Scaffolding is a very crucial piece of equipment in the construction industry. It plays a critical role in supporting workers and construction materials when performing a task. Unlike typical ladders, scaffolds are more stable and can support huge loads and several workers. But you need to select one that suits your needs.
Choosing the best scaffold can get tricky because of the many types in the market. There are the mobile tower scaffolds and patented scaffolds, among many others. All these types work best in certain conditions.
How do you select the best scaffolding hire? Well, below are the key factors that you need to consider:
Material
The material used for the scaffold’s construction is one of the most crucial factors to look for when choosing these pieces of equipment. For many years, bamboo and wood have been used for scaffoldings. Although they are still common because of their affordability, tubular steel scaffoldings are increasingly growing popular.
Steel scaffolds are lightweight and offer a higher carrying capacity. They are easy to install and will take a very small amount of time to dismantle. Unlike wood, steel remains steady even during heavy and intense winds. That’s why they are the best option for scaffold hire when it comes to materials.
Ease of Installation
The second important factor when choosing scaffolding is the ease of erecting and dismantling. This is an essential factor when renting these types of ladders because every minute counts. If you hire the equipment for a certain period, you can’t afford to waste time installing it. There are several easy to install scaffoldings you can select from.
We highly recommend aluminum trestle scaffolding for their ease of erection and dismantling feature. The planks are also a great option. The design of these scaffolds provides excellent flexibility in use and a high degree of rigidity. Their gravity-fed wedges are the main feature that simplifies their dismantling and erection.
User Safety
Another important factor to look for in a scaffolding hire is safety. The safety of the user must always come first and should never be compromised no matter what. Poor safety measures can cost you a life or cause serious injuries. Make sure the ladder scaffolding you want to rent meets Australian safety requirements. Also consider whether you need a licence for scaffolding.
Before renting the scaffold, inspect it for damage before assembly. There should be no faulty parts such as cracks and so on. Ensure that stability is good and the pads are not digging into the soil to avoid instability as the load increases. For the mobile scaffold, make sure that they have lockable wheels. These are just some of the ways you can ensure user safety.
Adjustability
One of the biggest advantages of scaffolding is the adjustability, especially in terms of height. As you go up or down, you need a scaffold that can easily adjust to suit your needs. There are various scaffolding models to select from, but some may not offer the kind of adjustability features you would like. That’s why you need to choose carefully.
One of the most flexible scaffolds is the cherry picker, which uses the hydraulic system to adjust the height. If you are not working on storied buildings or you are just painting a high wall, an extension ladder would be a perfect choice. You can also combine trestle scaffolding with aluminium planks to make a super adjustable and stable scaffold for DIY projects.
Right Height
The other essential feature you need to look for in ladder scaffolding hire is height. There all kinds of heights depending on the kind of task you want to perform. Note that the height of these ladders affects the stability. It will also increase the severity of injuries. A standard step ladder hire is a great choice for tasks that do not require much height.
Similarly, if you will be loading the ladder with bags of cement, tiles and other heavy materials, take the issue of height seriously. If you just need to install, clean or replace your old water gutters, you can go for the mini scaffold. But if you need to reach a higher height, such as painting a story building, the height should be higher. Mobile tower scaffolds or cherry pickers would be a great choice in these situations.
Mobility of Scaffolding
The other important feature you need to look for in a good scaffold hire is mobility. Moving these ladders from one position to the other when working should be easy. Otherwise, you might waste a lot of time doing nothing when moving the scaffold. There are many varieties of mobile scaffolding you can select from.
The biggest advantage of mobile scaffolding hire is portability. With wheels, you just need a simple push or pull to move them to the next position. They are perfect for painters or carpenters since they require moving from one place to the other while working.
Renting scaffolding is the best decision you can make. It will cost you less to complete the project compared to buying. However, make sure you have hired the best scaffold for the job and be aware of scaffolding safety tips. Hire scaffolds in Brisbane from Allwell Hire and enjoy free delivery to your construction site.