If you have an upcoming construction
project, you may be considering whether or not you need scaffolding.
Scaffolding makes your worker's job much easier, especially if they
are working on a big area. If you would like to know more, check out
what services you can get from a great scaffolding company.
Traditional Scaffolding
Scaffolding is often used in
construction projects because of its many benefits. First, it
promotes better safety for employees. Since they are walking on a
sturdy, flat structure, there is less risk of tripping or falling.
Plus, scaffolding has handrails to provide additional support and
help prevent falls.
The other advantage is that it provides
easy access. If you use a ladder, you have to keep moving the ladder
each time you start a new section, but with scaffolding, you can walk
to different areas, which saves time and labor costs. In some cases,
the scaffolding may stretch across the entire side of a building.
Tower Scaffolding
Tower scaffolding is another option,
and it is commonly used when the work area is particularly high and
located in one isolated area. This is because tower scaffolding is
narrower than traditional scaffolding, so you won't be able to use it
to walk the entire side of the building. However, tower scaffolding
is mobile, so when you're done with one area, you can move it to
another.
Using a tower scaffolding in high winds
isn't a great idea. Most scaffolds are designed to withstand high
winds, but there are other complications associated with high winds,
such as stones and branches flying into your face, which can cause
you to lose your balance and fall.
Shrink Wrap
In a lot of cases, you don't even see
most of the scaffolding from the ground because it is covered in
special shrink wrap. This is done for several reasons. First, if it
is windy, the shrink wrap can provide protection from both the wind
and flying objects, and since shrink wrap shrinks-to-fit, it should
fit around every type of scaffolding.
Shrink wrap can also protect against
criminals. Criminals may try to use the scaffolding to break inside
your building, but shrink wrap serves as a barrier. Last, while
shrink wrap detours criminals, it may attract customers. Customers
may shy away from a building with a big scaffold out front, but if
it's hidden behind shrink wrap, they may feel safer.
Debris Management
Shrink wrap serves as a form of debris
management, but you should consider other features too. Many business
owners also choose to use a sidewalk canopy. This allows pedestrians
to continue using the sidewalk, but it offers protection from falling
debris.
Some business owners may choose debris
netting instead of shrink wrap. This netting is great at stopping
falling debris, but it doesn't provide the other same benefits as
shrink wrap, such as hiding the scaffold, which people may see as an
eyesore. Finally, to prevent heavy waste from gathering on the
scaffolding and/or making employees climb down frequently, you can
install waste disposal shoots to send debris directly to the dumpster
below.
Modular Systems
Modular systems are commonly used if
the building is a complex structure. Perhaps it has one high tower or
a protruding walkway. In these cases, a traditional scaffold may not
work, and while a tower scaffold may be small enough to help, you'll
have to keep moving it. Modular systems can be used like traditional
systems to reach many areas at once.
This type of scaffolding may also be
referred to as prefabricated scaffolding because the components have
already been made. Plus, the pieces are all designed for their own
purpose.
There are many types of scaffolding,
but they all offer more safety than ladders. Plus, with scaffolding,
you don't have to repeatedly climb up and down to reach the next
area. If you would like to know more about scaffolding, contact
us at Pacific Scaffold Company today.
