How to Choose the Right Construction Scaffolding
Scaffolds are temporary structures of steel tubes and wooden planks that support construction workers and materials. Construction scaffolding systems provide a secure working platform and safe access to various levels of a project. Since the construction of the Pyramids of Giza, scaffolding has made thousands of years of building projects possible. Although scaffolding is ancient, today’s modern safety standards make jobs much more safer and more stable now.
Scaffolding is how construction projects above ground level happen. However, its prolific nature does not mean that choosing the right scaffolding is easy! This guide will walk you through the 3 types of scaffolds, their components, and scaffolding safety. After reading, you’ll be knowledgeable enough to select the most suitable scaffolding system for your specific project needs.
The 3 Types of Construction Scaffolds
Scaffolding is ideal for use in larger projects requiring extensive work at higher levels. Scaffolds are suitable for building, transformation, or maintenance work on larger structures. This is because they provide large workspaces and can hold many workers all at once.
Thanks to its strong structure and capacity for fixing to the ground, scaffolding is stable and safe. Because of its stability, scaffolding is secure for frequent use and projects that require many materials, tools, and workers.
Workers can build scaffolding for tall heights, providing access to different structural levels. Scaffolding is modular, meaning that workers can change and modify it according to the requirements of the current task. Construction professionals and project managers can purchase 3 types of scaffolding. Though certain safety standards are consistent across the types, each has different pros and cons for your projects.
Rolling Scaffolding
Rolling (or mobile) scaffolding includes wheels for easy positioning or adjustability on building sites. These are often in use for moving projects like painting or plastering.
Supported Scaffolding
Supported scaffolding is in frequent use for outdoor building work. This steel scaffold sits on hard surfaces. This type of scaffolding is ideal for when ground space is accessible.
Suspended Scaffolding
Ideal for tasks needing movement, this scaffolding hanging from above structures. Workers can raise or lower these handing platforms as necessary.
DSS manufactures and distributes a wide range of scaffolding each year. We design our catalog to accommodate the needs of a wide range of industries and markets. As a result, we supply projects worldwide. Our products are in use in every application imaginable, including commercial, industrial, petrochemical, power, mining, and more.
We have a commitment to quality in every step of the scaffold manufacturing process. Our steel is mill certified. We use an independent lab to verify that all steel meets or exceeds specifications. With an ongoing QA/QC audit program, we promote continuous improvement throughout our facilities, reducing and eliminating non-conformities.
Scaffolding Safety
Since the early days of scaffolding, when tall ladders and long poles connected with ropes, safety has been improving rapidly. Today, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a 73-page guide to safe construction scaffold use. From specific inch measurements to falling object protections, it covers every detail.
In our modern era, scaffolds are by far the safest way to navigate heights at a construction site. Safety features for scaffolds consist of the following:
- 4” toe boards around the perimeter of each platform 10’ or more above the ground
- Emergency descent systems
- Fall protection anchors
- Guardrails and midrails
- Height restrictions
- Inspections
- Leveled platforms at least 18” wide
- Load-bearing capacity of 4 times the maximum intended load
- Locking wheels on mobile scaffolding
- Outriggers for stabilization
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hats and nonslip footwear
- Safety barriers
- Securely attached access ladders (straight and stair ladders with guardrails)
- Trap doors
- Warning signs
Additional measures like cross-bracing add further stability and sturdiness to scaffolds. A primary reason that people fall off scaffolding is unauthorized access—learn how to prevent that here.
The 3-to-1 Rule in Scaffolding
The 3-to-1 rule is a safety measure applying to freestanding scaffolding. According to this equation, the total working height of a scaffold should be 3 times greater than its narrowest base width. If the height exceeds this, workers must secure, brace, or outrig the scaffold. This ensures that the scaffold’s center of gravity remains in the base of the structure.
The Right Scaffolding for Your Project
From constructing buildings to accessing oversized equipment to creating event stages, scaffolding has a myriad of applications. Many industries rely heavily on scaffolding to achieve their goals.
Whether for high-rise construction, ship repair, or the creation of roller coasters, scaffolding provides a stable, work platform. Scaffolding remains indispensable, even after thousands of years in use.
We offer a wide variety of scaffolding types, components, and accessories. No matter what industry you’re in, DSS provides durable and versatile solutions. Our wide inventory delivers from modular frame scaffolding to cup and ring lock systems. From speed ring to tube and clamp options, you’ll find the correct scaffolding for your project.
Selecting the Appropriate Scaffolding for Your Building Construction
Scaffolding is a hard job, but the right scaffolds can make it easier. When choosing scaffolding for your next project, shop from the scaffolding experts. DSS manufactures and sells:
- Ring Lock, Speed Ring and Cup Lock systems scaffold
- Frame & Brace scaffold
- Tube & Clamps
- Shoring Frames
- Post Shores
- Forming Equipment
- Jobsite and crowd control fencing
- All related accessories
Direct Scaffold Supply (DSS) manufactures and supplies our entire scaffolding, shoring and formwork catalog of products. We sell and ship to direct customers and distributors. We are a market leader in the scaffolding original equipment manufacturer (OEM) field. We partner with global suppliers to engineer and manufacture their products.
We maintain one of the largest, most diverse, and comprehensive inventories found anywhere in the world. During our quarter century in operation, we have built a reputation for being a leading global supply chain expert. DSS offers unmatched manufacturing capacity and techniques.