Novice Mistakes That Can Cost You Time When Using Scaffolding
Posted on: 24 September 2017
If you have an upcoming project that requires you to be at least a few feet off the ground, renting some sections of scaffolding is a good choice. Readily available at your local rental center, scaffolding serves as a better solution than standing on a ladder. This is especially true if you have to work at a considerable height or if you have a project that will take lots of time. At the rental center, you'll get a helpful tutorial on assembling the scaffolding correctly so that it will be sturdy and strong once you've set it up next to your house. Here are some mistakes that can be easy to make, but that you'll want to avoid.
Piling Your Supplies Beneath The Scaffolding
It can seem to make sense to pile all of your supplies beneath the scaffolding so that they're easier to access and not otherwise underfoot. For example, if you're working on a second-level balcony, you may be tempted to stack your wood and even your tools beneath the scaffolding. However, you'll find that when you're moving around the ground near the scaffolding, it's highly convenient to duck under the scaffolding to get to the other side. When there are obstacles in the way, this will be difficult. This tip might seem minor, but over the course of a day of work, you'll appreciate being able to move underneath when needed.
Placing The Feet On Different Surfaces
Depending on the area in which you're working, you may be tempted to set two of the scaffolding's feet on one surface and two on a different one. For example, it might seem to work to set two feet on your patio and the other two feet on the grass. What you'll find, however, is that the feet on the grass will slowly sink. This is especially true if there has been a lot of rain recently. This can pose a safety hazard, as the planks of the scaffolding won't be level. You should always put something large and heavy, such as some heavy planks of wood, under the feet of the scaffolding if they're over the grass.
Standing Too Close To One Edge
Occasionally, you'll need to move the scaffolding during the course of the project. Doing so might seem like a big chore, so you may be tempted to stand on the edge and lean over the side. Doing so can be dangerous, and a big concern is that you put your weight on one of the planks outside the frame. When this occurs, the plank can tip up, causing you to lose your balance. Even if you don't fall, you'll be in for a big fright. Always stand away from the edges of the scaffolding and move it when you need to.
Contact a company, like Advanced Scaffold Solutions, for more help.
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