If you work in construction or physical labouring, chances are you know what scaffolds are. More importantly, you’ll be aware that they are really important to the functioning of worksites, in terms of efficiency, safety and other things. Furthermore, there are various different types of building platforms, which can be applied to different types of building sites and different scenarios, while always improving the relative safety of all those involved. Let’s take a quick look at some key advantages and types of building towers.
Safety
Scaffolds are used to support people and hold materials that are to be used on construction sites. They can be made from a large variety of materials; however, most scaffolds are made from aluminium for improved strength and durability, which can be really important when moving heavy objects or facing inclement weather conditions. Construction sites may involve demolishing or re-building existing constructions or repair work on various structures. More importantly, these platforms allow for improved safety and working conditions for all labourers on site. They allow for workers to spread evenly along the platform, which reduces the likelihood of the platform collapsing, which could lead to serious injury or death. By reducing congestion, there is a reduced chance of workers getting in each other’s way.
Efficiency
In addition, raised building platforms also improve the level of worker productivity on worksites. This is because labourers can now reach areas they were unable to without the assistance of scaffolds. They allow for the quick movement of heavy materials from place to place on worksites, usually via pulley systems. This takes the strain off the workers and reduces the likelihood of injuries related to lifting heavy objects.
Financially savvy
Purchasing scaffolds is also a smart financial decision if you are a business owner. Indeed, consider the financial ramifications of one of your workers becoming seriously injured or dying on site. The consequences of an accident could be incredibly damaging for your company, not just financially but in terms of reputation and public opinion. By adhering to strict legislative guidelines in regards to the use of construction platforms, you’re putting your business in a stronger position, while improving brand opinion. Your workers will be able to conduct their work productively in a more safe and secure environment.
Light Duty
Light duty scaffolds are designed for less intensive construction work. With a weight benchmark of no more than 225kg per tower, light duty platforms are relatively easy to erect. This makes them perfect for light trade work around your home or in your neighbourhood. Moreover, they are versatile, easy to disassemble and transport, while also extremely weatherproof, meaning you won’t have to call of your tradie work if it’s raining.
Medium Duty
Medium duty platforms are designed for more substantive work, equipped with a safe working load (SWL) of approximately 450kg per tower. While these towers are immovable when erected, they can be equipped with locking systems that prevent theft, which can be quite common on construction sites when the workers go home for the day. Hence, these scaffolds are perfect for medium scale construction sites, which can sometimes take place over several weeks or months.
Walk-Thru
Walk-thru towers are perfect for any type of construction site, large or small. What differentiates them is that they can be built to be 30 metres high, while providing a SWL of 450kg, like medium duty scaffolds. On top of this, they provide complete walk-through end to end access for labourers, meaning they are perfect if you need to join several towers together over a large construction site. This can boost productivity and save workers plenty of transportation time when it comes to moving materials.