Scaffolding is used to work on the outside of tall buildings, to wash windows of skyscrapers, and to paint both the interior and exterior of homes and offices. There are many uses for these structures in both residential and professional neighborhoods. To use scaffolding there are just a few basic things that you need to know.
How it Works
Scaffolding is a structure that is most often made from aluminum or another metal. The frame has several X –shaped supports and boards that workers can walk on. The boards may be made from wood or metal that has hook shaped ends to attach to the frame of the structure securely. These structures can be very high to allow for working on taller building and can also be suspended from the roof for washing windows. Interior structures are typically much smaller but are very useful when working at ceiling level and for painting the interior of larger homes and offices.
Since scaffolding is often high in the air safety is an important consideration. All metal frames and parts should meet OSHA standards for safety and the structure should be checked for wear and tear regularly. Replacement parts and special tools for increasing safety, such as leveling jacks, are widely available to provide a secure workplace environment for those working on these structures. Guard rails are highly recommended on all structures that will be used for projects that are over a few feet in height.
Operating Mechanical Scaffolding
Mechanical scaffolding works using a motor that moves the structure up and down. Typically only one or two people work on an average sized scaffold while more people can work on larger structures. Debris chutes are attached to take trash from the job down to your dumpster or trash bin safely. It is a good idea to always use a debris chute to keep the platform free of garbage. Garbage left on the platform can end up causing an accident. Your trash chute will attach to the side of the structure using special fasteners.
Manual hoists are often used even on mechanical scaffolding. Manual hoists are considered a little more difficult to use since they do require more effort but they also allow you to have greater control over movement while in the air. Manual hoists are also used when moving items from the ground to the platform and from the platform to the ground. These tools are very useful when working on tall buildings since you don’t have to waste time moving the entire scaffold up and down to retrieve items that you need for the job.
Safety
Safety is an important part of all scaffolding work, whether you are using a manual hoist or trying to remove debris from the platform you are working on. Not only the workers are at risk of accidents when working on large buildings, but people walking on the street are also at risk of falling objects. Learning to use your scaffold and equipment can ensure everyone around the work site is as safe as possible.
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