When is Scaffolding Required?

Scaffolding has played a central role in most construction projects for thousands of years. The demand for scaffolding is expected to rise as people begin to recognise the importance of these systems for safety and accessibility. However, there are many factors to consider when deciding if your construction project requires scaffolding. And if so, what kind of projects? Working at heightWhen assessing whether you need scaffolding, it’s important to consider the height of the building you are working on and the level of risk involved. Projects such as window cleaning and roof repairs will require scaffolding in order to meet health and safety regulations. This is particularly the case when there are multiple people on-site or if they are working at high height. Scaffolding is not only designed to keep those working at height safe, but also those on the ground. When there is a risk of tools or materials falling from above, scaffolding structures are essential. When transporting debris from various levels of a structure to ground level then rubbish chutes make the ideal system. For smaller projects that require more than a ladder, access towers are a great alternative. How long will the job take? If your construction project is likely to take more than one or two days – particularly if you are working in adverse weather conditions – then scaffolding is advised. When working on an unfinished roof, it can also help to have scaffolding in place to protect the roof, tools and materials from the elements. Do I need a platform?When assessing a job there are numerous reasons why a working platform is important. Having a stable platform not only reduces the risk of falling but makes it easier to move around the building without constantly having to climb up and down. For low-risk projects such as minor roof repairs and domestic house jobs, it might be considered safe to use a ladder however, none are as safe as an appropriately designed scaffolding system. What types of projects should scaffolding be used on? It is a common occurrence to see buildings swathed in scaffolding across the construction industry. Determining whether you need a scaffolding system will depend on what kind of work you are doing. Generally, the following tasks will require scaffolding: Painting and decorating Window cleaning Building repairs Renovations, conversions and extensions Building inspectionsIt is worth noting that the law stipulates once your scaffolding has been set up by a trained and competent scaffolder it should be given a scaffolding inspection before it is first used. George Roberts can helpWe hope this has given you a better understanding of when scaffolding should be used on site. Here at George Roberts, quality and safety are at the heart of everything we do. We stock a wide range of tool safety equipment, scaffolding systems and scaffolding accessories to keep you safe whilst working at height. Additionally, if you’re looking to hire scaffolding we offer a range of scaffolding services from well-known brands such as Uniscaff, Alto, Layher, Combisafe and many more.

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