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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Precautions For Scaffolding – by

Precautions For Scaffolding

Precautions For Scaffolding Business Articles | December 11, 2008 All about scaffold tower hire, including tower ladders hire, domestic tower hire, commercial tower hire, scaffold tower sizes, scaffold tower costs and more Construction work for buildings can be pretty hazardous and scaffolding is used as a temporary framework to give support to the workers and the building materials. It is almost like a rolling ladder and is immensely useful especially for very tall buildings as the height can be adjusted and it can hold many people and materials at one go. It is also comparatively safer than other means used in construction because of its lockable wheels. Nevertheless, it is always better to err on the side of precaution and proper maintenance and usage is imperative to ensure the safety of the construction workers. This will help prevent any types of accidents and related injuries. Staircase towers are also commonly used as scaffolds.Scaffolding comprises of three main parts, namely, tubes, boards and couplers. Tubes can be of steel or aluminum though aluminum is preferred as it is both light and durable and is also flexible. Couplers are used to join the tubes and the boards provide a support for human access. Boards are made of wood which is seasoned and the standard size is usually 50mm – 63mm. Scaffolding are usually attached to buildings with ties and are more stable than independent scaffolding. A type of independent scaffold is the mobile type which is mounted on wheels or castors which swivel and can be wheeled around from location to location.Scaffolding safety is crucial for workers and the setting up and pulling down of the scaffold should always be done under the correct guidance and the supervision of a competent supervisor. It is best to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines as each one may have some small differences in its set-up which may be crucial to properly and safely putting up and dismantling the scaffold. The guidelines specifying the usage of the scaffold should also be strictly followed. Even though the management team is directly responsible for the proper workings and safe usage of the scaffolding, the workers should also be vigilant and inspect the scaffolding before and after every use. Any fault or deficiency, however minor, should be immediately reported to the concerned authorities. Even if you are simply in the scaffolding rental business it makes sense to provide for insurance for your company.For further precautions, safety harnesses and guard rails for construction workers are highly recommended as they will buffer the fall, if any. Anyone working at a height of more than six feet above the ground should wear safety harnesses. Many an unfortunate accident on construction sites could have been avoided, if only proper precautionary measures had been taken and stringent inspection rules followed. Both management and the workers have to work in cohesion and joint responsibility to ensure the smooth and safe usage of scaffolding.

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Many Uses of Scaffolding – by

Many Uses of Scaffolding

Scaffolding hire in Cape Town is no longer sought after as a construction aid only. With new technology available as well as a greater demand for scaffolding for temporary structures used at public events and short projects, the uses for scaffolding have become increasingly varied. With the influx of international music artists, film productions and an increasing number of building restorations, scaffolding is in high demand. Added to this are the many CBD revamps and the massive building projects being undertaken in preparation for the Football World Cup in 2010, making scaffolding a service in high demand. Film Sets Cape Town is now world renowned as a preferred film production spot. There is a massive diversity of scenery, culture and landscape and a very willing workforce. Cape Town is also a top destination for international film shoots due to the favourable exchange rate. With a pleasant Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, mountains, forests, historic and modern buildings and a variety of other scenery, the production process can be made far easier. The scaffolding being used on set, needs to be safe and extremely reliable as the scaffolding is likely to be on uneven terrain and will need to support heavy and expensive equipment, not to mention the crew! When multiple locations are used, the contracting crew will need to assemble and dismantle the scaffolding quickly and efficiently and without compromising safety. This is where new technologies are helpful because they allow for quick assembly and dismantling without danger. Public Events Cape Town plays host to many large-scale public events such as marathons, rock concerts and expos. Most of the events require temporary structures such as scaffold towers and stages for performances and prize-givings as well as for advertising canvasses for the sponsors of the events. These events are paramount in building Cape Town’s reputation as a world-class city as they are broadcast across the globe and form a basis upon which many foreigners place their opinion of Cape Town. Since these events are filled with people, the safety of the scaffolding needs to be of the highest standards. If there is a flaw in the set up and an accident occurs, many people could be injured. Access Another aspect of these massive public events is the management of traffic flow in terms of pedestrians and vehicles. When staging an event where large crowds are expected, it is sometimes necessary to use scaffolding to construct a safe passage for pedestrians across major roads and intersections. Most attendees will have parked their cars in an allotted car park and walked the rest of the way to the event. Scaffolding aids this process by allowing pedestrians to cross these obstacles and dangerous terrains via temporary footbridges, ramps and walkways. Scaffolding is also a great help in allowing disabled persons to enter an event where there are steps or difficult terrain. Access scaffolding can also be used as a safety precaution on construction sites, helping labourers to avoid uneven terrain which can be dangerous and time consuming to navigate. Making the Show Go On It’s not longer just the construction sector that is looking to hire scaffolding contractors. In the vibrant city of Cape Town as in other cities around the world, numerous public events are creating a need for scaffolding for many different purposes. The main concern for event organisers is public safety and efficiency of work to produce world-class events. Scaffolding and proper scaffold use by trained contractors reduces the risks and increases efficiency at large-scale public events.

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Guidelines for the use of Scaffolding – by

Guidelines for the use of Scaffolding

Scaffolding construction services in South Africa are a necessity due to the major upgrades of so much of the existing infrastructure in and around cities and the construction of new buildings. With events such as the FIFA World Cup in the near future and the progression of South Africa into becoming a first world country, the transformation of the visual and structural aspects of the country are staggering. Along with these transformations comes the need for reliable and safe scaffolding services and systems through a safety approved contractor. Hiring a Contractor Hiring a licensed scaffolding contractor is the best method of finding a reliable and safe scaffolding system to use. In South Africa, contractors must abide by governmental safety legislations and the OHS Act & SANS 10085 to ensure that optimum safety is maintained during scaffolding operations and to avoid prosecution for accidents or death. From the years 2000 to 2005, there were 3999 injuries in the United Kingdom caused by various accidents on construction sites, all of which were avoidable – with proper care and safety, accidents should be extremely minimal. Scaffolding Safety Preparation Before a scaffolding structure is erected, there is some preparation which should be carried out by the scaffolding contractor hired for the job and by the person hiring the contractor. Firstly, the area where the scaffolding is to be erected needs to be a level surface that is stable, and if it is not, the contractor will need to stabilise it and make sure that it is adequate to support the scaffolds. Safety of bystanders is incredibly important and if the scaffolding is to be erected in a public place, appropriate measures need to be taken. For example, the work can be scheduled to proceed during quiet periods, during which less people are likely to be in proximity to the structure or roads can be closed through council permission. Scaffolding should never be erected near power lines as this can be extremely dangerous and result in fatalities. If scaffolding is to be used on a freeway or highway, the contractor is required to have a license especially for this and is responsible for applying for and obtaining such a license. However, the person hiring the contractor is responsible for asking for planning permission from the local council regarding the erection of any temporary structure and possible permanent structures the scaffolding may be used for. Getting Started Workers erecting scaffolding should be properly trained in the correct methods of constructing the scaffolding and working with temporary structures. Before use, the scaffolding should be inspected, and again once it is assembled. It is also advisable that the scaffolding is checked at regular intervals for weaknesses or damage to the structure and materials. This is especially important after an addition or change has been made to the scaffolding. Equally as important, scaffolding should be checked after very dry weather, storms, strong winds and other factors which may affect the safety of the scaffold structure. Safety During Scaffolding Use When scaffolding structures are in use, workmen should not store materials on the scaffolding boards. Anything left on the boards could cause someone to trip on the scaffolding and fall or cause injury to someone on the ground. Physical barriers are recommended to prevent injuries to people walking underneath the scaffolding structure, but using tape to create barriers is not recommended as people can (and will) ignore the tape and walk through. Similarly, if the scaffolding is left unattended, the access ladder should be removed to prevent access to unauthorised individuals. Movable tower scaffolding must have the wheels locked when workers are working from the towers and they are required to be stationary. With pre-made systems such as Self-Lock and Kwik-Stage scaffolding, the risks of accidents are reduced due to the built in safety systems of the scaffolding. These systems can be constructed very easily and by fewer workmen without compromising on safety. The systems are locking systems which do not allow for any part of a scaffolding structure to become loose and due to being made from steel, the scaffolding material is virtually indestructible. Scaffold hire is a growing necessity in South Africa, especially with special events, the successful film industry and the forthcoming FIFA World cup happening in the country. Without proper safety regulations and practices, the risk of injury and fatalities is high. Proper use of scaffolding is what will keep the construction and scaffolding industries the successful and thriving services that they are.

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