Scaffolding is one of those things you probably don’t think of that often. It’s always around in some form or another, doing its job, however, scaffolding is a pretty essential component for a lot of operations being undertaken on a daily basis. As one of the safest methods to work at height, scaffolding and access platforms remain the most efficient method of reaching those difficult to access areas.
For most of us, scaffolding is probably associated with the construction industry. Appearing seemingly out of nowhere during large-scale building projects, they are pretty important to the industry, allowing us to build ever higher. Yet, to say construction scaffolding is useful only to the construction industry is to ignore its various uses throughout a whole host of other industries and sectors.
From the home renovators to the riggers on television sets, many rely on the important work of the humble scaffolder, with their expertise in creating safe and efficient access solutions. With this in mind, we at DH Scaffolding decided to delve a little deeper into our trade to give you a guide of why you might need scaffolding services.
Industries that rely on scaffolding services
Because of the relative simplicity of using access solutions, it is essential for a variety of industries and jobs across the UK. And, due to the myriad of designs and types of scaffold on offer, you may be surprised how much a scaffold may be able to help for your next job.
Home renovation
Although relatively similar to construction, many in the home improvement sector may not think to utilise the services of a quality scaffolder, believing it to be too small a job to require it. However, according to the Digital Journal, the rise in people carrying out home improvement projects is securing huge opportunities for growth in the scaffolding sector, meaning more and more of us are realising its benefits when it comes to renovations.
Of course, the likelihood that you will need some large-scale fabrication for your back garden extension is probably not going to very high. However, there is a range of scaffolding styles to choose from for just this reason. For example, lightweight scaffold tower hires might be a better option due to their manoeuvrability and ease of use whilst still affording you the opportunity to reach those higher points around your household.
Window cleaning
People in the window cleaning business, especially when it comes to commercial buildings rely pretty heavily on decent and, more importantly, safe access solutions for their day to day operations. For some jobs, abseiling and ‘reach and wash’ methods are enough to get to the windows and give them a good clean down. However, for more comprehensive jobs that require cleaners to have their equipment and a variety of cleaning supplies easily to hand, these methods may not be enough.
This is where a quality scaffold could help. Suspended scaffolding can be a great help to cleaners looking to have a range of equipment to hand and the steady platform and can accommodate multiple workers at a time, increasing efficiency. For even more control, albeit at lower levels, mobile aerial work platforms (MEWPS) can be a great alternative, allowing superior movement and control to reach some of the more difficult areas that other methods may not be able to access.
Surveying and civil engineering
Aside from workers using scaffolding to aid in the construction of buildings, there will be specialists looking to ensure the building is up to spec. Civil engineers and surveyors have one of the most important jobs on site when it comes to ensuring the longevity of building projects, so will need to get up close and personal with every aspect of the structure. With a quality scaffold along the exterior of the building, surveyors and civil engineers will be able to tick off important safety checks.
Film and television
You may be surprised, but scaffolding is a pretty essential tool for the film, television and theatre industries, with many scaffold companies finding their expertise needed on a variety of projects. Various lighting, sound and camera equipment may need to be positioned at higher angles to get the perfect shot and can even be used as temporary staging.
Much like home improvement, it’s unlikely that film and televisions projects need permanent scaffolding types and rely more on mobile platforms that can be easily moved for changes in scenery, shot composition and a host of other reasons.
Finding expert scaffolding companies
As you can see, scaffolding rental has a range of applications across multiple industries. However, it’s important that you work with quality. Although the scaffolding industry has come leaps and bounds in terms of safety and efficiency, with only 89 reported accidents on scaffolding equipment this year, ensuring you’re scaffold has the skills and experience necessary to create solid structures for the safety and efficiency of the job. Luckily, there are a few ways to ensure you’re working with quality.
Before you sign anything, it’s imperative to ensure that your chosen scaffolder is properly insured. As a minimum, a scaffolding contractor should have employee liability insurance, however, depending on the job type, other policies may need to be in place. It is your responsibility to check that your scaffolder is properly insured and that their policy will cover them for the duration of the contract. In not doing so, you may find yourself in some pretty hot water with a hefty fine or even prison time.
Trust is another important factor when it comes to hiring a scaffolding company. They may be able to offer you a host of benefits but if you’re not feeling comfortable that they can deliver, it may not be the best decision. Therefore, spend time checking for things such as accreditation from industry regulators; these bodies have formulated to ensure proper working conditions within the industry so they’re a stamp of quality for those connected to them. Also, spend time checking review sites to see previous clients’ opinions on their work. All of this can help to give you peace of mind when it comes to hiring a quality contractor.
Scaffolding dos and don’ts
We can’t stress enough how dangerous using a scaffolding can be if you’re not using them correctly. With this in mind, there are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to properly using access equipment.
• DO – Make sure you and everyone using the scaffold is properly trained in safety protocol. There are courses that can teach you how to safely traverse your scaffold so it’s important to get clued up.
• DON’T – Use a scaffold before properly inspecting it. By law, a scaffold has to be checked at least every 7 days, every time it is used and after you assemble/disassemble the structure. You need to be especially vigilant after adverse weather or if the scaffold can be tampered with by the public.
• DO – wear the appropriate safety gear when working on site. As a standard, hard hats should be worn in case of falling equipment. However, make sure to invest in good quality non-slip boots and harnessing if applicable.
• DON’T – Leave anything left over after you’ve finished on the scaffolding. Equipment that isn’t being supervised could become a serious trip or falling hazard.
There are a host of other things to keep in mind using a scaffold properly, however, working with an expert in the industry can help you to work safely and efficiently.
Work with the best at D H Scaffolding
A solid scaffold can make working at height safer and more efficient for whatever operation you’re working on. With this in mind, you need to work with a quality scaffolding company to make sure your operation runs smoothly and to keep you and your employees safe on the job.
Since 2011, we at D H scaffolding have been offering high-quality access solutions to the people of Sheffield and beyond. From our comprehensive scaffold designs to our in-depth surveys ensuring you have the right stuff for the job, you can rest assured your scaffolding problems are sorted with us.
For more information on what we can offer you get in touch today on 0114 230 0923 or visit our website.