Essential factors to consider when choosing scaffolding for your construction project
If you are planning for construction in Brighton, the chances are that you will need scaffolding so that workers have a safe and stable platform to carry out their tasks. Scaffolding is an essential part of many building projects. It allows workers to safely access the higher portions of the building and it makes it easy to carry their equipment and tools up with them. In fact, without scaffolding, it would be impossible to complete most construction projects.
In order to choose the right scaffolding equipment, there are several factors you will need to take into consideration such as the durability of the scaffolding equipment and the safety of the construction workers.
Therefore, before you begin your building project, it is important that you know what to look out for when choosing scaffolding. Here are some of the things to consider when choosing scaffolding for your next building project.
Types of scaffolding
One thing you should know beforehand is that scaffolding is not a one size fits all kind of equipment. In your search for the right scaffolding for your building project, you will find that scaffolding typically falls into three categories, each with its own unique features.
- Supported Platform Systems: this is the most commonly used type of scaffolding. It comes with elevated platforms made of either wood or metal. The scaffolding is held together by the poles and frames that make up the structure of the scaffolding and these are placed securely on the ground.
- Suspended Scaffolding: these type of scaffolding are not as common as a supported platform system, but no less important. From the name, it is easy to deduce that this scaffolding does not rest on the floor but is supported by ropes that anchor it securely to the side or top of the building. They are also built from wood or metal and ideal for building projects where the ground is uneven.
- Adjustable Scaffolding: Adjustable scaffoldings are suspended scaffoldings that can be raised or lowered via a system of pulleys. Adjustable scaffolding have only one platform which is moved to the level of the building where and when it is needed.
Your choice of scaffolding type will depend on the location and type of house you are building.
The following are some essential factors you should consider when choosing scaffolding for your building project.
The right scaffolding company
In construction, finding the right scaffolding company is as important as finding the right fittings and fixtures. You want to know that the company you are choosing can provide the equipment you need at a price that suits your budget. The right scaffolding company will be able to show the necessary credentials, along with proof of proper training and qualifications. They will also be able to show that they have the necessary insurance in the event of an accident. Also importantly, it should be a company that you can reach when you need it. This means going for a local scaffolding company like JL scaffolding for your Brighton building project.
Safety
Safety is a very important consideration when choosing scaffolding. It is important to make sure that the scaffolding company you are working with is up to date with all the permits, licenses and regulations concerning scaffolding in your area. Note that a typical scaffold is made up of moving parts, increasing the chances of something going wrong. Therefore make sure that your choice company meets all the local and national safety requirements. Some of the safety features to look out for include:
- Guardrails and handrails
- Stable and slip resistant platforms
- Complete user instruction
By following a set of safety guidelines, you can prevent accident and injury in your construction site.
Your construction needs
When choosing scaffolding, it is important to consider the type of construction project you are engaged in. Different types and stages of construction require different scaffold types to ensure that they are done safely and effectively. For example, suspended and adjustable scaffolding are the only two safe options for working on very tall buildings. However, even if it is a very tall building, but has a dimension that is not perfectly square or rectangular, then it is best to go with a supported platform scaffold. These are easier to install and use, and will provide more flexibility than the alternatives.
Additionally, you will have to consider the dimensions of your building project, available space and the condition of the site. For instance, an adjustable scaffold will not work well on a building site with limited space. Adjustable scaffolding typically requires a crane for installation and the limited space will not allow this. Also, if there is need to enclose the scaffolding, maybe as protection against bad weather, a supported platform scaffold will be the best option.
It is very important that you use scaffolding meant for your particular project.
Ground stability
The terrain of your construction site will play a vital role in your scaffolding choice. If the ground is strong, level and reliable, then your best option will be the supported platform scaffolding, but if there are uncertainties concerning the stability of the site terrain, then a suspended scaffold will be the safer option.
Keep in mind that if you use a supported platform scaffold on an uneven or unstable ground, you are putting the lives of the people who will be working on the scaffolding at risk. But if your project is located in a place where supported platform scaffolding will hinder access into the building, then go for suspended scaffolding even if your site is on a firm ground.
One advantage of using a local scaffolding company is that they can send people to take a look at your site and suggest the type of scaffolding that would work best, saving you from confusion and wasting of resources.
Height
A larger number of scaffolding accidents are caused by human error rather than a problem with the equipment, and in most cases, these accidents happen when project managers fail to take the height of the building project into consideration. The good news is that scaffoldings are usually labeled with dimensions to help you identify which will be right for your needs. This is a very useful feature and something you should make sure your scaffold has because overstretching a scaffold is one of the leading causes of accidents at construction sites.
Determine exactly how high your building project is and ensure that the scaffold you get is high enough to do the job without overstretching.
Another feature you will need to pay attention to is the height restrictions on your scaffold unit. This equipment comes with a maximum height it can be adjusted to, anything above this is overstretching and dangerous to your work place. And while it would seem like a great idea to get something that is bigger and higher than what you need, you will only end up paying more than you should, so make sure to get a scaffold that is meant for the job specifics you have at hand.
Budget
No matter how you look at it, pricing will always play an important role in your choice of scaffolding equipment. And it is only natural that you want to go for the best option in terms of function and price. This is another argument in favour of using a local company. Getting scaffolding from JL Scaffolding in Brighton for your Brighton construction project will save you the cost of shipping in equipment from out of town. No matter how good a deal is, the cost of shipping in equipment from out of town cannot be compared to the cost of shipping equipment from Point A to Point B in the same town.
That being said, it is also in your best interest to know how much the available choices will set you back. Generally speaking, the standard supported platform scaffolding is usually the most pocket friendly, especially as most of the components can be reused for future projects. Adjustable scaffoldings are usually more expensive but have the advantage of making work easier and faster to complete. Suspended scaffoldings are usually the most expensive as they have to be custom built around the specification and dimensions of the building project. However, even though cost is an important factor, don’t use cost as an excuse to choose scaffolding that is not ideal for your work. For instance, opting for the cheaper supported platform scaffolding for use on a project site with unstable terrain is like thumbing your nose at the gods. You are simply putting the lives of your workers at risk in the bid to save money.
Ask for expert advice
At every stage of your construction project, it is always a good idea to seek and receive expert suggestions and advice so that you don’t make a costly mistake. This also applies to your scaffolding needs. If you find that you are confused and don’t know the right choice to make, do not hesitate to ask questions. Better to be associated with ignorance, than to be associated with injury and loss of life. A good local scaffolding company will be able to determine what you need and help you make the choice that will best suit your purposes.
