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All You Need To Know About Commercial Scaffolding

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Commercial buildings will span for tens or even hundreds of floors. Scaffolding is an instant solution for workers laying bricks or conducting electric, glazing, and painting works on the upper floors. Below some things that you should know about commercial scaffolding.

1. Always Choose The Right Scaffold

What type of scaffold will you use at your site? Steel and cantilever scaffolds are ideal for outdoor use. They can hold massive weights and are often used to construct skyscrapers. Suspended scaffoldings are installed from the top of the structure. They are ideal for small works such as AC installation and window cleaning. Trestle and patented scaffolds are your best bet when working indoors. 

Check the weight limits of the scaffold that you hire. Your site engineer should calculate the amount of weight that the scaffolding will bear at the site. Typically, it should handle massive weights if you will have a lot of employees working on the platform. When hiring suspended, trestle and patented scaffolds, check the size of the platform. A wide platform allows you to work for long without having to move the scaffolding.

2. Inspect The Scaffold

Always inspect the scaffold before hiring. Reputable companies will provide a report detailing the maintenance schedule of the scaffolding. Check the equipment for bent, cracked or rusted poles. The wooden planks on the platform should also be rigid enough. Rusted planks might break when under load. Additionally, the scaffold should have guard rails to protect the employees from falls. The access ladders should be in excellent condition. 

3. Scaffold Safety

As a rule, the scaffold should be installed by experienced and accredited professionals. Most hire companies will provide staff to set up the scaffolding. Inspect the equipment before use. It allows the professional to identify missing planks, ladders or broken rails.

Your employees must be disciplined when using scaffolds. For instance, they should not throw tools at each other while on the platform. Also, they should communicate when they need to move around the platform. They must wear protective clothing while working on the scaffold. Fall protection systems are a must-have when working a few metres above the ground. Clean the platform after every shift. Spilt paint and concrete could cause accidents at the site. 

4. Hire A Site Supervisor

Hire a site supervisor to enforce scaffold safety. He or she will inspect the platform and ensure that your employees observe the recommended weight limits. He or she should decommission the scaffold if it is unsafe to use.

When hiring commercial scaffolding, choose the right equipment, inspect the scaffold, observe scaffold safety and employ a site supervisor.


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