There are various kinds of scaffolding used in the current construction industry. Regardless of which type you pick, the primary reason for scaffolding is to provide a safe platform for people to work at an altitude.
In lots of jobs there are situations where a ladder is not sufficient enough for the task that is required. It is necessary to have something that offers greater space and is robust. In many construction sites, it is possible to find permanent scaffolding, which may be there for long periods of time.
However, this could be costly and time-consuming, that’s why many industries prefer using mobile scaffolding as an effective alternative.
So, if you’re about to embark on a construction project, or perform repairs and maintenance, then we’re here to explain everything you need to know about mobile scaffolding, including its purpose and advantages it will bring to your construction project.
What is a Mobile Scaffold?
A mobile scaffold is a temporary construction based on casters or wheels and is utilized in a array of different uses. It is able to be moved from one area of a location to the next, making it a valuable piece of equipment in a range of industries. Wheels can be secured into place to protect the structure and allow workers to work safely.
The platform, which is independent, is built in situ and is constructed with a cross-beamed vertical structure. It’s composition makes the tower very sturdy and allows workers to lift and use larger tools than they might be able to do climb a ladder.
When working at height there are lots of different alternatives to pick from each with their distinct advantages. Also, if you are using scaffolding, you could also consider using a cherry picker.
Who is the User of a Mobile Scaffold?
In the construction industry, people utilize scaffolding towers for different jobs like roofing, brickwork and for the repairs as well as maintenance. Even after a building is complete, it’s still important to conduct regular inspections. Scaffolding towers permit building inspectors and civil engineers to assess the infrastructure outside.
In addition to the construction of these platforms, they are also used by other tradesmen like plasterers decorators, plasterers, and window cleaners who need access to high-rise areas. Even though they could utilize an elevated ladder, it would create a lot of difficulty and risky to transport equipment both up and down.
Another sector that uses mobile scaffolding is the event industry. From creating stagings to installing microphones and camera systems, this can be yet another example of how these portable structures can be very useful.
What are the Benefits of Using an Mobile Scaffold?
There are many of benefits of mobile scaffolding compared to a fixed structure.
For those with the smallest budget or resources, these temporary platforms can be an efficient solution that gets the job completed.
But, it’s crucial to consider what you need from your scaffolding before deciding the most appropriate options. In this regard, let’s explore some of the benefits in more detail.
Flexible
A lot of jobs require more stability or working space that a standard ladder would be able to provide. These same tasks do not require an enduring scaffolding fixture, which is why people choose the mobile scaffolding tower. These are a helpful alternative and offer an enduring working platform.
In addition, they can be erected on uneven ground. This makes them an ideal solution for construction sites where the conditions are not always perfect. This gives workers peace of mind that they will be able to build the scaffolding and not worry about where to place it.
Spacious
Mobile scaffolds are available in a range of sizes, allowing you to choose the best option for the demands of your project. Instead of putting yourself at risk by carrying heavy pieces of equipment on and off a set of ladders they can be safely positioned your scaffolds on the platform.
This makes the process of completing a task much faster as you’re not having numerous trips for tools. You can decide from the outset which equipment is required to accomplish the task, and then keep them at easy reach while working on the portable tower.
Extremely Durable
As many mobile scaffolding towers are constructed from aluminum components This non-ferrous metal is not corrosive, and therefore extremely durable. They are a safe investment for tradesmen in commercial settings, with a significantly long operational time. Additionally, this means they’ll be able to withstand weather conditions that are essential on a construction site.
Utilizing aluminium the portable towers are extremely sturdy and can take the strains and weight that are expected from them. As we’ve discussed, tradesmen are likely to use the most heavy equipment on these platforms so it’s crucial that they’re solid and sturdy.
If they’re well maintained, a mobile scaffold tower will last for a long time before it’s no longer considered safe to use.
Lightweight
Scaffolding towers are light and easy to maneuver. Due to the absence of galvanised steel poles, these structures are able to be moved from one location to another. This allows for greater flexibility in that you aren’t restricted in the course of completing your work. This gives workers even greater flexibility to adapt to the needs of various projects.
Additionally, scaffolding towers have wheels which allow them to be moved around to gain access to difficult to reach areas. There is no need to take down and rebuild the structure because it can be moved between locations. However, with any sort of machine, care must be taken to prevent any risks which may be dangerous.
Easy to Assemble
Scaffold towers are a viable alternative to lighter pieces of equipment such as ladders. Furthermore, unlike constructing a more permanent structure the portable platforms do not require special education to build.
They include a set of instructions about how to set up the tower, which will guide workers through the assembly process. It is convenient to know that many mobile scaffold towers are constructed with a modular structure and are therefore very simple to set up. Also, additional levels can be added when you require more height.
This is a big advantage as a mobile scaffold is able to perform the work of various other kinds of ladders at once and without having to purchase or carry access equipment to a job site.
Resource Requirements: Less
Mobile scaffolds can easily be assembled by 1 person easily and swiftly. Additionally, the structure can be moved from place to another by 1 person, which is advantageous for any group of workers. Instead of pulling employees from their jobs to help with the transport, and thus taking precious time one person can manage the job on their own.
This is also very beneficial for smaller teams where there could only be two or three people working on a project.
In contrast to a larger scaffolding structure a lot of manpower to properly assemble and remove the structure in a safe manner. With the scaffolding tower, you are conserving time and money which can be spent on finishing the work.
Safety
The temporary fixtures are secured by railings that allow workers to gain access to areas that are in front of and over them. They are able to prevent workers from falling while they attempt to reach certain heights by providing an exterior barrier.
They also have a vast surface area , and they are held on four legs to create a solid and secure foundation. It allows you to finish your work on the platform without stressing about balance or the structure toppling over.
Of course , this depends on the scaffolding being built correctly from the beginning Be sure to adhere to the guidelines prior to making the pieces.
What should I consider when making use of a mobile Scaffold?
When working with any type of scaffolding, safety is crucial. Especially when you’re working from a height, there are even more risks involved which is why you should be certain you’re using a structure that’s safe and solid.
Below are a few important aspects to consider when choosing a scaffolding tower to ensure that the task is not just completed, but can be done without risking your safety.
Erection and Dismantle
When using a mobile tower, the supplier or hiring company has a responsibility to give a set of directions about how to set up and dismantle the structure correctly.
This should include any bracing specifications and the maximum height at which the structure can be built. This information must be reviewed by the person assembling the tower, as well as anyone else in charge of supervising.
There are two reliable systems for working when constructing an edifice:
Advanced guardrail system – This is where temporary guard rail units are locked in place from the level below and moved up into the elevated platform. They are installed before an operator enters onto the platform, to accommodate the permanent guard rails.
“Through-the-trap” (3T) The process involves the operator assuming an office position inside the trap door of the platform. From there, they can add or remove the elements that serve as guard rails on the uppermost level of the platform. It is designed in order to make sure that the person using it does not stand on a platform that is not secured.
Safety Precautions
Tower scaffolding must be in compliance with the standards required for all types of scaffolds including double guardrails, toeboards bracing and access ladder.
When you have hired your scaffolding tower, it will be equipped with all the components that will ensure it’s safe and stable.
In order for a tower to be sound structurally it must have all parts being in place since they’re in danger of collapse if parts have been abandoned.
After the assembly process, all towers should be inspected to ensure they are safe for use by employees. In addition, if the structure is used for any type of construction and a person could fall 2 meters or more away from the platform, it is required to be inspected immediately following assembly and then every 7 days. If an inspection indicates that there is no safety to continuework, you must stop work immediately and correct any faults which have been discovered.
The findings of an inspection must be recorded and kept for the next time an inspection is recorded.
Stability
It’s key that a scaffolding platform mobile is sturdy enough to allow people to stand on them safely. To make sure this is the case it is essential to never use bricks or blocks to support the load of the building. Furthermore, a tower cannot be constructed above the height stated in the instruction manual.
Moving and using
While it’s extremely easy to move mobile towers due to its lightweight nature and design ensure that those in the vicinity are aware of what is happening first.
There are some things to be aware of when using a tower.
Don’t use a tower when:
In strong winds
To provide support to ladders
They have broken or missing parts
They are made up of incompatible components
In addition, when you are moving a tower , it is best to always:
reduce the height up to a maximum of 4m
check that there are no obstructions or power lines extending overhead.
Check that the soil is firm
Push or pull with manual effort from the base only
