Guidelines to Use Scaffolding the Proper Way

Scaffolding is necessary in the construction industry to make sure that new buildings can be created and old buildings can be maintained. Every year, we seem to make higher and higher buildings and existing properties undergo frequent makeovers to make them look more in style with the rest of the new developments. Because of all these transformations, reliable and safe scaffolding and other systems are needed in order to deliver jobs properly and safely.

Hiring a Contractor

If you are in need of scaffolding services, you should make sure that you only work with a safe and reliable contractor. Take your search online, where you should easily be able to find all the available companies in your area. Look for things such as trade registrations and safety records and standards. You have to really get a feel for their commitment for safety, as that is the most important thing in scaffolding. Do also use the internet to find unbiased recommendations (either positive or negative) on the various companies you come across.

Safety Preparation

Once you have hired your contractor, you need to be present on the job to make sure they do indeed carry out all the necessary safety precautions. They should come an inspect your site to make sure the surface is completely level. If it isn’t, they will discuss stabilization methods with you.

Another thing they should look into is how to keep bystanders and passers-by safe once the scaffolding is up. For instance, they may only work during the quietest periods, thereby reducing the amount of people that are placed at risk. Depending on the location, they may also require certain permissions from local government, particularly if it involves obstructing roads. A good contractor will also never install their scaffolding near any power lines.

Licenses are required if the structure has to be erected near a highway. You are responsible for checking this and the responsibility for obtaining permission is also up to you. This is true both for the temporary structure that is the scaffolding itself, as well as for the permanent building that you are erecting or updating.

Getting Started with the Work

Before the scaffolding starts to get erected, you should make sure that the contractors are properly qualified to do so. Just because someone is trained to work on scaffolding does not mean they are trained to set it up either. Hence, make sure you look into qualifications.

Once erected, the entire structure should be checked before anyone actually goes on there. Regular checks should be done during the period of work. Good contractors will check the equipment every morning before starting work again and preferably also at the end of the day. This is particularly important if any changes are made to the construction itself. If the weather has been particularly dry, wet, hot or cold, checks should also be done.

For more information on how you should use your scaffolding properly, please visit this site.