How To Choose Among The Different Scaffolding Options

Building high-rise buildings and construction in general is a tricky and dangerous affair. There is therefore a need for a structure that can hold the construction crew and materials while they work. This actually is the main reason why scaffolds were introduced, plus a number of other important reasons to have them on site. There are various types of scaffolding we know of, and many have varying uses.

Self-supported scaffolding

erect the scaffolding

While building a high rise building, you definitely want to be safe! This is the most common type of scaffolding and the safest too. They are normally supported by beams, brackets, poles and other types of rigid support firmly planted to the ground. It comes in handy as it can take a lot of weight and can go as high as required. It is also the most cost effective, which is a definite plus. It is a very flexible method in the ways it can be put into use.

Suspended scaffolding 

If you have a fear of heights, the construction industry isn’t for you! Suspended scaffolding is usually suspended from the roof of a building with ropes or pulleys. This is done when it’s impossible to construct a base. These are normally used by cleaners to clean the windows in high tower buildings. The same is used when there are repairs in such buildings. Its major disadvantage is that only one or two people can work on it.

Aerial lifts

These are used to access multiple levels during construction. They are of different types, the most common being the scissor type, and the vehicle-mounted type. The vehicle-mounted one is  fitted with telescoping and rotating booms which allow it to rotate 360 degrees. They come in very handy when work has to be done on the higher level of a high rise building. This is commonly used by maintenance companies working on lamp posts or even telephone poles. It is limiting in the sense that only a couple of people can use it at a go, but at the same time the fastest type of scaffold to use to get to higher levels

Rolling scaffolding

This type has many similarities with the supported scaffolding .The major difference is that the rolling scaffold has wheels at its base. This makes it easy to roll the scaffold without the need to dismantle it. Once it is in place, the wheels are locked so that it doesn’t move around. It has the flexibility of allowing work to go on to higher floor levels.

This and the other different types of scaffolds are readily available from scaffolding companies in Toronto. It is however very important to research and find the best company. Lives are at stake here, therefore only the company with the highest standard of manufacture is acceptable. The company has to be also ISO certified to rule out quacks.

Specialty scaffold

This scaffold is intended to support its own weight and an additional weight up to four times its maximum load. One example is the ladder jack scaffold, which is platform supported by brackets or jacks, and attached to ladders. Another is the window jack whereby the platform is supported by a bracket that projects through a window. Last but definitely not least is the pump jack scaffold. This is a platform supported by poles and brackets that can be moved around.

Building and construction is risky business. While safety is of the utmost importance, convenience and flexibility is also a consideration. The different types of scaffolds are all capable of different functions. To maximize their use, it is important to first identify the work you need done and the scaffold’s capabilities. Do your research and go for a scaffolding company with due ISO certification.