Many industrial and construction managers find they need scaffolding but don't want to use their limited funds to buy scaffolding for themselves just to have to store it and lug it around from one construction site to the next. If you are one of these people, you will need to know what kind of scaffolding will work best for you.
Supported Scaffoldings
There are many different models of scaffolding available for construction, but there are three different main types: supported scaffolding, suspended scaffolding, and rolling scaffolding. Supported scaffolds are those where the platforms are situated on a rigid support such as a rack and frame. These supports are typically made out of metal or wood. These scaffoldings are better when you have a fixed vertical distance from the ground to where you need to work or when an overhead support is unavailable. However, these scaffoldings tend to take up a large amount of space unless you use speciality models.
Suspended Scaffoldings
Suspended scaffoldings are those where the platforms are situated on above-the-head supports, typically by rope or chains. These scaffoldings can be harder to set up safely, simply because they are constantly mid-air, but they take up less space on the ground. The ropes or chains can be attached to the platforms in a variety of methods, from one-point models for individuals to multi-point supports meant to bridge multiple floors of a building. These scaffoldings require a lot of caution, but the rentals require less scaffolding equipment and might be less expensive as a result.
Rolling Scaffoldings
Rolling scaffolds are technically supported scaffolds with wheels on the bottom, but they deserve their own section. These framed scaffolds offer the security of regularly supported scaffolds but are also able to move. This can allow more flexibility without requiring suspended scaffolding. However, these large scaffolds need to be handled with a lot of caution, as the wheels are never powered by motors alone but rather the typical physical forces that can be applied to any object with wheels. This means that the scaffolds could roll while people are on the platform if the wheels are not properly locked in place.
Overall, you should consider what your construction or other industrial site needs from the scaffolding before you order a rental. Supported scaffolds are easily made safe but are larger as a result. Suspended scaffolds are riskier but might benefit those without much space on the ground. Finally, rolling supported scaffolding is safe so long as you properly lock the wheels that allow it to move. To learn more about your options, contact a company like Savage Scaffold & Equipment Co.
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