Homes Builder

What is the Importance of Tubular Scaffolding?

Scaffolding is something that is vital in the construction industry.

It is most commonly used by decorators, plasterers, and others who may need to work at a height, and therefore need a platform to keep them safe.

Scaffolding is commonly tubular because the tube shape is strong and durable, and provides good support for the structure while retaining a light weight.

The strength to weight ratio is important for scaffolding because several pipes will be needed, and transporting and moving them is tricky.

Scaffolding is, by its nature, temporary and it is something that people need to be able to assemble and disassemble quickly and easily.

Scaffolding is a Safety Framework

Scaffolding is intended to protect both the person working on it and those passing by.

It is stronger and more stable than ladders, and it allows for better freedom of movement.

While there are alternatives, such as clips and tethers, scaffolding is the most convenient option for large jobs for working on walls, roofs or chimneys.

Falling and related hazards account for around 40% of all construction fatalities each year.

While some people do fall from scaffolds and suffer serious or fatal injuries, in general, scaffolding is far safer than ladders or ‘free climbing’.

Since the risk of falling is greatly reduced, scaffolding makes it much easier to get jobs done at a height.

Scaffolding Construction and Management

Since scaffolding is quite lightweight and easy to work with, it is easy to mistakenly presume that the erection of a scaffold is a simple job.

It is important that anyone who is planning on working with scaffolding is properly trained.

This will ensure that the joints are secured correctly, that the platform is safe and stable, and that there are appropriately positioned barriers to prevent someone from falling off.

Tubular scaffolding is incredibly strong and can be built up to great heights.

This allows for people to work on a multi-storey building as long as the base of the scaffold is correctly designed and erected.

When someone is working at such a height, however, it is important that they have access to safety equipment beyond just the scaffold.

This is where a harness or clip becomes important so that if the worker slips while on the platform, they cannot fall through the railings.

It is not uncommon for construction workers to try to avoid the issue of using PPE because they feel that it is uncomfortable or restrictive.

It is imperative that they do not do this with scaffolding and harnesses because the stakes are so high when things to go wrong.

Having a qualified third party come in to supervise the design, erection and tear-down of scaffolding can be invaluable.

Tubular Scaffolding and Difficult Conditions

Hollow scaffolding is strong and robust and can cope with most conditions.

Effective tubular scaffolding designs take into account the challenges of working in high winds, for example.

Where high winds are expected, it is possible to secure boards to stop them from blowing away and also to tie-down nets or webbing.

The layout of the scaffold can be modified to reduce the issues that may be caused by the wind as well.

All scaffolding should be designed with this kind of issue in mind. Scaffolding should not be used during high winds.

They can ‘withstand’ the wind, but once the winds have abated and weather conditions are safe again it is vital that the scaffold is inspected to confirm that it is still strong, that all bolts are tight and that the structure is in good condition.

Again, this is something that a qualified scaffolding technician will be able to handle for you.

It is strongly recommended that you have someone come out to inspect the scaffolding that they have in place due to any extreme weather or winds.

This is to ensure that it is safe to use.

A few minutes to check over the integrity of the scaffold will go a long way towards ensuring that people will be safe, and could prevent disastrous issues.

Whether you are working on a small project or something much bigger; home renovations or a commercial construction site, the correct scaffolding design will go a long way towards keeping your team, and those around you, safe.

If you are looking for knowledgeable and experienced scaffolders, who have leading-hands that work together with you and offer expert advice, please contact us at Skelscaff today on 1300 266 607 or email us at contact@skelscaff.com.au.

Sources

http://www.haringey.gov.uk/parking-roads-and-travel/roads-and-streets/building-near-road/scaffold-hoarding-container-and-crane-licences/guide-safe-erection-and-dismantling-scaffolding