There are numerous types of scaffolding utilized in the current construction industry. No matter which one you choose, the main function of scaffolding is to offer a safe and secure platform for workers to work from a height.
In many cases, a ladder is not adequate for the job to be completed. It is necessary to have something that offers more space and is sturdy. On numerous construction sites, you may be able to see scaffolding that is permanent and could remain in place for extended periods of duration.
However, this could be costly and time-consuming, that’s why many industries decide to utilize mobile scaffolding as a viable alternative.
So, if you’re about to start your construction project, or carry out some repairs and maintenance, then we’re here to explain all about mobile scaffolding including why it’s used and the benefits it brings to your construction project.
What is a Mobile Scaffold?
Mobile scaffolds are temporary construction based on casters or wheels and can be utilized for a variety of different applications. It can be moved from one site to another making it a highly useful device for a variety of industries. The wheels can be locked into place to protect the structure, allowing workers to finish their work in a safe manner.
The independent platform is built on site and constructed using a vertical cross-beamed structure. It’s composition makes the tower very strong which allows workers to carry and use heavier tools than what they could do using an ordinary ladder.
When working from heights, there many options available and each one has its distinct advantages. In addition to scaffolding, you might also consider employing a cherry picker.
Who Uses a Mobile Scaffold?
Construction industry workers employ scaffolding towers in order to finish different tasks, including roofing, brickwork, as well as to complete repair and maintenance. Even after a structure is finished, it’s vital to perform regular surveys. Scaffolding towers allow civil engineers and building inspectors to accurately assess the outside infrastructure.
Apart from building, these platforms can also be used by other tradesmen including plasters decorators, window cleaners who require access to high-rise areas. Although they could employ the ladder, it would make it very difficult and unsafe to transport equipment to and from.
Another sector that uses mobile scaffolding is events. From building staging to installing the cameras or speakers. This is another example of how these mobile scaffold structures are extremely beneficial.
What are the Benefits of Using Mobile Scaffolds?
There are numerous of benefits of scaffolding that is mobile, as opposed to a more permanent structure.
Especially for those who have less money or have limited resources, these temporary platforms can be a cost efficient way to get the task completed.
However, it’s important to take into consideration what you require from your scaffolding prior to deciding the best options. In this regard, let’s review some of the advantages in more detail.
Multi-faceted
A lot of jobs need more stability or working space than a conventional ladder can offer. However these same jobs are not suitable for an enduring scaffolding fixture, which is why people choose the mobile scaffolding tower. They are an excellent alternative and offer an enduring working platform.
Furthermore, they can be set up on uneven ground. This makes them an ideal solution for construction sites where the conditions can be difficult. This gives construction workers peace of mind that they can build the scaffolding without worrying about where they should put it.
Spacious
Mobile scaffolds are available in a range of sizes, allowing you to choose the appropriate one to meet the needs of your project. Instead of putting your life at risk by carrying heavy pieces of equipment across an incline and platforms, you can safely rest them on the platform.
It also makes work much more efficient since you don’t have to go around the area to gather more tools. You can decide from the beginning which tools are essential to complete the task and keep them in reach when working on the tower.
Highly Durable
Since many mobile scaffolding towers comprise of aluminium components which is non-ferrous, it is non-corrosive , making it highly robust. This makes them a solid choice for tradesmen working in commercial environments, with a long operating time. Additionally, this means they will be able to endure weather conditions, which is an absolute necessity for a construction site.
Made of aluminum, these portable towers are very durable and able to support the weight and strains expected of it. As we’ve discussed, tradesmen will use heavy pieces of equipment on these platforms , so it’s vital that they’re solid and sturdy.
Providing they’re carefully maintained the mobile scaffold tower should last for many years before it’s no longer considered safe to use.
Lightweight
Scaffolding towers weigh less and are simple to move. Because they don’t have galvanised steel poles, these structures can be easily transported from one place to another. This adds further versatility in that you aren’t restricted in the process of finishing your job. This provides workers with more flexibility to respond to the needs of various projects.
In addition, scaffold towers are fitted with wheels which allow them to be moved about on site to gain access to difficult to reach areas. There is no requirement to take down or rebuild the tower since it is simply pushed from one location to another. However, with any sort of apparatus, great diligence must be taken to be aware of hazards which could be a danger.
Easy to Assemble
Scaffold towers are a viable alternative to lighter pieces of equipment such as ladders. Furthermore, unlike constructing an enduring structure, these portable platforms aren’t required to have specialized education to build.
They include a set of instructions on how to set up the tower and help workers in the assembly process. It is convenient to know that many mobile scaffold towers can be assembled in a modular design, making them very easy to set up. This also means that additional levels can be added when the need for height increases.
This is a major benefit as a mobile scaffold can serve the purpose of various other kinds of ladders in one go, without the need to purchase or transport access equipment to the site of work.
Fewer Resources Needed
Mobile scaffolds can be assembled by one person effortlessly and swiftly. The structure can also be moved from one location to another with just one person, which can be beneficial to any team of workers. Instead of pulling individuals from their respective jobs to help with transport, and thus taking the time of others the one person can manage the job on their own.
This is especially beneficial for smaller teams where there may be only one or two people involved in a project.
In contrast to a larger scaffolding structure an enormous amount of labor to correctly assemble and dismantle the structure in a safe manner. By using the scaffolding tower, you are saving time and energy which can be put to use in getting the job done.
Safety
These temporary fixtures are secured by railings which allow workers to safely access areas that are in front of and above them. This prevents workers from falling when they are trying to reach certain heights by providing a wall on the outside.
They also feature a huge surface area and are anchored on four legs that create an extremely stable and secure base. It allows you to finish your tasks on the platform without being concerned about your standing or the structure falling over.
Of course this relies on the scaffolding being correctly constructed from the beginning, so always ensure you follow the directions prior to making the pieces.
What Should I Consider When Utilizing a Mobile Scaffold?
When working with any type of scaffolding, safety is essential. Especially when you’re working at heights and there are more risk factors to consider, which is the reason you should be certain that the structure is safe and safe.
Here are some important considerations when using a scaffolding tower in order to make sure the job not only gets done, but gets done without compromising your safety.
Erection and Dismantle
If you’re using a mobile scaffold the company that is hiring or the provider of the company is responsible to give a set of directions about how to assemble and dismantle the structure correctly.
This should include any bracing specifications and the height that the scaffold is able to be constructed. This information should be read by the person assembling the tower, as well as anyone else in charge of supervising.
The are two safe systems to follow when building a tower:
Advance guard rail system – This is the place where temporary guard rail units are locked in place at the lower level and moved up to the platform level. They are in place before the operator can access the platform in order to install the permanent guard rails.
‘Through-the-trap’ (3T) It involves the operator assuming a working position in the trap door of the platform. From here, they can add or remove the elements that serve as guard rails on the level above the platform. It is designed for security purposes to guarantee that the operator does not stand on an unguarded platform
Safety Precautions
Tower scaffolding must be in compliance with the requirements for all kinds of scaffolds. This includes double guardrails as well as toeboards, bracing and access ladder.
When you have hired your scaffolding tower, you should be delivered with all the required components that will ensure it’s secure and sturdy.
For a tower to be safe and sound it depends on the integrity of all components as they are at risk of falling if certain sections are abandoned.
Following assembly, all towers must be inspected to ensure they are safe for use by workers. Additionally, if the tower is being utilized for any kind of construction work and someone could fall 2 meters or more away from the platform, then it should be inspected following assembly and every seven days. If an inspection indicates that there is no safety to continueworking, you should stop working immediately and correct any faults that have been identified.
The findings of the inspection has to be recorded and archived till the following inspection is recorded.
Stability
It’s essential that a mobile scaffolding structure is stable enough for workers to safely stand on them. To ensure this happens it is essential to never use bricks or building blocks to take the load that the scaffolding tower. Also, a building is not to be constructed higher than that specified in the instruction manual.
Utilizing and Moving Around
It’s simple to move an mobile tower due to its compact design and lightweight construction be sure that the people near you are aware of what’s going on before they do.
There are a few points to keep in mind when using a tower.
Don’t use a tower when:
In the event of strong winds
For support of ladders
They’re missing or damaged components.
They have incompatible components
In addition, when you are moving a tower , you must always:
reduce the height up to a maximum of 4m
Verify that there aren’t any obstructions or power lines overhead.
Check that the soil is firm
push or pull using manual effort only from the base
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