When Should You Use Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a way to provide a safe and stable platform that's needed when working on an elevated surface. It offers support for concrete formwork, inclement weather, and projects that might potentially be unsafe to work on without assistance. Depending on what you need, though, there are varying degrees of scaffolds available for different circumstances - temporary vs. permanent worksites or jobs, high risk vs. low-risk buildings.

When Is It Needed?

Scaffolding is usually used on buildings with heights of 16 feet and above, but you can use some for lower projects - it just simply depends on the user, contractors, and type of scaffolding. For temporary worksites, a scaffold is normally used when the work is to be done for a short time or refurbishing or renovating an existing part of the building. Short term projects are more likely done on a modular platform, while permanent worksites usually use steel frames with guardrails.

Scaffolding is used in building work for all sorts of reasons. In most cases, it's needed to elevate forms/workers above the rest of the structure to perform their duties safely and correctly. Other times it's used to cover or protect workers from inclement weather like rain or snow. You can also use scaffolding to provide a stable platform for concrete formwork so that a structure is properly secure and safe for workers.

Why Is It Important

The moment a building project is started, a scaffold is built to provide the best possible conditions for workers. It's a safety measure that aims to minimize the risk of injury or death on the job site. In modern times, working at heights is inevitable in many work settings. The use of scaffolding at construction sites and accessible buildings protects workers by minimizing their risk of falling. Using scaffolding on these projects also minimizes the risk of site workers' injury due to accidental slips or falls.

A scaffold's main role in structural building work is to provide elevated platforms that help workers safely transport materials, place formwork, and complete their daily tasks safely.

How Can You Use Scaffolding?

The building industry has different uses for scaffolding. There are various types of scaffolds you can use depending on your projects' needs. Temporary and permanent scaffolds are just some of the many types that can be used in different situations. A typical scaffold is made from steel. It can also be made from other materials, like wood, plastics, or aluminum. Temporary worksites normally use temporary scaffolds, and this type of scaffold is usually made with a lightweight material like PVC that won't become brittle in cold weather.​

If you need scaffolding, call Pro Star Rental. Odds are we have what you need. And with our convenient locations around Texas, stopping by one of our stores should be a breeze!

By Pro Star Rental 8-11-2021

Scaffolding Rental & Safety

Pro Star Rental Texas Rents several types of scaffolding. We have provided this safety checklist for your convenience. This list is provided by the University of Oklahoma.

• Is the scaffold being erected under the direction of a competent person?
• Are all employees involved with (or near) the scaffold wearing hard hats?
• Are footings sound and rigid - not set on soft ground, frozen ground (that could melt), or resting on blocks?
• Is the scaffold level?
• Are wheels/castors locked?
• Is the scaffold able to hold four times its maximum intended load?
• Is the platform complete front to back and side to side (fully planked or decked, with no gaps greater than 1 inch)?
• Are guardrails and toeboards in place on all open sides?
• Are all sections pinned or appropriately secured?
• Is there a safe way to get on and off the scaffold, such as a ladder (without climbing on crossbraces)?
• Is the front face within 14 inches of the work (or within 3 feet for outrigger scaffolds?
• Does the scaffold meet electrical safety clearance distances?
• Is the scaffold inspected by a competent person before being put in use?
• If the scaffold is over 10 feet high, is personal fall protection provided, or are guardrails over 38 inches high?
• Are hardhats worn by workers on and around the scaffold?
• Are scaffold loads (including tools and other equipment) kept to a minimum and removed when the scaffold is not in use (like at the end of a day)?
• Are employees removed from scaffolds during high winds, rain, snow, or bad weather?
• Are materials secured before moving a scaffold?
• Are employees removed from the scaffold before they are moved?
• Are heavy tools, equipment, and supplies hoisted up (rather than carried up by hand)?

If you have any questions about the safe use of scaffolds, please contact EHS, X7241.

By Pro Star Rental 8-11-2021