Everything You Need To Know About Scaffolds

20 Jun Everything You Need To Know About Scaffolds

Construction is something that is happening all the time, whether it be on a commercial building or a residential home. In order for builders and construction workers to complete their jobs, they need to have access to certain equipment. One of the most important items for any building site are scaffolds. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about scaffolds.

What are scaffolds?

A scaffold is a temporary structure which is generally used by construction workers. These platforms are available in Mr Scaffold and are generally put up to support a building or provide access to the desired height for workers.

These platforms are designed in order to keep workers safe and offer a stable area to work on during building or construction. These structures can be especially helpful when it is necessary for construction workers to complete tasks above ground level.

It is important to remember that there are various different types of working platform, but it is incredibly rare to see a building site not making use of one. Although there are different variations, they do not all do exactly the same thing; they are often made up of different materials and parts and will have jobs that they are specifically designed for.

What are they made from?

Although there are different types, most scaffolds are comprised of the same parts. The three basic components involved in most support structures are tubes, boards and couplers. These parts ensure that the structure can be assembled safely and be used by workers. The tubes are often made from some form of metal, such as steel or aluminium and can come in a range of different sizes. Couplers are essentially the fittings that join the tubes together, and the boards are the work surface used by builders.

Depending on the particular job, some other materials may be added to the structure. Common items that may be added include, anchor ties, base plates, ropes and ladders.

Whilst many western style structures are made from metal, this is not the case in other areas of the world. In other countries, different materials are made use of to create working platforms. The most interesting, and different comes from Hong Kong in which bamboo structures are more regularly used than metal. These structures involve the use of nylon straps to hold everything in place instead of couplers or wires.

Although working structures may look precarious, they are incredibly safe. There are many precautions put in place to ensure that both workers and the environment around them are protected whenever a working platform is in use.

Are scaffolds safe?

The short answer to this question is yes. It may be hard to believe but scaffolds are designed to be incredibly safe, stable and durable. The primary goal is to ensure that the building being worked on is supported and the workers have a secure area to complete their tasks in. Furthermore, they are strong enough to provide a working space for multiple workers and all of their building equipment.

It is important to recognise, though, that when used incorrectly, they can be incredibly dangerous. As as a result of this there are strict regulations in Australia surrounding the safe work and practice of using a working platform. Before beginning work in the construction industry, everyone is required to take a course and be briefed on the proper use of working platforms.

Are there different types?

As mentioned above, there are a variety of different types that can be used for different purposes. There are three primary types of working platform that can be used for different tasks; suspended, aerial and supported.