapers, a worker’s safety should always be highly prioritized especially when it deals with heights. That is why they use scaffold towers. Scaffold towers allow workers to perform their jobs in an elevated position whilst assuring safety and convenience of these workers. The Need for Secure Scaffold Towers Faulty scaffold towers are amongst the major causes of serious injuries and deaths from work. That is why; standards were set to reduce the number of these cases. Equipment failure, incorrect operating procedures, human error, and environmental conditions are amongst the main causes for accidents. The workers are the first people who will be exposed to risks in scaffold towers. Even when properly used and maintained, the risks for accidents will still be present. Besides from the hazards during the operation, injuries can also occur during the erection, dismantling, and alteration of the scaffold. In addition, bystanders and pedestrians are also at risk every time they pass by near the equipment. This poses a serious problem for exposed workers and their employer, and also the nearby community. And if the safety standards are properly followed, the risks for serious injuries and death will be minimized. In addition, the employer can also benefit by saving a lot of money if the number of accidents are reduced. The Safe Scaffold Towers With regards to the safety of the scaffoldings, standards have been set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. And these guidelines should be followed strictly to prevent accidents. To prevent scaffold towers from falling, the proper and standard support structure should be implemented. The capacity, the bracing, the proper pinning and the components of the said structure should always be checked. ? Capacity ? The scaffolding should be able to support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times its maximum intended load. And with regards to the workers, they should never overload the platform of the scaffold towers. ? Bracing ? All the brace connections must be properly secured to prevent it from dislodging. ? Pinning ? Frames and panels must be joined vertically by stacking pins or coupling or any equivalent means. Frames and panels should be locked together. ? Components ? Scaffold components that are from different manufacturers should never be used in a single tower unless they can easily fit without any coercion. You need to maintain the tower’s structural integrity. The scaffold towers should be maintained regularly to make sure that it is in good condition and operable. The scaffolding should be sturdy with all nuts and bolts tightened. Workers should not be permitted to use scaffolds that covered with snow or ice. It needs to be cleaned of snow and ice as well as the planking should be sanded to avoid slipping. And finally, never use damaged or improperly constructed scaffold towers. Accidents may happen, but at least it can be reduced with accurate prevention and proper use.

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Scaffold Towers – The Lightweight Scaffold Towers – by

Scaffold Towers – The Lightweight Scaffold Towers

Lightweight materials such as aluminum and fiberglass are now common amongst industrial structures and equipments. Although they are light, they are also extremely durable. Scaffold towers made from these materials can really come in handy. The traditional steel scaffold towers are solid and heavy. That is why, it takes time for them to be assembled and dismantled especially if the workers need to move or relocate it. Because of these, certain manufacturers have come up with an idea in creating scaffold towers from light materials such as aluminum and fiberglass. Aluminum Scaffold Towers Compared to steel, aluminum is much lighter. And it’s safe to say that the durability of aluminum can match the strength of steel. Because of its lightness, some manufacturers created mobile scaffold towers. Aluminum scaffold towers are much easier to assemble and dismantle that they don’t need any special tools. In addition, aluminum is a rust-free material making it easier to maintain, unlike steel. Aluminum scaffold towers are ideal for residential or commercial use and general maintenance work. Also DIY enthusiasts prefer lightweight equipments since it is quick to erect and they do not usually do rigorous work, unlike those used in big construction projects. As when it comes to the difference of their prices, aluminum is much more expensive than steel, and it can even reach five times more expensive. Consumers would often prefer buying aluminum scaffold towers because it has more advantages compared to steel. But since people nowadays prefer economy to quality, they would still end up using the steel scaffoldings. Fiberglass Mobile Towers One of the hasards of using steel and aluminum scaffold towers is that these materials are conductors of electricity. Some people refer to wood as an alternative. But wood is not that durable enough to withstand the stresses that aluminum and steel scaffoldings can, and wood do not last very long. Hence, manufacturers found another alternative material, which is the fiberglass. In an environment where there is a lot of exposure to electricity, it would be safer to use equipments made from fiberglass. Other than that, fiberglass is also light and durable. Fiberglass is the right material in scaffolding to prevent electrocution. Fiberglass scaffold is inert with no electrical conductivity or reaction to chemicals, making it suitable for use in electrical environments from substations to computer rooms. The fiberglass scaffold is easy to assemble, as every frame can be used as a base frame, building frame, or guard rail frame. Because it is very lightweight, it can be erected in minutes and easily transported by a small truck or trailer. It is very ideal for mines, aircraft, foundries, computer rooms, chemical environments, battery rooms, railway stations, electricity sub-stations, and in other environments. Not to mention, it is also great for home use, since it is ultra lightweight. In addition, some manufacturers also created mobile scaffold towers made from fiberglass. It’s so light that a person can actually pick it up with one hand. But great advantages also come with a price. Compared to steel, fiberglass scaffoldings are very costly. Thus, comparing all the prices together?steel, aluminum, and fiberglass?consumers would rather prefer to use steel scaffoldings. With the availability of scaffold towers made of lightweight materials, it will surely make people’s work a lot easier.

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