No construction worker wants to find themselves on the job with scaffolding they can’t trust. Scaffolding is the structure or structures that are used along side of a construction project or building to help support both the workers while they do their job, and the construction tools they use to do their job. Without proper scaffolding there could be damage to the workers, loss or damage of products and construction buildings. The key for most successful construction jobs is keeping the workers and the products safe from harm.

Scaffolding has been around since the ancient years where they were used in Greece and Egypt to put together the tallest of structures. Today much  of the scaffolding used is made of metal pieced together on the job. This is not to say that other materials are not used, such as in Asia where they often use Bamboo as it is very strong. There are many variations of scaffolding that have been used over the years. Scaffoldings are typically anchored to the building being worked on in an effort to make them as strong as possible. The scaffolding is put together layer upon layer as they work their way up the building side.

When put together scaffolding seems much like a puzzle and is interlacing from row to row. Scaffold planks are placed through the scaffolding frames which are used for the workers to walk on. These are sometimes referred to as walkboards. The scaffold planks must be sufficient enough to hold the weight of the worker as well as his tools and the building materials or supplies he needs to perform his job. Often a pulley hoist is added to scaffolding to pull the supplies up the scaffolding to the workers so that they do not have to climb up and down the structure numerous times throughout the job.

Once erected and prior to any workers using the scaffolding, it should be fully inspected by an experienced individual to ensure safety. This is a vital part of avoiding potential dangers after the scaffolding has been put to use. Additionally, when the structure is removed caution should be taken in an effort to keep the process organized and in such a manner as to not cause the structure to completely collapse. Although the process is nearly the same every time the structure is erected and deconstructed it needs to be done carefully each time. One missed bolt or failed coupling and the entire structure could collapse.

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Author: Scaffolding Quote

If you are involved in any kind of building or construction work that requires the use of scaffolding, safety should always be uppermost in your mind:

• Safety for anyone erecting, altering or dismantling scaffolding
• Safety for workers using scaffolding
• Safety for members of the public

It's no exaggeration to say that the correct use of scaffolding is a matter of life and death. Falling from a height is the most common type of fatal accident in the construction industry. Accidents associated with scaffolding also cause thousands of serious injuries each year.

The Work at Height Regulations govern scaffolding safety, and infringement of these regulations can lead to large fines or even imprisonment. The Health and Safety Executive issues clear guidelines and advice on all scaffolding safety issues, so ignorance is no excuse for taking dangerous short cuts.

The most important things to consider are:

Design of scaffold

Any scaffolding that is not a basic configuration covered by the manufacturer's instructions or guidance issued by the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation, must be designed by someone who is adequately qualified and experienced.

Erection and dismantling

Scaffolding must be properly erected and dismantled following sequences and methods detailed in the recognised guidelines. A scaffolding gang must include at least one fully qualified scaffolder and any trainees must always be directly supervised by a qualified person.

Inspection

A person inspecting scaffolding must be qualified and experienced in working with the particular type of scaffolding being used. Regular inspections should be made and a report must be completed each time detailing any defects found and the measures taken to correct those faults.

Access

Warning signs and physical barriers should be used to prevent access to scaffolding by unauthorised people. Handover

When completed scaffolding is handed over, the relevant certificates should include any restrictions of use and details of permitted working platform loadings.

Safe use

Builders and other workers who will be using the completed scaffolding must be trained to recognise the potential dangers of working at height and to take precautions to safeguard themselves and other people.

The first step in ensuring scaffolding safety is to choose an approved scaffolding contractor, but finding the right one for your particular needs is often a time-consuming process. The most effective way is to get a number of online scaffolding quotations from a website that will only put you in touch with reputable scaffolding contractors who work in your local area.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/construction-articles/the-importance-of-safety-in-scaffolding-2896082.html

About the Author

If you need a local company that specialises in scaffolding, simply visit http://www.scaffoldingquotes.co.uk/index.asp and follow the easy instructions to receive estimates from a number of local companies to help you make massive savings on your home improvements.

Shop for steel scaffolding, tower scaffolds and work platforms

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 Nu-Wave Scaffolding has brought former employees of Perry Scaffolds to build and market products to the exact dimensions and specifications as the Perry products.  Nu-Wave guarantees compatibility and 100% interchangeability of not only stacking units but all components! You can be rest assured of Nu-Wave’s complete compatibility.

Perry Manufacturing Inc. closed for business on December 3, 2009. Mark Starnes, VP of Operations at Perry for 31 years, was solely responsible for the production and manufacturing of the Perry perfect product from start to finish. Mark is now bringing the same top-notch product to the market under the name Nu-Wave Manufacturing. Nu-Wave is manufactured in the State of Indiana and is the only Authorized Manufacturer of Perry products, including scaffolding, drywall carts and workstand.

Other Manufacturers and/or Importers are claiming their products to be Perry compatible. Components are not manufactured to the same tolerances and high standards as was with Perry and now Nu-Wave. Component dimensions differ enough as to be hazardous when mixed. Perry's safety instructions recommended using only authorized replacement parts and components.

See more scaffolding and construction tools at the web store.

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Add a tool and material hoist to your Tele Tower work platform and safely hoist drywall mud, tools, materials and so much more. Easily lift up to 75 lbs. Just flip out the handle and crank. Or use the drill drive adaptor and use your cordless drill to effortlessly crank the winch to hoist your load up to the work platform. A bucket harness is included.

The tool and material hoist saves labor and adds safety to your jobsite when working off scaffolding. Helps you work more efficiently.
 

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With Perry Scaffolds discontinuing business last December, Contractor's Solutions has replaced the product line with Bil-Jax scaffolding. It is a shame that this Nation's terrible economy and trade policies has taken another great American business. Perry Scaffolds has been in business for approx. 41 years. Last December, Perry informed me that they had closed their doors and my pending orders could not be filled. It was a bit of a surprise and I had to cancel several customers' orders and refund their payments. I felt that I was letting my customers down, but there was not much I could do about it. I have, however, taken on another American made product line, Bil-Jax scaffolding. They offer professional quality construction equipment, and I am confident that my customers will be pleased with their purchase of American made scaffolding.

About Bil-Jax:

Since 1947, Bil-Jax has grown to become North America's largest manufacturer of interior and exterior scaffolds, aerial lifts, event seating and staging, elevating trailers, and other construction related products. Today our line of over 6,000 different finished parts is still the most comprehensive product offering in the industry.

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