If you’re thinking of building your own home, or doing a significant amount of work on your extension, then you may need to think about using scaffolding. Part 1
| Scaffolding is an arrangement of metal tubes and wooden boards which are built together in order to provide a platform above ground level for people working on a building. The nature of scaffolding means that if it is not put up correctly, it could be a potentially fatal health and safety hazard.
How does scaffolding work? The kind of scaffolding you see at most domestic building sites is made up of four major components:
The standards are joined to the ledgers, and then the transoms are added at right angles to support the wooden battens. In order to give the structure stability and strength, diagonal braces are added and often scaffolding clips are used to tie the structure together. In addition, guard rails or netting may be added for additional safety. Products called “system scaffolding” are becoming more commonly available and are better suited to the DIY market. These systems slot together and have built-in strength and flexibility. The same safety regulations apply to both systems and whether you are building yourself or using a contractor, you should be aware of all the relevant safety issues. Can I put up scaffolding myself? Although the basic principles of erecting scaffolding are very straightforward, you need to be absolutely sure that you can put up a safe structure. Not only will you be using the scaffolding yourself, but the tradesmen you employ will also be using it, and there may be people at your plot who are not involved with the building, such as utility engineers, building inspectors and your family and friends. If the scaffolding is dangerous and any of those people are hurt, either by falling from the scaffolding or being hit by scaffolding, you could face a huge personal insurance claim. More relevant than whether you put the scaffolding up by yourself is whether you need scaffolding at all. When do I need scaffolding? If you are building a single storey extension, or a bungalow, you may not need scaffolding at all. If in doubt, speak to your builder. Scaffolding won’t be the most expensive part of your budget but, depending on how long you need it for, it will make a dent in your pocket, so make sure you only use the scaffolding if you need it. It is possible to erect a two storey building without scaffolding, but most builders would advise that scaffolding is used. Where do I find a scaffolding contractor? Tuxebo offer a large data base of scaffolding contactors who can provide a quick and easy quote ranging from Scaffolding Hire in London, Scaffolding Hire in Tyne and Wear or Scaffolding Hire in Manchester to Scaffolding Hire in Bristol. If you are looking for a different location near you then just click below to find your area at: |
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