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Legal Construction Updates for 2021

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 18:49:14 GMT

Every year, new laws come about that will likely affect your company, and 2020 is no different. The year has brought about a host of changes you'll need to make to keep your construction business legal in 2021. Look through these relevant adjustments to get an idea of what you need to change within your business to keep it going.

Coronavirus

As you might imagine, many of this year's updates have to do with the virus that has changed everyone's lives. Every area of life has new standards for personal health and safety, and employers can enforce these standards across the company. Take advantage of that authority to protect the contractors you work with and do your best to keep your construction sites healthy.

Regulations in a few critical areas have proven to help prevent the virus from spreading onsite. Avoid cross-contamination in personal protective equipment and respiratory protection by providing each contractor with their own safeguards, and put measures in place to handle the possibility of blood-borne pathogens. Prepare a plan to limit exposure in these areas, and you'll be well on your way to protecting the people under you.

Sick Leave

With the contagious capabilities of the COVID-19 virus, one of the most important ways to keep your employees safe is to allow anyone who contracts the virus enough time to recover before returning to work. To encourage this practice, California placed a law that expanded supplemental paid sick leave for anything related to the disease, especially for any company with more than 500 employees.

Additionally, lawmakers have created a worker's compensation presumption for anyone who contracted the disease after March 19th, 2020. Since stay-at-home orders have been in place during this time, the most likely place to contract the disease is in the workplace, making it eligible for a worker's compensation claim. The disputable presumption will extend until January 1, 2023, unless otherwise updated, so prepare your contractors accordingly.

Licenses

One of the bills that passed this year created a new category of contracting business, a B-2 classification known as residential remodeling contracting. Any worker within this classification can make improvements in, on, or to a wood frame structure that is already standing and is classified as residential. This category allows at least three unrelated building trades or crafts for a single contract.

The redefinitions and categorizations aren't the only items of note, though. Licenses have an extra layer of protection now that allows you to renew after your expiration date. The only conditions are that you turn in the correct application and fees within 90 days of your license's expiration date.

Residentials

PACE requirements and restrictions have undergone some changes this year, which may affect your construction company depending on the projects you usually take on. In any PACE assessment contracts, prepayment penalties are prohibited, and PACE can no longer provide assessments on properties with reverse mortgages. Additionally, PACE assessments must include a financing estimate and disclosure on paper with the homeowner.

If you deal with many retirees, you may be glad to find another law adjustment for customers 65 years old or older. Home solicitation contracts, PACE assessment contracts, seminar sales contracts, service and repair contracts, and home improvement contracts all have an extended deadline to cancel the deal; now, you have five business days instead of three.

Whether you need temporary stairs and pedestrian walkways or frame scaffolds for a large scale project, look no further than Pacific Scaffold Company . With over 50 years of experience providing safe scaffolding and excellent service, you can trust that your latest endeavor is in good hands. Get in touch today to see how we can help your building dreams come true.

Safety Do's and Don'ts When Using RollingScaffold Towers

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 19:40:13 GMT

If you need to create a safe, elevated working area for a construction or renovation project, scaffolding is a versatile and cost-effective solution. However, most scaffolding configurations cannot be relocated once they are assembled. If you need to access several separate elevated areas, constructing an individual scaffold for each area can be time-consuming and expensive.

In these situations, a rolling scaffold tower can be the ideal solution. These free-standing scaffolds are fitted with heavy-duty casters and are easy to move from place to place without relying on powered towing equipment. They are also much cheaper to hire than other types of mobile access equipment.

However, using any type of scaffolding incorrectly can be extremely dangerous, and unsafe use of a rolling scaffold can put the lives of your employees at risk. If you plan to use rolling scaffolds for a future project, there are some specific safety do's and don'ts that must be observed at all times.

DO Clear Debris From the Working Area

Many accidents involving rolling scaffold towers are caused by loose debris, such as building materials, abandoned tools, and demolition debris. If a rolling scaffold collides with any debris while it is in motion, it may collapse, especially if is not fitted with suitable cross bracing. Toppling scaffolds can also cause catastrophic damage to any structures or equipment left in their path.

Keeping your working area free of debris is one of the most effective ways to improve rolling scaffold safety. Take extra care when you clear paths between different elevated working areas, and make sure that any other scaffolds in the area are fitted with suitable debris management equipment to prevent debris from accumulating. Debris netting and disposal chutes can be very helpful.

DON'T Use Rolling Scaffolds On Unsafe Surfaces

Unlike conventional scaffolding, rolling scaffold towers are free-standing structures. While guy ropes, outriggers, and other accessories can provide added stability, rolling scaffolds cannot be braced against nearby walls using wall braces or support needles. They must therefore be positioned on stable, level surfaces to be used safely.

The surface a rolling scaffold is placed on doesn't have to be perfectly level, and you can correct for minor gradients using adjustable leveling casters or leveling jacks. However, the surface must be able to support the weight of a rolling scaffold, plus workers and their equipment. Rolling scaffolds should never be used on bare soil, sand, or other surfaces that shift under heavy loads.

DO Use Proper Cross Bracing

Each vertical column of a rolling scaffold is fitted with an independent caster, which allows for maximum freedom of motion when you maneuver around a busy job site. However, this also means that each vertical column will move independently while the scaffold is in motion. If one or more of the casters strays too far out of alignment, the entire tower may lose its shape and collapse.

To prevent this, you should always fit suitable cross bracing to the vertical columns of your rolling scaffold. These braces are inserted between the vertical columns and prevent columns from moving out of alignment accidentally. These braces can also make your tower more wind-resistant if the weather turns against you.

DON'T Use Rolling Scaffolds Near Power Lines

Working around live power lines is always hazardous, but you should never attempt to use a rolling scaffold near any kind of power line or live electrical circuit. It can be very difficult to judge vertical clearance while you move a rolling scaffold, so trying to maneuver a rolling tower beneath power lines is both irresponsible and dangerous.

If any part of a moving rolling scaffold touches a live circuit, the electrical charge conducted through the metal scaffold can severely injure or kill anybody who comes into contact with it. Bear in mind that the guard rails fitted to most rolling scaffolds are also made of metal, so make sure to take the added height of the guard rail into account when you check for electrical hazards.

These are just some of the most important safety rules you should follow when you use rolling scaffold towers. For more advice on scaffolding safety measures and equipment, contact the scaffolding experts at Pacific Scaffolding Co. Inc.

Considering Modular Construction? Here's How Shrink Wrap Can Help

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:18:16 GMT

Modular or pre-fabricated construction has risen in popularity for good reason. Modular construction has the potential to deliver a product - whether a wall panel or an entire home - more quickly and efficiently than a traditional stick-build on-site. In fact, up to 90% of a building can be finalized off-site before it even arrives at its intended destination.

If you've considered modular construction for a home or other structure, you may be surprised to learn that shrink wrap can help make your vision even more conceivable. Here's how shrink wrap has your modular construction project covered.

Shrink Wrap Readies a Product for Delivery

When a product piece is complete, it must be delivered to the site for installation. Transport may occur via flatbed truck on land or by ship over water. The product is more at risk of damage during this critical time as it is positioned or prepared for shipping.

A particularly wieldy or heavy piece may be difficult to maneuver or handle onto its conveyance. Certain methods can scratch, bump, or shift delicate pieces of a product. For example, metal chains or canvas straps that secure a product into place can cause damage.

Shrink wrap is meant to protect the product because it totally encapsulates a piece. This barrier helps safely ready that product for delivery as it shields surfaces from accidental damage during preparation for transport.

Shrink Wrap Protects During Shipment

The greatest moment a modular construction piece is at risk is during transport to its final site, especially over great distances. Several factors can cause damage during this phase. Road travel has great potential for objects to strike a product. High speeds on highways mean dirt, rocks and other flying debris is more likely to hit the piece.

Additionally, travel on a flatbed means a piece is exposed to the elements. Rain and snow can be a moisture problem unless a load has protection. Moisture is harmful to wood products because it can stain or cause wood to warp or swell. Also, wood with prolonged moisture exposure is at risk for mold growth.

Shrink wrap completely protects a piece during transportation from dust, dirt, debris strikes, and moisture. A damaged product means project delays, so you need shrink wrap to keep a piece safe during travel.

Shrink Wrap Maintains Safety After Delivery

Often a product is not immediately needed at the final installation site after delivery if certain elements are not ready. On-site delays mean a product might sit for days before contractors are ready to access it. When this happens, a piece can be at risk for vandalism or bad weather despite sturdy construction fences or surveillance guards.

Shrink wrap already in place continues to protect a product during different on-site phases. You can keep shrink wrap in place after transport as it rests on-site in preparation for installation. Then, when crews are ready, shrink wrap continues to protect smaller pieces as they are hoisted or maneuvered into place with cranes or other heavy equipment.

Shrink Wrap Makes Modular Construction a Reality

Shrink wrap helps overcome one challenge common to the modular or pre-fabrication construction concept. Logistics can be a real concern for many builders that consider modular construction. Physically transporting a piece can be problematic with regards to traffic and highway conditions or conveyance details.

You should not have to worry about damage before, during, or after a piece travels to its final site. Shrink wrap will protect your product for you and help make modular construction a reality. Contact Pacific Scaffold Co. Inc. for further information about how we can protection your materials and our shrink wrap options.

How Your Scaffolding Plan Should Incorporate Debris Management

Wed, 08 Jul 2020 12:44:00 GMT

Whether you plan to add or take away material from your building, a certain amount of waste debris will always be involved. To protect those working and those passing nearby, you need to have an effective strategy in place to dispose of debris and keep it out of the way. Here are just a few methods you should consider.

Debris Netting

Much like the netting for trapeze artists, debris netting is set in place to catch falling debris, and even sometimes falling people, during the course of construction. While workers typically wear secure harnesses to keep themselves from falling, debris netting often has enough tensile strength to hold a person as well should it become necessary.

Of course, debris can weight much more than a single worker. The lives of five workers at a Charleston, SC , worksite were saved because the netting at their construction site was prepared with an abundance of caution. The netting caught four tons of tower debris - much more than it was estimated to handle.

While it's unlikely that your project will involve tons of falling tower material, err on the side of caution when you set up your netting. Your workers will depend on that netting with their lives should other safety measures fail, and you never know what may fall during a job.

Pedestrian Canopy

Much like debris netting, pedestrian canopies protect those who walk under construction areas from falling material. However, they work less as a catch-all net and more as a shield for pedestrians. Pedestrian canopies should be the final barrier between pedestrians and the scaffolding site, not the only barrier.

When companies rely too heavily on their pedestrian canopies to protect those on the ground, accidents are much more likely. Much like you wouldn't want an umbrella to be the only defense against falling stone, a canopy's purpose is to catch what little particles your net and secure scaffolding system let through. Pedestrian canopies are useful, but only as part of your overall debris management system.

Waste Disposal Chutes

Not all your waste debris will be things you wanted to keep up high in debris netting. In fact, a large portion of the debris will be waste you plan to throw away. If you don't have a system set up to safely carry this waste to the ground for proper disposal, your scaffolding can become quickly cluttered. You can use a strong system of chutes to solve this problem.

Of course, this can be much more complicated than just building a slide for your trash. Many cities have strict guidelines about how a chute should be constructed and what it should accomplish. Things like rodent-proofing and dust control are a must when it comes to proper chute construction, no matter how temporary the structure.

There is no catch-all solution for debris management. Each and every part, whether it be netting, canopies, or chutes, handles a specific hazard that debris presents when combined with scaffolding. That is why it is essential that you know and understand every part of your waste debris management plan before you give the go-ahead for scaffolding to be put in place.

Additionally, each aspect of scaffolding is highly regulated to make sure that the scaffolds are sufficiently stable and safe for both those who work on them and those who pass underneath. That is why scaffolding is best left to professionals who have the right experience and materials for the job. Debris management overall is a serious part of scaffolding safety that needs professional oversight.

For experienced debris management and scaffolding services, reach out to Pacific Scaffold Co. Inc. We're ready to help.

What Can You Get From a Professional Scaffolding Company?

Fri, 01 May 2020 19:35:32 GMT

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.

3 Tips for Overhauling Your Home's Exterior

Thu, 12 Mar 2020 21:21:13 GMT

Your home's exterior can last a long time, even when exposed to elements, because it is designed to withstand wind, rain, sun, etc. However, it doesn't last forever, and if your siding is starting to age, peel, or crack, now may be the time to overhaul your home's exterior. Before you do, however, check out these three tips that can help.

1. Consider Your Needs

Before you start any project, consider your needs. One factor that determines the type of siding you need is the weather. Certain siding materials do better in warmer climates when compared to cooler climates. Wood, for example, may be an excellent option for an area with limited temperature fluctuations.

Wood expands when exposed to hot weather and contracts when exposed to cold temperatures. If this happens too frequently, the wood experiences a lot of stress, causing it to break down sooner. In areas like San Francisco, however, the weather doesn't drastically change from 100-degree days to 30-degree days throughout the year.

You also need to consider how much maintenance you want to deal with. Wood, for example, is beautiful but requires a lot of maintenance to prevent rot and infestation. Fiber cement, on the other hand, requires little maintenance. You may need to pressure wash it occasionally.

2. Rent Scaffolding

If your home has a second or third floor, a ladder can be a dangerous choice. In fact, every year, more than 90,000 people need emergency treatment from ladder-related injuries. In addition, about half of those people were injured because they were trying to climb up the ladder while carrying items. Naturally, if you're remodeling your home's exterior, you'll need to carry heavy materials.

For this reason, you should rent scaffolding. Scaffolding has two major advantages over ladders: they are safe and make projects easy. With a ladder, you have to climb down and move the ladder each time you need to reach a new section. Scaffolding, however, allows you to reach every part of the exterior, so you don't have to keep climbing up and down a ladder.

In addition, the scaffolding is secure and balanced. This means you don't need to focus on keeping your balance while you work; you just have to focus on your work. As a result, the job takes much less time.

3. Get a Dumpster

If you're tearing off old siding, you're going to have a lot of waste, which is why many homeowners choose to rent a dumpster before they even start. You can easily toss the old siding into the dumpster, and once full, the dumpster rental company will come collect it to take the waste to the dump. Dumpster rental costs between $300 and $400, depending on the size.

If you're doing more than just replacing siding, however, be mindful of what you toss in the dumpster. E - waste, such as computers and batteries, cannot be sent to the dump because they can contaminate soil and water. The dumpster rental company should be able to help you with the proper removal of E-waste.

On the downside, dumpsters can damage your yard and landscaping. Some homeowners prefer to park the dumpster on their driveway, but the heavy weight can cause cracking. Finally, if you try to park the dumpster on the street, you may end up with a fine, depending on the local laws.

When improving any part of your home, the main goal should always be to stay safe. Siding can be hard to replace with just a ladder, but scaffolding is safe and makes the project much easier. If you would like to know more about scaffolding, contact us at Pacific Scaffold Company.

4 Scaffolding Features to Protect Pedestrians From Construction Projects

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 02:26:06 GMT

Safety is important on any construction site, and the safety extends beyond just the workers on the site. When you do large building work, the pedestrians who pass under the building must stay protected from exposure to various elements that may pose a threat or danger.

Along with general scaffolding for exterior work on a building, you can use additional features and upgrades to improve the safety for pedestrians. Learn about the features and the various ways they help with all types of exterior high-rise construction.

1. Debris Netting

During a construction project, gravity is not on your side. Pieces of the building, debris, and construction parts like nails could all easily fall. If an item hits a pedestrian, they suffer from serious injuries.

One way to help prevent the injuries is with debris netting. The netting offers a secure layer between the construction area and the ground level of the project. If anything falls from above, the netting securely catches the items.

Not only does the netting help protect the pedestrians below, but workers easily retrieve the items from the netting. The soft nature of the net will help prevent expensive tools from suffering major damage. Once retrieved, they may be used again.

2. Pedestrian Canopies

Similar to netting, pedestrian canopies offer another way to block pedestrians from harmful construction projects. Besides solid items and pieces of the construction, the canopy is an essential part of protecting pedestrians from dust exposure.

Both stone and wood work may create harmful dust particles in the air. A canopy helps block out dust. People who walk by will not be exposed to the dust or breathe any in. The canopies also help block out the sounds of a construction site.

Tools and the general construction process creates all kinds of noise. Limiting the noise will help prevent distractions and annoyance for the people who walk by.

3. Waste Disposal Chutes

As you go through the construction process, a lot of waste builds up on a daily basis. Not only does falling construction debris create hazards for people, but pedestrians could slip and fall on construction equipment that falls and lands on the ground.

For example, a person who walks on the sidewalk may slip and fall on a bolt or screw. The bolt may be a small object, but the slip and fall could create extensive injuries.

Along with the scaffolding, your construction site should set up waste disposal chutes. The chutes are completely enclosed and connect directly to a dumpster. When objects go in the chutes, the debris slides down and goes directly in the dumpster. Workers do not have to guess and drop pieces of debris from a far distance.

The length and size of the chutes depend on the size of the construction project. You may benefit from multiple chutes to help protect the pedestrians who travel underneath the construction site.

4. Shrink-Wrap

High winds often impact high construction sites, resulting in potential dangers as objects blow off and fall towards the ground. One way to offer secure protection around the exterior of a building is with shrinkwrap.

Tarps have the ability to come loose, especially in strong winds. Shrink-wrap helps secure the whole building while windows, siding, and other parts are in a more vulnerable state.

Shrink-wrap may go around a whole building or just a small portion depending on the type of project your construction crew works on. The shrink-wrap remains secure as long as the building needs protection.

Contact us at Pacific Scaffold Company to find out more about our products and various ways to make your construction site safe. We can answer all your questions and help set up your construction site quickly while providing high safety standards.

Understanding the New York Scaffold Law

Thu, 07 Nov 2019 15:54:06 GMT

The New York Scaffold Law is a hot topic among many construction businesses. Even though, right now, the law only exists in New York, many people think its impact may eventually cause other states to adopt similar laws.

Whether the law spreads or not remains to be seen. However, construction professionals should familiarize themselves with this law and its implications just in case the same or similar laws are adopted elsewhere.

The Basics of the Law

First, one must understand what the law entails.

Under the New York Scaffold Law, any owner or manager of a construction site is required to provide mandated safety equipment to all workers. This safety equipment is largely designed to protect workers in the event of a fall.

If safety equipment was not provided or safety regulations were not met and someone is injured or killed, the person in charge can be held legally responsible for the accident.

The Financial Impacts of the Law

While many argue that the scaffold law is unfair and puts undue pressure on the construction companies that must obey it, others are more concerned with its financial impacts.

Due to the extreme liability that construction companies face under this law, insurance costs are extremely high. The purchase of additional safety equipment affects overall costs as well.

On private jobs, this cost increase affects only the company. On public jobs, however, the cost increase affects the entire city right down to the taxpayers.

If other states were to adopt this law or even parts of this law, they could expect to see the same type of price increases. In fact, many people believe that cost is the main reason that the law has not yet spread to other states.

The Legal Ramifications of the Law

One might think that this law would dramatically decrease the number of construction-related falls and accidents. However, the opposite has proven to be true. Data indicates that accidents are actually more likely with this law in place.

In addition to an increase in accidents, the state has experienced a huge increase in litigation brought against construction site managers and other responsible parties. While some people think this increase is demonstrative of construction workers and laborers standing up for their rights, others think unfair abuse of the system is at play.

In any event, liability is almost always assumed when a case of this type is brought to trial, if it even makes it that far. The thinking is often that if proper safety procedures were followed exactly, the accident would not have occurred at all.

The Personal Impacts of the Law

Though feelings about this law are obviously mixed, it does affect many workers on a personal level.

For example, workers feel safer and more protected at work. They also do not have the financial responsibility of buying their own scaffolding-related safety gear and equipment or the responsibility of remembering to bring it to every worksite and to set it up properly.

For many workers, these impacts are greatly appreciated, and worker feedback is a key reason that other states may adopt the law or parts of it in the future.

Ultimately, whether or not this law will spread in the way so many predict is unclear. However, construction managers around the nation would do well to adopt some of the safety regulations put in place by the New York Scaffold Law.

While construction managers in other states might not face the same liability as those in New York, they do still owe it to their workers to protect them as fully as possible. To extend this courtesy to your own crew, contact the safety experts at Pacific Scaffold Co. Inc .

6 Things For Safely Using Scaffolding

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 21:38:01 GMT

If your employees must use scaffolding while doing their jobs, it's important for you to properly train those employees. If you're wondering what you need to teach your employees, start with these three important things.

1. It's Important to Use the Right Scaffolding for the Job

Not only should you be aware of the different types of scaffolds that are available, but you should also make sure that your employees know about them, too. You might have purchased or rented multiple scaffolds for different projects, and it's important for your employees to know which ones to use for which jobs.

Therefore, take the time to teach your employees about what the different types of scaffolds are used for, what their maximum heights are, and what their weight limitations are.

2. Scaffolding Should Be Inspected Carefully Daily

Rented scaffolding should be kept maintained and in good condition by the equipment rental company. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't check it over regularly while it's in your possession, though. If your company owns its scaffolding, then checking it regularly to look for maintenance or repairs that need to be done is important.

In either situation, you will probably want to make sure that your employees know how to perform routine inspections on scaffolding. Then, they can check over scaffolding before use to make sure that it's in safe and proper condition.

3. Scaffolding Should Always Be Set Up Properly

During training, you will probably teach your employees how to set up scaffolding properly. Those who are going to be handling a quick job or who might feel overly comfortable with using scaffolding, however, might be tempted to use scaffolding when it's not set up properly.

Make sure employees know that going through the steps of setting up scaffolding properly is important for safety reasons and to prevent damage to the scaffolding itself.

4. Using Scaffolding as Directed is Essential

Again, make sure that your employees don't become so comfortable with scaffolding use that they don't follow basic use rules. For example, employees should know that it's important to only work on the platform when working on a scaffold, no matter how tempted they may be to hang off of the side of it when working in hard-to-reach places.

5. Proper Safety Gear Should Always Be Worn

Employees should always wear proper safety gear when they are working on scaffolding. As when working on any construction site, it is important for workers to wear their safety helmets. Additionally, harnesses and other fall protection gear should also be worn.

Consider providing appropriate safety gear to your employees so that they can grab it when they need it. Additionally, make sure that your employees know what safety gear they should wear and how to wear it properly.

6. Accidents or Problems Should Be Reported Immediately

Make sure that your employees know the importance of communicating with management of your company when there are problems with scaffolding. If something goes wrong with a scaffold, it's important for employees to report it so that the scaffolding can be inspected and repaired.

If someone gets hurt, it is important for that person to get appropriate medical attention and for the incident to be properly documented.

Many employees worry about communicating with their employers about accidents that happen while they're on the job. Make sure that your employees know that the lines of communication are open, and encourage them to come forward in these situations.

Whether you purchase or rent scaffolding, make sure that your employees are aware of the three important things above. Contact us at Pacific Scaffold Co., Inc. if you are looking to rent scaffolding for your company's needs.

Need Scaffolding? A Short Guide to the 5 Major Types

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 00:00:00 GMT

Do you need scaffolding for your future construction project? If you have any work to complete on the outside of walls, you likely want to use these time-saving and safety-minded construction aids.

But what kind of scaffolding can you expect to use? And how can you choose the best fit for your specific project? Here's a short guide to the five main scaffolding types and their uses.

1. Single Scaffolding

Commonly called bricklayer's scaffolding, this scaffolding is the simplest type of setup. Supports are placed in the ground in a row parallel to the wall being worked on. Horizontal supports called putlogs are secured to both the vertical supports and holes in the wall to provide a solid place to work. If a single scaffold-type arrangement gets high enough, additional braces are placed for safety.

While older scaffolds used wood and rope lashings for their supports and connections, modern versions generally use steel or tubular beams. Horizontal elements have specialized connectors that increase safety as well as ease of movement. And modern putlogs are specially constructed to leave less mark on the wall's structure.

2. Double Scaffolding

Of course, not all construction projects want holes in the walls. Stone work, for instance, doesn't generally include such holes for the putlogs to support a temporary structure. In this case, you need a scaffold that is completely independent of the wall itself.

The double setup, or mason's scaffolding, gets its name from the additional row of grounded support standards placed on the outside of the scaffold to keep it safe and sturdy. This wider footprint makes the scaffolding itself stronger than a single version. If the rows will go too high, scaffolding installers will add additional support measures in the forms of rakers and cross-braces.

3. Cantilever Scaffolding

What if you need to work in a spot where you can't place supports into the ground directly below? Then you may need a cantilever scaffold. With this setup, a support called a needle is placed partly in the wall and partly on the exterior. These needles then support the weight of the scaffold and workers while it uses the wall as support, not the ground.

To keep the cantilevered needle from moving in the wind or with workers milling about, an inclined strut is placed diagonally from the needle's outside edge to the wall itself. This angled support often makes use of a window sill or similar feature to keep it in place.

4. Rolling Scaffolding

For smaller jobs or ones where space is at a premium, you may want a slimmed-down scaffold arrangement called rolling (or trestle) scaffolding. This mobile scaffold can easily be moved as the work calls for it, although it provides less space to move around for the workers.

Because mobile scaffolds focus on height rather than width, they are excellent choices for higher floors and more specific, location-based work.

5. Suspended Scaffolding

The final major category of scaffolds is those which are suspended from the roof. Suspended scaffolding consists of a sold work platform that is hung over the side of the building, using the roof as support. This might be a good choice for work being done high above the street, such as specific repairs or masonry replacements near the upper floors.

Suspended scaffolding, along with the other types mentioned, should only be installed and maintained by professionals with experience in this type of work.

When you understand the basic requirements and uses of the various types of scaffold, you will undoubtedly make the best choice for your particular construction work. At Pacific Scaffold Company , we can help guide you through selection along with installation, maintenance, and removal. Call today to learn more about how we can help make your project run smoother and safer.

Weather and Your Scaffolding: Knowing When to Come Down

Mon, 13 May 2019 15:53:02 GMT

Scaffolding is one of the most useful ways to work on the side of a building or high overhead without hanging off a ladder. When assembled correctly, the scaffold is safe and stable, providing a good work area. But some things can affect the way your scaffold performs. Weather is one of those things, and you often can't do a lot to change that.

Rain and Scaffolds

You can use many different scaffolds on your project, but in almost every situation, the scaffold is going to get slippery when it gets wet.

Even in light rain, workers need to be extremely careful working on a wet scaffold. Many scaffold systems use a wooden board as the work platform, and depending on the wood, the surface can be slippery with a minimal amount of water on it. If you regularly need to work in the rain, adding some traction material to the surface of the board can increase stability.

If the rain comes down hard or your workers express concern over the conditions on the scaffold, bring your employees down until the weather passes. Most construction projects are on tight deadlines, but an injury or death is not worth making the deadline for.

High-Wind Concerns

Working in windy conditions may not be a good reason to shut down a job, but there are many documented cases of scaffolds overturning or collapsing in a high-wind situation.

Some states prohibit work on a scaffold in high winds, but the wind speed is not always clearly stated so you may have to try and determine what high wind is and have your site engineer look at the factors for you to decide whether it is safe to continue working.

Cold Weather Wraps and Wind

In some areas of the country, the scaffold is wrapped in plastic to protect the building from the cold or to keep debris off the street below. The wrap can help cure concrete or mortar on blocks or bricks during the colder months of the year. If your concern is lead paint or asbestos dust from the building drifting to the street below, the wrap will help contain that as well.

Unfortunately, the plastic can catch the wind and act like a giant sail, so in adverse conditions, the plastic can compromise the scaffold, making it unsafe. If high wind is in the forecast, secure the scaffold and do not allow workers on it until the weather has gone through the area.

Lightning Storm Concerns

OSHA, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration has some guidelines regarding outside work and thunderstorms. The agency recommends that all outdoor work stops as soon as you hear thunder, and storms are in the area. This guideline explicitly addresses work on a scaffold and the increase in danger from the metal structure and the height of the platform.

Workers must not be up on the side of a building during storms that produce lightning for any reason.

Since most scaffolds are steel or aluminum, the likelihood of lightning striking it is higher than other parts of the structure. If you use a wooden scaffold, the wood can become saturated with water and be just as dangerous. Wood scaffolds are not a safe alternative and should not be used in electrical storms for any reason.

Pacific Scaffold Co. Inc. can help you select the right scaffold for the job, install stairs on your scaffold, shrink wrap the entire system, and provide you the tools to get the job done right. Come by and see us or give us a call to discuss what we can do to help create a safe and efficient job site for you and your employees.

HOW TO DECIDE IF YOU SHOULD RENT OR BUY SCAFFOLDING

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 06:28:18 GMT

As a business, you're no doubt always aware of the costs of renting versus buying equipment. But, in addition to the outright costs, there are many factors that come into play when determining the most cost-effective solution for your company's equipment needs.

With equipment like scaffolding, for instance, consider these three important aspects to help you determine whether you should rent or buy.

Experience Level

Like many pieces of equipment, scaffolding should be handled by an experienced operator. Scaffolding is designed to make your construction project more accessible, efficient, and safe. But if you and your crew don't have the understanding and experience to set it up and dismantle it properly, the scaffold could become a danger and a hindrance.

When you rent scaffolding, you rent the experience of professional installation and removal in addition to the actual equipment. This addition should be factored into your decision of whether or not to buy.

If you do buy, you'll need to make up for this experience and professionalism at moving and managing the scaffold pieces - possibly in challenging or unfamiliar environments - while still getting your work finished. If that factor requires too much of an investment of time and training, renting may be your best option.

If, on the other hand, you have skilled workers who will use best practices and identify potential hazards, you may be in a position to buy the equipment and rely on your employees to use it.

Cost-Effectiveness

Price out the cost of purchased scaffolding, then compare it with the weekly or monthly cost of renting comparable pieces. That gives you a break-even point, at which purchasing is equal to or less expensive than renting. If you expect the current work to exceed that break-even point, buying equipment is likely a cost-effective option.

However, when adding up the break-even point on any equipment investment, remember to include all the expenses related to ownership - such as repairs and replacement of individual parts, insurance coverage, and transportation as well as installation and removal. Overhead costs are often higher with owned items rather than rented ones.

Frequency of Use

Figure out how long you'll actually need the scaffold or whether you'll use it sufficiently in the future. If you buy scaffold, will you use it after this job is completed? If not, would you plan to sell the materials or keep them on hand? And if you sell, will you get a price that will make it worthwhile?

If you do expect to need scaffolding again in the near future, would it be days or weeks before you need to use it - or could it be months or years? Do you want to store your own scaffolding on your work site until it's needed again? What are the costs of storing units - the cost of lost storage capacity and protecting it from the elements, for instance? Does adding that cost into your break-even calculations make a difference?

Many new businesses and those who are venturing into new projects don't have reliable data to foresee their future use. That makes it hard to know what sizes and shapes of scaffolding might be needed or the conditions in which it will need installed.

Renting helps avoid unnecessary burdens and commitments while you get your new services up and running. Later on, you'll have more information to make informed decisions about longer-term investments.

At Pacific Scaffold Company , we have years of experience setting up safe and effective scaffolding on any size job. We can help you determine your long-term needs and meet them in the most prudent manner - for safety, efficiency, and budget planning. Call today to learn more.

4 Useful Tips for Working Safely on a Scaffold

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 07:16:59 GMT

Scaffolds prove indispensable when it comes to constructing or performing maintenance on the outside of a building. A quality scaffold not only makes it possible to reach the entire face of the wall, but it also gives you a handy place to store tools and supplies while you work. Yet even a well-installed scaffold comes with certain risks.

To minimize the chances of injury, everybody working on a scaffold must understand and obey basic safety protocols. If you have a building project that involves you or your employees using a scaffold, keep reading. This article outlines four useful tips for safety when mounting and working from a scaffold.

1. Support Base Plates With a Single Wood Block

One of the most fundament aspects of scaffold safety involves creating as stable a base as possible. Always be sure to install square metal base jacks at the bottom of your scaffold frames. These jacks usually have a threaded stem that allows you to adjust the height of each leg in order to ensure that the scaffold ends up correctly leveled.

For the best possible stability, don't stop at a metal base jack. Also place an appropriately large block of wood beneath each base plate. This wood helps to distribute the weight of the scaffolding across a greater area, thus reducing the likelihood of one or more legs sinking down into soft soil or pavement.

However, don't use more than one block of wood. People who attempt to level their scaffolds with stacks of wood - often in lieu of base jacks - create a highly dangerous situation. Moreover, shimming up a scaffold leg with wood blocks violates OSHA regulations governing the use of unstable objects.

2. When Possible, Use a Ladder to Mount

Most scaffolds have climbing rungs at one or both of their ends. While these rungs permit safe and reliable access for a stable scaffold, most contractors agree that a safer option involves mounting your scaffold from an adjacent ladder. Using a ladder eliminates the chance - however unlikely - that the weight of a climber could unbalance the scaffold and cause it to tip over.

Ladders also make a far better choice for scaffolds whose planking overlaps the ends of the scaffold. Attempting to climb up and around such projecting wood puts workers at a greatly increased risk of falls. The same holds true for scaffolds that do not contain a handhold above the platform, which makes safely mounting the scaffold more difficult.

3. Construct Platforms Using Scaffold-Grade Lumber

Once you have mounted your scaffold, your safety depends on the quality of the wood planks used to form your decking. To begin with, cover the entire width of the scaffold with planks. By doing so, you increase your working area, while reducing the risk of somebody misstepping and slipping down past the guard rails.

You must also pay particular care to the wood used to construct your platforms. Generally speaking, construction-grade lumber does not meet OSHA's stringent criteria for scaffold safety. Instead, look for planking specifically designated as scaffold-grade. Such lumber tends to have a much higher weight capacity and more precisely cut dimensions.

4. Do Not Combine Different Scaffold Styles

You can find numerous types of scaffolds. Even within the narrower realm of systems scaffolding, a variety of different systems exist, including Cuplock, Kwikstage, Haki, and Staircase Tower scaffolding. No matter how compatible two different scaffold styles may seem, resist the temptation to mix and match components, as the result may lack the necessary stability.

Those who ignore the dangers inherent in using a scaffold have greater risks. Wise people strictly adhere to basic safety protocols. For more information about what it takes to install and work from a scaffold safely, please contact the pros at Pacific Scaffold Company.

SHRINK WRAPPING YOUR SCAFFOLD: A GUIDE FOR NEW CONTRACTORS

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Dust, debris, paint, and harmful substances such as asbestos are common byproducts in construction sites. You can minimize environmental pollution caused by these substances and also install a safety barrier by encapsulating a building. While several types of encapsulation materials are available, shrink wrap outperforms many of these options.

Read on to learn more about using shrink wrap to protect your scaffold and construction project.

SHRINK WRAP BASICS

Shrink wrap is a low-density polyethylene plastic material with many uses, including containing buildings under construction. Different kinds of shrink wrap are available, but the type used to encapsulate scaffolding is usually thicker to ensure robust and long-lasting encapsulation.

The two forms of scaffolding sheets include traditional sheeting and shrink wrap sheeting.

Traditional Sheets

In the recent past, contractors mostly used traditional sheets to cover scaffold. These sheets are made from plastic and are still useful in smaller construction projects.

With traditional scaffolding sheets, construction workers wrap the strips of sheet around scaffolding and then attach each sheet to the next one using bungee strings.

Traditional scaffolding sheets have their own advantages. However, this method of encapsulation leaves spaces in between the individual sheets through which dust, debris, and weather elements can penetrate.

Shrink Wrap Sheets

The use of shrink wrap to contain scaffolding involves using heat from a heating gun to join individual sheets. This joining process eliminates the gaps that typically appear in traditional scaffolding sheets. As such, shrink wrap is more weatherproof and less prone to tearing, and the heat-bonding process makes the encapsulation more durable.

Shrink Wrap Installation Rate

Every contractor wants to minimize the amount of time workers take to complete tasks at a construction site. The rate at which you can install shrink wrap on your building's scaffolding will depend on several factors.

Weather

Rainy and windy weather conditions can slow down work at a construction site. Workers will likely take longer to install shrink wrap in inclement weather due to the difficulty of welding wet shrink wrap.

Area

Encapsulating roof scaffolding is more challenging than doing the same for wall scaffolding. Accessing and moving around the roof can be comparably more time-consuming and resource intensive.

Shape

The shape of the scaffolding will also determine how long workers will take to encapsulate the building. Complex scaffolding with numerous protrusions will require plenty of maneuvering and can take more time to shrink-wrap.

Expertise

If workers have the skill and relevant experience, they can install shrink wrap faster. Alternatively, you can ask your shrink wrap provider to install the encapsulation. Many providers have a team of experienced installers who can get the job done professionally.

These factors will also affect the overall cost of installing scaffolding shrink wrap.

Shrink Wrap Installation Considerations

Shrink wrap is an excellent material for encapsulation, but you should assess the suitability of using this containment method for your project.

Some important considerations to make include:

Type of project: Shrink wrap is more suitable for large construction projects that require robust encapsulation solutions

Cost: Larger projects may justify the cost of shrink wrap. Shrink wrap services may also make more economic sense if you have regular clients that require such services

Training: You could hire a professional shrink wrap installation company or train your workers to install shrink wrap. Consider whether you are prepared for the time and resource investment required to train workers to acquire this new skill.

These considerations will help you control construction costs and ensure true ROI if you opt to use shrink wrap for scaffolding encapsulation.

When looking for encapsulation solutions, work with a reputable shrink wrap specialist who can provide quality materials and trustable installations.

You can trust the experts at Pacific Scaffold Company to deliver quality shrink wrap services customized to your needs. Call us today to learn more about our solutions.

SCAFFOLDING COSTS: SHOULD YOU RENT?

Thu, 19 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Scaffolding is among the most important equipment at a construction site because the right type of scaffolding can ensure safety and efficiency. However, scaffolding is also expensive enough that it could break your construction budget.

If you understand the cost factors involved, you can make the best decision about whether to rent or buy scaffolding to get the best value for your money. Here is a quick guide to scaffolding costs.

WHEN SHOULD YOU RENT?

Both renting and buying scaffolding have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option depends on your specific circumstances. In these specific situations, renting may be the better choice for you.

You Have a Short-Term Project

Consider renting scaffolding for short-term projects. If you are just getting started as a contractor, renting may be a smart choice, especially if do not yet have a steady stream of jobs. Renting scaffolding may also be ideal for smaller, one-off residential projects. Look into buying scaffolding equipment if long-term repeat usage will deliver a return on the investment.

You Want to Save on Storage

If you buy scaffolding, you'll have to pay for both the equipment and a place to store it between projects. If you require a large amount of scaffolding equipment, consider renting. This will eliminate the cost of long-term storage, which on its own can be expensive.

You Want to Save on Labor

Consider the labor costs of assembling, inspecting, and disassembling scaffolding equipment. Scaffolding can take hours, if not days, to set up.

New hires will need training to assemble and disassemble the new equipment. You will also need a separate, competent worker to inspect the equipment every time it is set up. If you buy scaffolding equipment, you must bear these costs.

On the other hand, a scaffolding rental company is responsible for installing, assembling, transporting, inspecting, and storing the equipment, which can save on labor and overhead costs.

HOW MUCH DOES RENTING SCAFFOLDING COST?

Several factors affect the cost of renting scaffolding. If you want to rent, keep these factors in mind so that you can find the best deal.

Location

The cost of renting scaffolding varies depending on the location of your scaffolding rental company.

Consider renting from a local company that is closer to your construction site to minimize mileage cost, which the scaffolding company may add to the overall cost of renting. Depending on the size of the equipment and distance the rental company must travel to your construction site, transportation costs may range between $50 and $150 or more.

Duration of Project

Generally, prices for scaffold rentals may range between $15 and $50 per day or between $40 and $150 per week. Ask your scaffolding provider whether the rates are per piece or per an entire scaffolding kit.

Size and Type

Before you rent scaffolding equipment, be clear about the size and type of scaffolding you need on your construction site. The right equipment will not only ensure safety but improve productivity, which improves your bottom line.

Labor

Your scaffolding rental company will usually install the equipment for you. Inquire about the setup costs and the cost of transporting the equipment to and from your site. You can minimize the amount of time the scaffolding company needs to install the equipment by clearing the worksite as much as possible beforehand.

Renting scaffolding can be a safe choice, especially if you do not have upfront funds to purchase such equipment. If you are unsure how much scaffolding you will need, speak with a reputable and experienced scaffolding installation company for more insight.

Pacific Scaffold Co. Inc. has provided professional scaffolding solutions to businesses in San Francisco for over 50 years. You can depend on us for safe, efficient, and sturdy scaffolding equipment. Get in touch with us today to discuss your project needs.

SCAFFOLDING SAFETY: YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES TO KEEP EMPLOYEES SAFE

Tue, 22 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Up to 2.3 million employees in the construction industry work on scaffolds. Each year, 4,500 injuries and about 60 scaffold-related deaths occur. Understanding and complying with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety requirements is a crucial step toward ensuring employee safety at construction sites.

Here are some of the things you should do to keep your employees safe when they are working on scaffolds.

Secure the Platforms

Scaffold platforms should be as compact as possible. The space between the vertical panels and the platform should not exceed 1 inch. If the side brackets create a wider space between the vertical panels and the platforms, this space should not be more than 9 inches. Other scaffold safety measures are specific to the type of scaffolding being used.

Supported Scaffolds

Supported scaffolds are buttressed by rigid components such as vertical panels, poles, side brackets, legs, frames, and posts. Be sure that these components are sturdy and adequately reinforced to protect the platform from swaying and possible collapse.

Suspended Scaffolds

A suspended scaffold features platforms that are suspended from an overhead structure by non-rigid components such as ropes. Ensure that support components are attached to surfaces that can support at least four times the load placed by the scaffold at the rated load of the rope or at least one and a half times the load placed by the scaffold when operating at the hoist's stall capacity, whichever is greater.

Prohibited Scaffolds

OSHA standards strictly prohibit the use of lean-to and shore scaffolds. Do not allow employees to work on scaffolds covered in slippery substances such as water, ice, or snow.
Understand Load Capacity

OSHA requires that each scaffold and related component be strong enough to support its weight. Ensure that the scaffolds can support at least four times the weight of the maximum load that will be applied. Find a qualified scaffold installation company to set up the scaffolds on your construction site.

Protect Employees From Falling Objects

To your employees safe from falling objects, have a scaffold installation company install protective structures such as barricades, catch platforms, guardrails, toe board screen, debris nets, or canopies. Ensure that all employees wear appropriate work gear including hard hats.

Conduct Regular Inspections

Inspect all scaffold connections to ensure that all structures can support the imposed weight. Ensure that suspension scaffolds are tied to prevent swaying and displacement. Examine hoists before each work shift to ensure they are in good shape. Assess the viability and safety of fall protection systems for workers who are erecting or disassembling supported scaffolds.

According to OSHA requirements, only a competent person should inspect scaffolding. A competent person can identify existing and potential hazards and is authorized to take action to eliminate any danger at the work site.

Provide Regular Employee Training

In addition to providing safe working conditions for your employees, you have a responsibility to train them as part of OSHA requirements. Training should include proper use of scaffolds, proper handling of materials on the scaffolding, the risk of falling, fall prevention using a personal fall system, electrical hazards, falling object hazards, and safe load-carrying capacities.

Only a qualified scaffold safety professional can train employees to identify different scaffolding hazards and ways to mitigate these hazards. OSHA defines a qualified person as one who can demonstrate problem-solving abilities and competency on scaffolding work. Find a professional person who has relevant certification, a recognized degree, experience, and/or extensive knowledge in scaffolding to train your employees.

If you are looking for a competent scaffold installation company that will help you comply with OSHA standards, get in touch with Pacific Scaffold Company today. We'll be happy to discuss your project and to provide expert advice and estimates.

3 REASONS WHY SCAFFOLDING IS BETTER THAN A LADDER

Fri, 23 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT

As a homeowner, you take pride in the look of your home. So, when you recently noticed the trim around your house starting to look worn or the upstairs windows not looking as vibrant as they once did, painting and cleaning the windows became a top priority.
Make sure your safety is of equal importance. If you're planning to break out a ladder to complete these types of projects, you may not be as safe as you think. From safety to efficiency, learn just some of the reasons why you should choose scaffolding over a ladder for your next home improvement project.

1. Enhanced Safety
Ladders are often made from durable metal and come equipped with all types of fancy features, which often make them appear like a safe option to the average person. However, nearly 10,000 people suffer injuries related to ladder falls every year.
Wearing the incorrect type of shoe, not climbing up and down the ladder correctly, and a variety of other mishaps can lead to an awful injury. Additionally, the small size of ladders makes them more susceptible to weather-related issues. In extreme circumstances, the ladder can easily tip over and leave a person dangerously stranded on a roof or ledge.
Scaffolding will drastically increase the level of safety at which you operate while painting your home or performing any other project for that matter. Additionally, if you're someone who is afraid of heights, the design of scaffolding equipment will give you greater confidence and make the process a lot easier for you to complete.

2. Greater Flexibility
Scaffolding will also bring a heightened level of flexibility to your home improvement project. One of the more inconvenient qualities of a ladder is the fact that you cannot use them on every surface. First, the ground beneath the ladder must be even, as even a slight slope will pose a severe safety concern.
Second, if there is any moisture on the ground, such as the day after a heavy rain, this will cause stability issues with a ladder, as the legs of the ladder will sink into the wet ground. If you are trying to access a specific area of your home and the ground below is not level, this will complicate your efforts.
Scaffolding is without these limitations and can easily be installed, safely on a variety of surfaces. Additionally, if you choose a wheeled option, you can quickly and safely move the unit around your home's exterior.

3. Improves Speed
Home improvement projects are rewarding and exciting, but if you're honest, you probably don't want to spend your entire weekend working. When compared to using a ladder, scaffolding equipment can help reduce the amount of time it takes for you to complete your projects. Take painting, for example.
With a ladder, it can easily feel like you're constantly going up and down as you can only store so much on the small platform, safely. If you're painting a large area, this process can be especially timeconsuming. Scaffolding comes equipped with a much larger platform that can safely support you, as well as your paint, brushes and any other equipment you need.
When you factor in the amount of time it takes to go back and forth on a ladder, you can easily see just how much time you can cut out by having everything you need right by your side.
From large home projects to small projects, at Pacific Scaffolding Company, we strive to meet all our customer's needs. Allow us to provide you with the scaffolding equipment you need for your next project while helping you improve your safety and efficiency.

3 TIPS TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR SCAFFOLDING

Wed, 24 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Safety should always be a number one concern when it comes to utilizing equipment at a job site, and this includes when you are using scaffolding. There are reportedly 2.3 million constructions workers who work on scaffolds, so it is very important that these workers are kept safe. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are roughly 4,500 injuries and more than 60 deaths annually related to scaffolds.
While it is true that improving the knowledge of scaffolding safety can reduce the risk of injury and death on scaffolds, another way to help prevent scaffolding injuries is for employers and companies to maintain their scaffolding properly. Here are three tips that will help you properly maintain your scaffolding while also extending its life.

Tip #1: Replace Worn Out Parts
You can purchase top-of-the-line scaffolding from the get-go, but you are still going to have to deal with parts that wear out eventually. This is simply something that happens with every type of equipment. This is the nature of running a construction site that is dealing with constant traffic and heavy loads of materials.
It is crucial that you never rely on scaffolding parts that are not 100 percent in compliance. If you see a part that is showing signs of fatigue, such as splitting, bending, or any other signs of wear and tear, it is imperative that you repair or replace the part immediately. This is because the safety of your workers and others in the area can no longer be guaranteed.

Tip #2: Use WD-40 or a Similar Product to Prevent Rust and Deterioration
All moving parts on your scaffolding need to be fully functional at all times. To ensure that this is the case, you should consider purchasing some WD-40, or a similar product, to use on nuts, bolt threads, and other removable and moving parts. It will help keep these parts properly lubricated and prevent rust and corrosion.
In addition, this specific process will help to maintain overall efficiency, improve safety, prevent unnecessary delays, and shutdowns during projects, and ensure your scaffolding lasts longer.

Tip #3: Clean Scaffolding Before Storing
When your scaffolding is not in use, it is important that it is not simply left out in the weather elements to be damaged. At the same time, you want to be careful when you take apart the scaffolding and go to store the materials to avoid unnecessary repairs and/or replacements when it is time to set the scaffolding back up.
To begin, you will want to clean the scaffolding thoroughly. You can simply use a garden hose or a power washer to rinse the scaffolding down. You will want to use a rag to wipe it down to help prevent rust. If there is a lot of build-up of mud, stucco, paint, or something else, you may need to utilize a sander to remove the accumulated debris. The cleaning process ensures that no contaminants are left behind on the equipment to do damage.
Next, as you begin to break down the scaffolding, make sure that you keep all the pieces organized. Keeping the pieces organized will ensure that everything is easily located and put back together when the equipment needs to be used again in the future. When you store the scaffolding, make certain that you have a large enough area that can house all of the scaffolding equipment together, including the poles, planks, bolts, and screws. This will minimize the time spent on the next use.
Following the tips above can help ensure that your scaffolding lasts longer, which will help improve your return on investment (ROI) and improve the safety of your workers. If you want to ensure that you are working with a well-maintained and safely-installed scaffold, contact us at Pacific Scaffold Company for a quote for your job site.

USE SCAFFOLDING TO DECORATE YOUR BUSINESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Thu, 23 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Decorating a business for the holidays can be quite a hassle when you have to climb up and down a ladder to hang lights, decorations and banners. This holiday season, make decorating your business easier by hiring a scaffolding company. The following guide will walk you through a few of the reasons why scaffolding is such a great option when decorating.

SCAFFOLDING MAKES DECORATING EASIER
One of the hassles that comes with decorating large buildings is that many of the places where the décor needs to be attached to the building are hard to reach. When you hire a scaffolding company, they will send professionals to your business to set up the scaffolding for you and take it down when you are finished using it.

Scaffolding provides you with a place to set the decorations while you are hanging them and eliminates the need to constantly climb up and down a ladder when you are decorating. This will make the decorating process much easier.

When using scaffolding to decorate, it is best to have a plan for how you want to decorate before you start taking things up onto the scaffolds. This allows you to ensure that you are able to create the look that you want as quickly and easily as possible.

SCAFFOLDING MAKES THE DECORATING GO FASTER
Scaffolding allows you to have everything you need to decorate readily available. You will not have to spend time moving a ladder from one place to another when you are trying to attach lights or a banner. Also, scaffolding allows multiple people to work on the decorating at the same time, which will save time in the long run.

SCAFFOLDING ENSURES SAFETY WHILE DECORATING
When you decorate using a ladder, there is always a chance that the ladder could come loose from the roof, or you could fall off of the ladder and become injured. When you use scaffolding, you can wear a specific belt that attaches to the scaffolding so that there is no chance of you falling while you decorate.

Also, there are nets that can be hung under the scaffolding to catch anything that falls while you are decorating. This netting ensures that nothing falls on your staff or customers as they walk under the scaffolding.

When you hire the scaffolding company, you need to let them know that you want to use the nets under the scaffolding. They will be able to set them up so that they are ready to use right away.

SCAFFOLDING IS AN AFFORDABLE OPTION
Scaffolding is not overly expensive to rent. You only need to pay for the time that you actually use the scaffolding and you can get an estimate for the cost before you agree to use the scaffolding. Getting an estimate will allow you to know exactly what you can expect to pay and allow you to determine if you can afford it or not.

If you decide that scaffolding is the best option for you, contact Pacific Scaffold Co. Inc. for all your scaffolding needs. You will need to know where you want the scaffolding to be placed, whether or not you want the nets and when you want the scaffolding to be set up when you call.

We will send a team of professionals to your business to set up the scaffolding for you and walk you through how to climb up and down it safely. You want to be sure to listen closely when we explain how to attach the belt to the scaffolding so that you can be as safe as possible at all times when using the scaffolding. Contact us today for more information on our scaffolding services.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCAFFOLDING FOR YOUR CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Fri, 22 Sep 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Giving workers access to a vertical work space can be challenging. Completing various construction-related tasks while elevated presents some unique challenges and safety hazards that must be addressed in order to safely finish any construction project.

Scaffolding provides the framework for access to vertical work spaces by giving both workers and their materials a safe landing on which to stand. Utilizing scaffolding for your construction projects can be the easiest way to streamline the building process and ensure the safety of your workers. Investing in the right type of scaffolding is critical when it comes to the safety of your project.

Here are three common types of scaffolding that you can use when you attempt to increase the accessibility of elevated work sites on your construction projects.

1. SUPPORTED SCAFFOLDING
If you are looking for a versatile type of scaffolding to utilize on your construction site, then supported scaffolding could provide a viable solution. Because it is affordable and easy to erect, supported scaffolding is popular among modern construction crews looking to provide access to vertical work areas.

In order to safely utilize supported scaffolding, you need to ensure that you have a stable foundation that can serve as the base of the scaffolding. This typically means you'll first have to take the time to level out the ground on which the scaffolding will be built.

After the ground has been leveled, you should complete a soil analysis to determine whether or not the ground will settle once the scaffolding is required to bear the weight of workers and materials. Once you've completed the soil test and set up the scaffolding, you should provide extra support to the scaffolding's frame to reinforce long runs or extreme loads.

If your construction project allows for the establishment of a stable foundation, then supported scaffolding can serve as a valuable asset.

2. SUSPENDED SCAFFOLDING

If your construction site is unable to provide an adequate and stable foundation on which supported scaffolding can be built, you may want to rely on suspended scaffolding instead.

This type of scaffolding is suspended from the roof of a building that supports the scaffolding. No direct connection with the ground is required, making suspended scaffolding a viable option for workers who need to access the upper levels of a structure.

You can also rely on suspended scaffolding to provide access to vertical work areas when these work areas are so high off the ground that constructing a supported scaffolding system may not be financially feasible.

3. ROLLING SCAFFOLDING

Many construction projects require workers to move horizontally within an elevated work space in order to complete job-related tasks. Using a supported scaffolding system in a project that requires long runs can compromise safety, so you'll probably want to utilize a rolling scaffolding system to provide accessibility instead.

A rolling scaffolding system functions in much the same way as a supported scaffolding system, but the base of the scaffolding structure is mobile rather than being fixed in a single location. A small section of scaffolding can be moved from one section of a structure to the next without requiring any down time, helping to ensure that your project timeline is not compromised.

Attention to safety is critical when utilizing rolling scaffolding since serious injury could occur if the wheels are not locked firmly in place while the rolling scaffolding is in use.

Determining the right type of scaffolding to use when completing your construction project will ensure that your workers are provided with safe and reliable access. Take advantage of the knowledgeable and experienced professionals at Pacific Scaffold Co. Inc. to ensure you select the right type of scaffolding for your next construction project.

UNDERSTANDING SCAFFOLDING SAFETY REGULATIONS

Wed, 26 Jul 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Scaffolding represents a serious safety hazard for those who work in the construction of buildings. A scaffold that is not assembled correctly or that does not meet specific safety guidelines stands a much greater chance of leading to worker injury or death. In 2009, as reported by the Bureau of Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 54 people died due to scaffolding related injuries.

Unfortunately, there are still many people who do not understand what it takes for scaffolding to be considered safe. If you would like to gain some of this knowledge, read on. This article will discuss some key points laid out in OSHA's federally mandated safety regulations for scaffolding.

THE SCAFFOLDING MUST CONTAIN A FALL PROTECTION AND/OR FALL ARREST SYSTEM
This ruling applies to any situation in which employees will be working at a distance of 10 or more feet from the level below them. A fall protection system simply refers to the placement of guardrails to protect against falling should the scaffold begin to sway or should the worker otherwise lose their footing and fall backwards.

A fall arrest system, on the other hand, refers to harnesses and other safety devices worn by the worker. Such devices tether the worker to some higher point, thus enabling them to avoid hitting the ground in the event that they fall. It is important to realize that, in that case, a fall arrest system does not prevent a fall from occurring; rather, it prevents the worker from striking the level below them.

For most scaffolds, either a fall protection or a fall arrest system may be used. However, it is not necessary that both be employed. The only exceptions to this rule are single point and two point suspension scaffolds. In recognition of the greater risks which such scaffolds pose, OSHA requires that both a fall protection and a fall arrest system be employed.

GUARDRAILS MUST BE OF A CERTAIN HEIGHT IN ORDER TO QUALIFY AS FALL PROTECTION SYSTEMS
As you can imagine, a guardrail that is positioned too low will offer very little protection against falls. That's because the bar will tend to hit below the worker's center of gravity, thus causing them to spin backwards over the rail. Likewise, if the guardrail is situated too high, it will leave workers of a shorter stature at greater risk of slipping through.

For these reasons, OSHA closely regulates the height of guardrails in fall protection systems. Scaffolds that have been manufactured since January 1, 2000, must have guardrails whose toprail is between 38 and 45 inches from the surface of the platform. Scaffolds manufactured before that date are allowed a slightly greater variance: between 36 and 45 inches.

There is another small exception to be aware of, as relates specifically to scaffolds that use the crosspoint of a crossbracing system as a toprail. Here the acceptable height variance is between 38 and 48 inches. This slightly greater range reflects the fact that the diagonal downtube on either side of the crosspoint will offer adequate protection.

PLANKING MUST BE USED ON ALL SCAFFOLD PLATFORMS
A scaffold does not in itself provide an adequate system for safe movement. Instead, planking must be laid down as walkways on all vertical surfaces. This provides a smooth and stable surface along which workers can move. Every last inch of a scaffold platform must be covered by an adequately strong form of planking. Further, the planking must leave no gaps that are greater than one inch wide between the platform and the upright building.

Scaffold planks may consist of solid sawn wood, synthetic or fabricated planks or special fabricated platforms. The key requirement is that, whatever the planking consists of, it must be capable of supporting its own weight plus four times the intended load. Where lumber is to be used as planking, it must be graded to meet this minimum standard of strength.

CONCLUSION
The world of scaffolding is closely regulated for a good reason. Only by sticking to the most stringent of safety guidelines can workers enjoy the safety they deserve. When choosing a company for your next scaffolding project, be sure to go with an experienced and professional scaffold company .

4 THINGS TO DO TO ENSURE SCAFFOLD SAFETY

Sat, 20 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Scaffolds can make your construction project safer. They prevent your employees from having to use ladders, towers, and other more dangerous methods as they work on tall structures. However, using a scaffold isn't risk-free. If the scaffolding isn't secure or if workers don't follow safety precautions, they risk serious injury and even death.

To ensure your employees stay safe on your scaffold, pay attention to the following steps:

1. PURCHASE A RELIABLE SCAFFOLD
One of the most important steps you can take is to purchase a high-quality scaffold from a respected company. A scaffold company can help you determine the right type of scaffold for your project. They'll consider the load your scaffold is intended to support. The scaffold should be able to support at least four times the maximum intended load. Plus, the rigging should support six times the maximum intended load.

A scaffold company can also provide you scaffolding with all the proper components. This includes a firm foundation, a working platform, and secure guard rails.

Ideally, you can have an experienced scaffold company set up and dismantle your scaffold themselves. This can save you time, and it also ensures the scaffold is installed properly and securely.

2. PAY ATTENTION TO SCAFFOLD REQUIREMENTS
OSHA has specific standards in place for each scaffold. We already mentioned that scaffolds must be able to support at least four times the intended load. Another important requirement is that guardrails must be between 38 inches and 45 inches high to protect construction employees.

Also, the scaffolding must have midrails between the platform and the top rail. The scaffold must also have support from footings and platforms. If the scaffold has a height-to-base ratio of more than 4:1, it must be supported by tying, bracing, or guying.

These requirements protect employees from slipping and falling while they work on the scaffold. All supervisors should consider these requirements before they purchase and install a scaffold.

3. APPOINT A SUPERVISOR
To promote safety of all employees, you should appoint an experienced employee to oversee scaffolding use. Some of their responsibilities may include:

• Regularly inspecting the scaffold to verify its structural integrity and to identify any potential problems such as worn parts or frayed ropes
• Determining whether it's safe to use the scaffolding in harsh weather conditions
• Paying attention to the scaffold's requirements and ensuring the scaffold is never overloaded
• Ensuring workers are trained in scaffold use and follow all necessary safety practices
• Train and oversee employees who erect, move, and dismantle the scaffolds

The supervisor must have significant training and expertise—not just in construction work in general, but specifically in using and maintaining the scaffold.

4. TRAIN WORKERS ON SCAFFOLD RULES
Make sure each worker using the scaffold is trained on scaffold safety practices. They should follow safety practices such as:

• Paying attention to electrical or falling hazards around the scaffold and reporting hazards to the supervisor
• Wearing a hard hat and non-slip shoes
• Using a fall arrest system, if the scaffold is higher than ten feet
• Moving slowly and carefully
• Refraining from climbing between scaffolding sections or on the guardrails
• Refraining from throwing anything from the scaffold
• Refraining from leaving belongings, equipment, or debris on the scaffold
By following these practices, workers can stay safe and avoid accident and injury.

A scaffold can make the construction of tall structures safer and more efficient. But it also presents dangers. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your scaffold benefits your construction project without causing safety problems.

To order safe scaffolding, count on Pacific Scaffold Company . We offer top-quality cantilever, masonry, and plaster scaffolding in San Francisco and San Jose.

SCAFFOLDING LAWS IN CALIFORNIA

Sat, 25 Mar 2017 00:00:00 GMT

Scaffolding is typically needed on most construction projects in the Golden State. Before you get started, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with California laws, so you do not have to shut down operations part way through.

BE ABLE TO HOLD ALL WEIGHT
Scaffolds need to be capable of holding any amount of weight they might be under. That also entails ensuring there is no damage on the scaffold when it is set up. For example, metal scaffolding cannot be used if there is evidence of rust.

BE SECURELY TIED
Specific laws exist for how the scaffolding can be attached to the underlying structure. For example, no planks can be placed on top of a guardrail so that it can be higher up off the ground. A specific kind of iron wire needs to be used to keep it secure.

COUPLER AND TUBULAR SCAFFOLDS
In addition to familiarizing yourself with standard scaffolds, you should also know about tubular and coupler scaffolds in the event your project requires those. These need to have their own special bracing, ribbons and ledgers used.

The law can get rather complicated, so make sure you read through all the related laws to fully understand what you need to know. Stay on the right side of the law, and get all the scaffolding you need at Pacific Scaffold Co. Inc.