A Guide To Buying Scaffolding and Accessories
Scaffolding is an essential component to construction work and many different types of scaffolding have been utilised for thousands of years. Some historians claim that the ancient Egyptians used primitive types of scaffolding when constructing the Pyramids of Giza. Since its beginnings many years ago, scaffolding has gradually evolved into what we know of it today. Around 100 years ago, scaffolding was mainly constructed with steel, although towards the later part of the 20th century, hard anodised aluminium became more favoured because of its sturdy yet lightweight composition. Although scaffolding is regularly affiliated with the construction of buildings, it's also used by painters, window washers and DIY homeowners undergoing renovations and other repair jobs in difficult to reach places.
Whilst scaffolding has historically been sold at large hardware shops, the introduction of the internet generated more efficient ways for scaffolding to be sold online. These days, scaffolding products and accessories can be purchased and delivered to your door within just a few days. If you want to make some home repairs or renovate your house, then scaffolding can certainly be useful for a variety of different projects. But before you decide to buy scaffolding, it's essential to obtain a general understanding of scaffolding, the various types of scaffolding and accessories, and scaffolding containment systems. This article aspires to answer these questions thoroughly.
What is scaffolding?
Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials during the construction of buildings, bridges, repairs & maintenance, and many other types of structures. Today, scaffolding is commonly constructed with timber, aluminium or steel, and the complexity of the job determines the complexity of the scaffolding required. As a result of the many safety hazards associated with operating at heights, safety is foremost and it's essential to understand the risks connected with using scaffolding to perform any type of construction work.
Types of Scaffolding
There are varying types of scaffolding available, and the scaffolding you need depends on the type of job being carried out and the operation height. As a result of the importance of safety, manufacturers build very strong scaffolding foundations that are accompanied by a range of ties and clips that stabilise the scaffolding. Generally, there are four fundamental types of scaffolding, and some construction businesses will use more than one type when undertaking a project.
1. Suspended
As the name suggests, suspended scaffolding uses a balanced platform that can be raised or lowered depending upon where the workers have to perform their jobs. The balanced platforms are suspended from an overhanging area of a building and are secured by heavy suspension ropes, a pulley, and a large number of heavy weights. This type of scaffolding is used when it is too difficult to construct a base for the scaffolding, and is routinely used by window washers on skyscrapers.
2. Birdcage
Birdcage scaffolding comprises of evenly spaced poles that are stationed in parallel lines that resemble a large birdcage. Thick wooden planks are placed over the line of poles and are secured by clamping a diagonal brace that provides lift and stability. Also referred to as independent scaffolding, birdcage scaffolding is mainly used for work undertaken on a single level, for example ceilings. This type of scaffolding can sway a lot with the wind, so workers will tie or brace the scaffolding to improve stability.
3. Single Pole
A common type of scaffolding are single pole scaffolding platforms that rest on cross beams which are upheld on the ends either by holes in the side of the building or ledges. This type of scaffolding is easy to erect and dismantle and is significantly stable so is perfect for light duty work such as painters and DIY homeowners. Moreover, single pole scaffolding is not advised for projects that require heavily altered structures.
4. Cantilever
Cantilever scaffolding, or needle scaffolding, is used when it is not possible for workers to base scaffolding on the ground, when construction is being undertaken on a busy street, or when the construction is being undertaken at large heights. Rather than the timber platform resting on the side of the structure, the scaffolding angles out. While the applications for cantilever scaffolding is confined, it is simple to assemble and can safely hold one worker and his/her supplies. This type of scaffolding is commonly used near ledges and balconies.
Scaffolding Accessories
Previously, a variety of nuts and bolts were used in the assembly of scaffolding. The current lightweight tube used in constructing scaffolding has been around for close to 60 years and is one of the core components. There are also loads of other scaffolding accessories that are used in the construction of scaffolding, however three main components comprise the backbone of most scaffolding:
1. Tubes
Tube are primarily constructed with steel or aluminium due to its lightweight and flexibility, although there is composite scaffolding, which uses filament-wound tubes of glass fibre in a nylon or polyester matrix. As a result of the high costs of composite tubes, they are normally only used when there is a safety risk from overhead electric cables. While tubes come in multiple lengths, the standard diameter is 43.8 mm.
2. Boards
The timber boards used in scaffolding function as a platform for workers to stand on. In general, there are three sizes of boards: 38, 50, and 60mm thick and all have a standard width of 225mm with a maximum length of 3.9 m. Boards are protected by either metal plates called hoop irons or sometimes nail plates. An additional kind of board used in scaffolding is called the 'sole boards' which are positioned underneath the scaffolding to provide stability.
3. Couplers
Scaffolding couplers are fittings that hold tubes together and can be used to construct a diverse range of scaffolding structures or used as an accessory to prefabricated scaffolding systems. There are three primary types of couplers: right-angle couplers, putlog couplers and swivel couplers. Joint pins (or spigots) are used to join tubes end to end. Only right swivel couplers and right-angle couplers can be used to fix tubes in a 'load-bearing connection'.
There are lots of other scaffolding accessories used, however a number of the common accessories include ropes, anchor ties, ladders, gin wheels, reveal ties, sheeting and base plates. Most of these prominent accessories are used in raising and lowering the scaffolding platform.
Scaffolding Containment Systems
Scaffolding containment systems help restrict dust, water, fumes, paint and other toxins that can cause hazards to workers and the environment. Scaffolding containment systems can be securely fastened to practically any structure creating a continuous bonded skin. Where construction is being conducted close to pedestrians and vehicles, scaffolding containment systems reduce the risk to the public from falling objects.
There are several kinds of materials used in scaffolding containment systems, however shade cloth is probably the most popular currently. Wind must be able to travel through the shade cloth which not only diminishes the wind loading on the scaffolding and structure, it also enables ventilation and light. For more information on scaffolding containment systems, click the following link: http://uni-span.com.au/news/uni-mesh-welcomes-uni-grid-to-the-containment-system-family/
Construction has effectively been around for tens of thousands of years and has become the backbone of the world we live in today. For a long period of time, scaffolding has been a fundamental aspect of construction work and currently, there are a range of types of scaffolding that uses a wide variety of accessories to make sure that construction can be conducted efficiently and safely. In addition, scaffolding has many applications and isn't just limited to construction. Painters, window washers and DIY homeowners also make efficient use of scaffolding to perform various projects. While it's good to have a general understanding of scaffolding, the types of scaffolding and accessories, and scaffolding containment systems, if you wish to work with scaffolding then it's best to get formal qualifications and licensing to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. If you're interested in acquiring a scaffolding licence, speak with the team at Uni-Span on 1300 882 825 or visit their website: http://uni-span.com.au/
