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General Scaffolding Information
The next time you have to work up high, buy scaffolding from Scaffold Store instead of struggling with ladders. Scaffolding provides a large, stable work platform where you can stack materials and set up your tools.
With scaffolding, you can easily reach all areas of the repair to do a better job in half the time. And you'll save tons of time and energy by not constantly climbing up and down to reposition your ladder. Guard rails attached to the top of the scaffold frames allow you to concentrate on the task at hand without worrying about falling. At Scaffold Store we will walk you through how to set up your scaffolding so it��_s safe and secure.
Scaffolding Basics
The standard setup that is ideal for most projects around the home consists of 5-ft standard end frames and cross braces to make a 7-ft long scaffold. In addition to base plates and a guardrail system, the main components of a scaffolding system are the frames and cross braces that you stack and combine end to end to make larger scaffolds. The most common frame size is 5 ft wide and 5 ft tall, but a variety of other sizes are available depending on your needs.
Scaffolding Tips
* The distance between frames is determined by the length of the cross braces, 7-ft and 10-ft being the most common and economical.
*
Buy adjusting screws and base plates for easy leveling on uneven ground.
*
Buy 8" casters if you plan to move the scaffolding.
*
Top the frames with three 7-ft planks and a guardrail system.
*
Don't be tempted to save money by using your own ordinary wood planks for the work surface; they aren't strong enough.
*
Measure to determine the ideal platform height for your job. Keep in mind that your working height is about 4ft to 6 ft above the scaffold planks.
*
Scaffold Store will help you choose the correct size and style of scaffold for your task.
Scaffolding Glossary
Brace
A rigid connection that holds 1 scaffold member in a fixed position with respect to another member or that holds 1 scaffold member to a building or structure.
Bricklayer's Square Scaffold
A supported scaffold that is composed of framed squares that support a platform. Related: See
Mason/Ladder Scaffold Frames
Coupler
A scaffolding device for locking together the component parts of a tube and coupler scaffold.
Fabricated Decking and Planking
Manufactured platforms that are made of wood, including
laminated wood
, and solid sawn
wood planks
,
metal, or
other materials
.
Guardrail
A horizontal safety barrier that is erected along the exposed sides and ends of a scaffold.
Heavy-Duty Scaffold
Means a scaffold that is designed and constructed to carry a working load of not more than 75 pounds per square foot. Also see Light-Duty Scaffold and Medium-Duty Scaffold.
Hoist
A manual or power-operated mechanical device used to raise or lower a suspended scaffold. See
Hoist Arm.
Light-Duty Scaffold
Defined as a scaffold that is designed and constructed to carry a working load of not more than 25 pounds per square foot. Also see Heavy-Duty Scaffold and Medim-Duty Scaffold.
Maximum Intended Load
The maximum anticipated weight of persons, equipment, material, and scaffold.
Medium-Duty Scaffold
Defined as a scaffold that is designed and constructed to carry a working load of not more than 50 pounds per square foot.
Midrail
A rail which is located approximately midway between a guardrail and platform and which is secured to uprights erected along the exposed sides and ends of a platform.
Mobile Scaffold
A powered or unpowered portable caster or wheel-mounted supported scaffold.
Outrigger
The structural member of a supported scaffold used to increase the base width of a scaffold in order to provide support for, and increased stability of, the scaffold.
Platform
A work surface elevated above lower levels. Platforms can be constructed using individual wood planks, fabricated planks, fabricated decks, and fabricated platforms. See multi-purpose, rolling and interior scaffolding
Rated Load
Signifies
the manufacturer's specified maximum load to be lifted by a hoist or to be applied to a scaffold or scaffold component.
Scaffold
Defined as
a temporary elevated platform which is supported or suspended, including its supporting system and points of anchorage, and which is used for supporting an employee or materials, or both.
Screw Jacks and Base Plates
The key to safe scaffolding is a solid foundation. Adjusting screws make leveling the scaffolding easy and safe. Level jacks are a must for a safe, stable, level work platform if you need to work on unleveled ground or an unleveled rooftop.
Shore Scaffold
A supported scaffold which is placed against a building or structure and which is held in place with props.
Toe Board
A horizontal barrier that is erected along the exposed edges of an elevated surface to prevent materials, tools, or equipment from falling.
Tube and Coupler Scaffold
A manufactured assembly that consists of all of the following:
(a) Tubing that serves as posts, bearers, braces, ties, and runners.
(b) A brace supporting the post.
(c) Special couplers that serve to connect the uprights and to join the various members.
(d) A work platform.
Tubular Welded Frame Scaffold (or Fabricated Frame Scaffold)
A scaffold platform that is supported by a metal sectional frame that consists of posts and a horizontal bearer that has intermediate members.
Walk-Thru Scaffolding
When to use these frames as opposed to 5x5 ladder sets? If you are building a row or line where you would like to be able to walk from end to the other end of a tower on one of the lower levels, this frame is the answer. It allows you to hold supplies or tools in hand and walk unimpeded from one end to the other without having to bend your head down or stepping up and over a lower horizontal bar. The disadvantages are it's a bit harder to climb than 5x5 frames and you can't move wallboards to different standing heights like you can with a ladder frame.
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