Hundreds of construction companies scattered all over Eastbourne have started using scaffolding services with the objective of providing construction workers with a secure platform when accessing the top and ground floors. The primary objective of building scaffolding is to support contractors working on high-rise buildings or making one. They often require working at different heights to perform and manage construction work. No wonder, the importance of durable and strong scaffolding can never be neglected.

 

 

Make DIY House Renovation Safer With Scaffolding

If you are planning to undertake your own home renovation project, the first thing you have to do is to build a safe scaffold which will help you reach high places while working. If you don’t have to worry about your safety when working at height, accomplishing your jobs becomes easier. Every building work requires support of some kind and a scaffolding system is ideal for your DIY house renovation projects. Though there are a few people who prefer using ladders instead of a scaffold, you can’t expect the same level of safety. The ladder can tip and throw you off balance if it slips on the floor or one of its legs sinks inside the ground. When building scaffolding, make sure you have attached it properly with the outer walls. There should be a wide and stable platform.

Know The Right Height For More Safety

If you want to ensure the safety of workers, not only should you choose a reputed company offering scaffolding in Eastbourne but also know the right height of the scaffolding you are building. The height of the building is the primary thing to consider when determining the height of the scaffolding. Designing a scaffold whose height is more than permissible will not only compromise the safety of the construction workers but can also lead to fines. The height of a scaffolding system also comprises of the guardrails, vertical posts, casters, and other necessities so you can expect a drastic increase in the height of the scaffolding.

   

2 Common Methods Of Constructing Scaffold

• Contractors use a construction method which doesn’t require outriggers. To prevent construction workers from tipping, there are supportive restraints. This construction method is suitable for scaffolding models with a height of 4, 6 or 7 feet.

• Outriggers are used in the second method of construction. There is a 2-foot outrigger in every corner of the scaffolding model. There is a wide and long base section. The least dimension determines the strength and durability of the structure. Check the nominal length and ensure that the maximum unrestrained height is four times lower than the former. This construction method is suitable for scaffolding models with a height of 4, 6 or 7 foot and the height of the restraint is more than 16, 24 and 28 feet.

Choose The Right Scaffolding Company

Unless you have experience in building scaffolds, it is always advisable to get in touch with a reputable scaffolding company in Eastbourne. Discuss your construction needs with them and they will let you know the right height of the scaffold you should build. A competent team of engineers will start planning the scaffolding unit only after checking the blueprint of the building. If scaffolding workers don’t want to get injured, they should be aware of the different heights the scaffolding can support. Instead of choosing any random scaffolding company, do some research and select someone reputed and experienced. Check their website and go through their client’s testimonials. Their scaffolders should be both experienced and knowledgeable. You can have complete peace of mind if they have a large client base in both the domestic and commercial sector.

One of the primary reasons why builders prefer installing scaffolding at construction sites is because it enhances the safety of construction workers. You can stretch it across the front of your project at different heights according to your construction needs. Though a scaffold is so crucial at every construction site, there are still a few builders who think that the structure can compromise your safety during the rainy reasons. If you are one of them, it’s high time you debunk the myth and follow a few tips to ensure your safety when using scaffolding in the rain.

3 Tips To Ensure Your Safety When Using Scaffolding In The Rain

• Support Your Feet

There are high chances for the lawn or the ground on which you have erected the scaffold to become weak after a heavy downpour. The softer the lawn is, the easier it is for the feet of the scaffold to sink into the ground. As a result, the entire structure might tip and you might fall off it. You can avoid this issue if each foot of the scaffold is supported with something sturdy. The best is to place flat pieces of wood below each foot of the structure which will prevent it from sinking when the ground is wet.

• Climb Carefully

Even if you are in a hurry to complete the construction work for the day before it starts raining heavily, be very careful when climbing up the scaffolding. Construction workers have to climb up and down the structure numerous time during the project. The rungs become slippery during the rainy season and can lead to slipping hazards. If you want to stay safe, climb the scaffold slowly and lift the other foot only when the first foot is secure. You should also hang to the structure at all times.

• Turn The Planks When Necessary

Though you don’t have to worry about the performance and safety of the wooden planks if you have approached a reputed company for scaffolding, you can turn the planks upside down if you feel that they have become too slippery. It generally occurs if it has rained for several hours and the plank has started losing its grip. Time to follow the tips stated above and you can safely use scaffolding during the rainy season.

Construction sites cause a lot of workplace accidents. Sites that have constructions above the ground level are especially risky. Not only are the workers at high risk, but the surrounding area also becomes unsafe.Scaffolding in Eastbourne is the best way to ensure the safety of the workers on site. That still leaves the pedestrians and passers-by at risk. Luckily, you can avoid mishaps easily. There is a wide range of attachments that help in making it possible. Some of the best scaffolding attachments are mentioned below:

Scaffolding Options to Implement for Utmost Safety

• Try to install a covered walkway, commonly known as a pedestrian canopy. This structure involves an overhead covering that will protect anyone walking in it. You might be having wood or stonework done in your project. These have been known to create a lot of fine dust. A pedestrian canopy is one of the best ways to protect a passer-by from this dust. It is also known to significantly reduce the amount of noise heard outside. If you are planning to use noise-making machinery, get one of these.

• Get netting done to catch anything that falls off. On a higher level of construction, things falling off are a common sight. Even small pieces can cause great harm when they hit someone below. Attaching a safety net to your scaffolding will do wonders for your site. It will be responsible for holding and collecting any debris, nuts and bolts falling from above. Attaching a net also has additional benefits. If something that you need falls, finding it will be much easier. All you will have to do is look in the net. If one of your workers drops a drilling machine by mistake, the safety net is there to lessen the impact. The device could be used again, which wouldn’t be the case if it had hit the ground.

   

• The wrong placement of waste also causes a lot of accidents in a construction site. Pedestrians can slip and fall, leading to some severe injuries. Getting waste disposal chutes will be the end of the problem. These chutes can be directly connected to the dumpster for efficient disposal. Chutes are a fantastic feature for multi-level construction sites.

• Industrial tarps or shrink-wraps are also a worthy instalment. Weather can be very destructive at an altitude. Shrink wraps are a great way to stop high winds or rain in a storm.

The structure of the scaffolding has to be changed accordingly when you are getting these attachments. It will help if you only trust skilled workers with this job. AGR Scaffolding is one of the most reliable and well-known companies when it comes to scaffolding in Eastbourne. Safety is their primary concern, and the work speaks volume for itself. You can choose from a variety of services, all of which are priced competitively.

The benefits offered by high-quality scaffolds at construction sites can’t be ignored. They have been used for centuries to enable construction workers to work at height with utmost safety. It has changed the way how buildings are constructed. With the right scaffold installed at your site, you don’t have to worry about the height of the building you are constructing.

Another benefit of using scaffolding for construction is that it is a temporary structure which you can hire and erect easily. If you are willing to reap all the benefits offered by a scaffold, make sure you are aware of all the issues which can damage or destroy them. A damaged or faulty scaffold equipment should be immediately removed from your construction site if you don’t want to compromise your safety.

   

5 Common Issues Which Can Damage Your Scaffolds In West Sussex

Harsh Environmental Conditions

Though the climate of West Sussex stays pleasant throughout the year, a sudden change in environmental conditions can damage your scaffold. Beware of extreme weather like cold, precipitation or heat as they can damage the condition of your scaffold equipment and the material might start developing rust. Sudden change in temperature can also impact the material of your scaffold. Even minor rust in the structure can become prominent over time and eventually break it.

Overloading The Scaffold

The consequences of an overloaded scaffold can be quite disastrous. Putting more load on the structure than it is capable of can damage its structural integrity.  The load capacity of each scaffold differs so first have a talk with the company you have approached for Scaffolding in West Sussex. Make sure you respect its load capacity even if the structure is adequately tough. Know the maximum number of workers allowed at a time on the scaffold.

Not Following Height Protocols

It is mandatory for every construction worker using a scaffold to follow all the prescribed protocols when working at height. Lack of established procedure can compromise the safety of construction workers. They should know how to work properly when using scaffold supported structures to construct high-rise buildings. After all, scaffolds are temporary structures which should be used only under special conditions and not for regular use.

   

Absence Of Competent Person

Your scaffolding can even get damaged or destroyed if the professional erecting or dismantling it is not a competent person. You need proper training to identify the predictable or existing hazards in its surroundings or working conditions. Hazardous or unsanitary working conditions can compromise the safety of your construction workers. The person erecting or dismantling the structure should have the authorisation to do it. It is also his responsibility to take corrective measures to eliminate any existing or predictable hazard.

Ignoring Work Protocols

Even if your construction workers have years of experience in working on scaffolds, it is mandatory for them to follow all the work protocols and rules set by the government. The objective is to ensure their safety and complete your project on time. You will be surprised to know that incorrect erection and dismantling of scaffolds is considered to be one of the most common reasons behind damaged scaffold equipment.

Since you are now aware of the common issues which can damage your scaffold, make sure you choose an experienced company who comply with the updated safety standards and employ only trained professionals having vast experience in installing and removing scaffolding structures.

Most cities in the world have a skyline comprising a large number of tall buildings, especially in a commercial area. Not only are these buildings constructed at a height, they also need to be maintained at the same level. Cleaning windows or fixing broken panes require workers to be way above the ground level. About a third of workplace accidents are caused when working at height. Not only is it life-threatening to the workers, the company and the people nearby also face the consequences. Being alert and active and using scaffolding solutions can help in avoiding the unwanted mishaps. Here are some situations you should be aware of:

Top considerations while working at a height

• Falls are caused when there are stability issues. Most upper-level jobs are done with the help of scaffolding in West Sussex. People who settle for cheap alternatives to save money end up suffering. Flimsy structures are often the first red flag. To avoid any such situations, always rent it from trusted companies and schedule routine inspections. Keep your scaffolding well maintained to ensure smooth workflow.
• Check for any potential falls in the begginning. Precaution is better than cure. Uneven surfaces and unfinished construction often come in the way of the construction workers. Trips and falls are common in a construction site full of raw material. Keeping the walking ways clear and adding protection where a potential fall might happen is the least you can do.

• Humans have always been at the mercy of nature. Rains, storms or a snowfall also cause a lot of mishaps at a higher level. Extra precaution should be taken on these days. You might want to cancel the day if too much risk is involved.
• The people in the neighbourhood or passers-by are often met by accidents when people work at height. There is a high risk of objects falling from the height and injuring people below. Adding a safety net with the scaffolding works wonders for this problem. It can be installed easily and makes the site a lot safer.
• A scaffold used in construction projects needs to be examined at the start of the project and then at an interval of 7 days till the time it is in use. As the scaffolding is kept exposed to external factors that might deteriorate it such as adverse weather conditions then it must be inspected regularly and even after substantial alteration.

Quality of scaffolding plays a very important role in the foundation of safety. You should choose a reputable source like AGR Scaffolding for all solutions related to scaffolding in West Sussex. Their highly experienced team is fully insured. You can avail services like scaffolding hire, installation and removal at very competitive prices.