If you are planning to undertake a commercial, residential or industrial construction project, first approach a company offering scaffolding services. Though the structure can enhance the safety of your construction site, make sure you are aware of its height and load capacity. A majority of the scaffolding accidents occur if the structure you are erecting is unfit for the purpose or proper scaffolding safety equipment are not used.
Make Working With Scaffolding Safer
Though using scaffolding looks quite straight forward, it is actually not so. If you want to make the most of the structure, enhance your knowledge about the scaffolding and the access systems. According to law, scaffolds should always be erected, moved, dismantled and altered under the supervision of a qualified person.
Operating and adjusting scaffolding requires specialisation and so the task should be undertaken by a trained and competent professional. The structure has evolved drastically in the last few years. Modern-day systems like Kwikstage and Cuplock have replaced the traditional tube and fitting scaffolds.Whether you are opting for the bracket supported, fully supported, pre-fabricated or under-hung scaffolding, follow all the laws when using them.
- Know TheHeight And Load Capacity
There are generally three types of scaffolding as far as their load capacity is concerned. They are light-duty scaffolds, medium-duty scaffolds and heavy or specialised duty scaffolds. What kind of structure you should hire is dependent on your construction needs. The height capacity ofscaffolding is largely dependent on its load capacity. Generally, the height to base ratio is 4:1. Make sure that its height is not more than four times the minimum base width. For example, if the base width is 3 metres, the height of the scaffold should not be more than 12 meters.
- Stay Prepared For High Wind
If there are high winds forecast while construction work is going on, become aware of the dangers of high winds and take the necessary precautions. Few actions should be taken before, during and after the stormy weather. The bracing and tie arrangements require special attention during periods of strong wind.
Loose materials of an unfinished scaffold should not be left exposed to the wind. There should be sufficient coupler connections and the structure adequately tested if you want to reduce the chances of failure. Wait for the wind to subside completely before you start inspecting the structure. Make sure no part of the scaffolding has failed or stopped working.
Since construction workers working at height won’t get a second chance, it is always advisable to think twice before acting. Choose a reliable provider of
scaffolding services in Horsham and check the load capacities of the scaffold and access systems. Even a minor error when working at height can turn out to be fatal so follow all the rules and regulations when using scaffolding.
