Everything You Need To Know About Scaffolding

Construction is happening all the time, whether it be restorative work, cleaning work or building work. Building sites can be both for commercial or residential purposes and can come in a range of sizes and scales.

In some situations, construction work takes place above ground level, meaning workers need a way to reach the desired height. One of the best ways of achieving this is by using a high-quality scaffolding. Working platforms are actually an incredibly valuable construction tool, and many jobs would not get completed without them.

What is scaffolding?

Scaffolding, which is often referred to as a working platform or support structure, is a construction tool used to support buildings or provide access during building. One of the primary goals of working platforms is to ensure that builders and their construction teams have a safe and stable area to work on during building if the task has to be completed above ground level.

It is not uncommon to see a support structure on a building site; they can be incredibly useful, and it is actually rare to see a building site not making use of one. Interestingly, there are many different types of working platform each designed for a specific job or task.

Working platforms are generally made up from a range of different components, which when assembled correctly make them durable, safe and long lasting.

What are scaffolds made from?

Although the different types of scaffolding may change in materials and use, all working platforms are made up of three basic parts; tubes, boards and couplers. Tubes are usually made from aluminium or steel and come in varying lengths. Couplers are the fittings the join the tubes together and the board are wooden and make up the work surface.

Depending on the work site, other materials may be required, and will sometimes be added to the structure. Common items that can be added to working platforms are anchor ties, ropes, base plates and ladders.

Whilst aluminium and steel are the most common materials for working platforms in the western world, this is not the case everywhere. In different countries, other materials are used to create working platforms. For example, in Hong Kong and India, bamboo is the most popular material for support structures. Interestingly, bamboo working platforms make use of nylon straps in order to hold everything in place instead of couplers or wires. Working platforms are durable, long lasting and effective, this is the main reason why they are still used on building sites today.

Is scaffolding safe?

Scaffolding may sometimes look unstable, but it is actually incredibly safe. Not only do these structures have the strength to hold up multiple workers and their construction equipment, but they also help with the structural integrity of the building during construction. Therefore, they are designed to be incredibly safe and stable.

However, it is important to recognise that, like most specialist equipment, when used improperly, they can be dangerous. Due to this, it is essential to follow the correct safety procedures whilst assembling and during use.

Are there different types?

There are several different types of working platform that can help workers reach the desired height and complete tasks. There are so many variants simply because each construction site requires unique equipment.

Essentially, the type of support structure used will depend on the specific job. However, there are three main types; suspended, self-supported and aerial.