All You Need To Know About Scaffolding

You will need scaffolding when building your commercial building. Typically, the equipment keeps builders safe as they lay bricks and utilities at heights. Below are several things you should know before installing a scaffold at your site. 

Preliminary Assessments

Consult your builder to know the scaffolding needs at the site. For instance, what is the maximum height of the building? It helps determine the scaffolding height. The dimensions of the building will help you establish the width of the scaffolding. If possible, the equipment should engulf the entire building. This way, you can have tens of builders working simultaneously. Where do you plan to install the scaffolding? In some cases, the area around the building could have unstable soils. Alternatively, you could be building close to a busy street. In this case, you should consider cantilever scaffolding. Once the building is complete, painters and electricians will need height safety equipment as they work indoors. Trestle scaffolds are your best bet when conducting these works. 

Inspect the Scaffold

Inspect the rental scaffold to establish the following; 

• What is the build quality of the working platform? Ideally, it should be made from rigid and slip-resistant materials. Moreover, it should be large enough to ensure workers are comfortable as they work on the platform.
• What is the scaffold's weight limit? The scaffolding should support massive weights. Remember, it must hold builders and construction materials.
• Assess the scaffold's safety features. For instance, it should have access ladders and rails. Some scaffolding has a fire-resistant rating if the site is prone to fires.
• Examine the scaffold for structural defects such as bent poles, missing couplers, and damaged outriggers. 

Understand the Rental Conditions 

What are the company's conditions? Start by inquiring whether the company offers transport services to and from your site. You will also need a scaffolder at the site. The professional inspects the site, installs the scaffolding and disassembles it after completion of the construction work. The scaffolder also enforces scaffolding safety at the site. For instance, they show your employees how to board the platform and the safety measures to observe while on the scaffolding. For instance, they should not leave debris on the platform or throw tools at each other. If your building is close to neighbouring property, you need a safety net around the scaffolding. It helps contain construction debris on the site. Finally, negotiate the scaffolding rental costs. For example, you could pit the company's quote against a rival's price list. Alternatively, you could ask for a long-term rental contract.  

For more information about scaffolding, contact a local company.