When is scaffolding required in construction? We look at the uses of scaffolding in construction. Find out more about typical construction jobs where scaffolding is used. Pro Netting Solutions offer fall arrest bags and edge protection hire for scaffolding jobs throughout Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire And Kent.
When is Scaffolding Needed?
The simple and short answer to such a question is that scaffolding is needed whenever your curated risk assessment suggests that its existence is necessary.
Once you've assessed all the possible ways you could perform your tasks or personal project without working at height and failed to see how else you could do the job, it is then in your best intention to consider safety appliances and erected scaffold structures. Scaffolding's main purpose is safety; ultimately, if its existence on site would enhance and protect the lives of the staff and general public, then it should be implemented.
It's utilised across the construction industry as a control measure that helps minimise injuries and the risk of potential deaths. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Working at Height Regulations 2005 state scaffoldings as imperative to the process.
Suppose your current project has various scales and levels. In that case, a scaffolding frame will offer stability and numerous points of easy access to the exterior and interior of the building that your company team of employees will find useful.
It will allow them to focus on separate tasks without fear of bumping into one other or obstructing equipment. Another reason you may need scaffold support equipment on site is when you are at risk of facing harsh weather conditions. Scaffoldings can protect and shield your workers from rain and hailstorms and keep your structure intact during high winds that could be dangerous to work through.
When completing substantial repairs, building or demolishing a property, you must incorporate adequate, robust scaffolding structures on site regardless of the project's scale or building's size. Many hazards are at stake when tackling these three jobs, so you must ensure scaffolding is part of your construction plans.
Jobs that Require Scaffolding in Construction
Many jobs across the construction and maintenance services industry require scaffoldings and various forms of fall arrest to prevent equipment, workers and other loads from falling from heights and injuring themselves.
MAIN RISKS OF WORKING AT HEIGHT
It's vital that you gain some knowledge of the many uses of scaffolding before proceeding with your tasks. Some of these jobs involve the following:
External building works
When building brick walls for a property or on a construction site, the task can be impractical and incredibly risky, primarily when the wall is intended at a great height.
Providing your workers with a steady, robust platform is paramount for them to stand on and feel secure while carrying out their brick-laying jobs. Platforms that go up several levels will enable builders to finish the job at a more efficient, faster pace.
There is an immense increased risk of falling and fatal injury when maintenance work and servicing are being carried out on high buildings for a variety of reasons, such as unstable tiles and surfaces or structures and equipment at risk of falling. Scaffoldings are an efficient method of reducing these threats to your worker's safety by supplying a safe surface for them to work and place tools on.
Commercial and warehouse painting
Commercial buildings and warehouses require scaffoldings to complete painting through the interior and exterior. Platforms are ideal for projects of this scale as they enable you to cover more space efficiently in the safest way possible. Warehouses and commercial properties are typically even larger sites than residential homes, which is why it is your responsibility to provide the proper security and prevention for your workers throughout the process.
Inspection of buildings
A competent person performs a typical building inspection with a job role such as a professional contractor and surveyor, and the aim is to thoroughly assess the safety, credibility and structural integrity of a structure or building.
Builders must install all safety equipment for the conducted inspection, which is where scaffoldings come into place. Various parts of the establishment or domestic household's infrastructure are reviewed, meaning that parts that could be hundreds of metres from ground level are looked at in-depth for faults and long-term issues. Scaffolds are installed for efficiency and to adhere to the current UK safety standards and for practical reasons.
Exterior protective paints for residential, such as Stormdry
Residential exterior painters also consider scaffoldings a legal requirement to perform their job as they are expected to complete work at varying substantial heights, so in order to stay safe and secure, they need a steady platform
Domestic households and properties are often of a more reasonable height than commercial and industrial sites; however, they need space to place their heavy or lightweight equipment and tools so they can freely move and work around safely. Scaffoldings provide access to all areas of your building, even hard-to-reach areas that need coating with paint to match the rest of the home's exterior.
Inspection of industrial assets
Another aspect that you may require scaffolding for is for valuers and surveyors to inspect various commercial and industrial assets and buildings. During an industrial inspection, it will usually involve a visual inspection of the building's entire exterior; there's often a walk-through of the interior. To assess higher levels, the inspectors may scale the building and get onto the roofs.
A scaffolding is ideal for fall protection while looking closely for any deficiencies, cracks or faults that need to be immediately addressed, alongside issues that could become long-term problems. Finally, there will be a review of the property completed with associated documents and reports that detail any of these pitfalls.
Cleaning solar panels and windows
Solar panel and window cleaning can be challenging, especially in larger buildings and commercial establishments, such as hotels, office blocks, retail stores, etc. Typically, jobs like these require more than tall ladders, as these often are less secure than scaffolding structures and not ideal for preventing falls. Windows, as high as around twenty storeys, can put cleaners at a distinct risk of falling from great heights, meaning having the right platform and fall prevention equipment is vital.
Scaffolding, netting and sometimes even harnesses are some of the most cost-effective ways to ensure that your workers can clean solar panels and windows efficiently and safely. Scaffoldings are also an easy way to help your team clean hard-to-reach areas, as you may lose balance when using a ladder.
Monitoring large structures
For those with construction work or projects located on high streets or areas flooded with busy pedestrians, you will likely need some scaffolding built. Scaffolding is primarily for protecting your workers at height; however, it is also incredibly valuable for protecting the health and well-being of those bypassers below your structure.
Toe boards, barrier netting and platform fencing, are utilised to prevent builders, loose debris and heavy equipment from falling and potentially injuring those below. No matter how big or small your project is, we highly recommend investing in professional scaffoldings for your structure. Even more specific ones, like chimney scaffoldings, will help monitor large structures, ensuring they are placed correctly, and all workers and items are safe.
If you are working on a construction project in Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Kent or London, you will be considring the safety requirements of your workers. Follow the links below for construction site safety nets, crash bags hire and edge protection hire.
Construction Fall Safety Nets Kent Fall Arrest Bags Kent Edge Protection Hire Kent