When Different Types of Scaffolding Should Be Used

22 February 2016
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Scaffolding refers to a platform that helps you to access otherwise hard-to-access places during construction and maintenance work. This article discusses when it would be ideal to use different kinds of scaffolding. Use this information to make an informed decision about the best type of scaffolding for your needs. 

Aerial Lift Scaffolding

These are usually mounted on vehicles. The aerial lift scaffolding relies on a mechanical or hydraulic system to hoist workers and materials to different heights. This type of scaffolding is ideal for moving materials and workers to different heights temporarily. For instance, this scaffolding system is suitable for maintenance workers who are replacing blown external light bulbs on a multi-level building. The truck onto which the scaffolding is mounted keeps moving to the different parts of the building where bulbs are located. This saves a lot of time that would have been lost while erecting other kinds of scaffolding (such as supported scaffolding).

Rolling Scaffolding

This type of scaffolding has a base that has castor wheels that facilitate the movement of the scaffold from one place to another. Once the scaffold has been pushed to the desired position, the wheels are locked so that the scaffold does not move while workers are using it. This kind of scaffolding is good for use in situations where work needs to be done at the same height over a long distance. For example, it can be used when workers are cleaning the different windows on one floor of an apartment block.

Suspended Scaffolding

As the name suggests, suspended scaffolding is anchored onto the roof or ceiling of the structure where it is being used. This type of scaffolding is required in situations where it is very difficult to construct a base for the scaffold. For example, it may be impractical to construct a scaffold from the ground floor when you want to clean the windows on a high-rise building. The more practical solution is to suspend a scaffold from the roof or balcony of the floor where work is being done.

Supported Scaffolding

This is the most commonly used type of scaffolding. A base is constructed on the ground and the scaffold is built on top of that base. Workers and materials are moved from the ground up using a series of steps. This type of scaffold is safer than other types (such as suspended scaffolds). These scaffolds are suitable for use during construction since they can be left in place for several weeks or even months. They can also support more weight when compared to other types of scaffolds. This capability is due to the solid base onto which the scaffold is anchored.

As you can see, one type of scaffold may be excellent for a particular purpose and be inadequate in another situation. Discuss your needs with a scaffolding hire professional so that he or she helps you to select the most suitable scaffold for your needs.