Maximizing Safety and Efficiency: How Commercial Scaffolding can benefit your London Construction Project

Construction sites are known for their inherent risks and hazards, making safety a top priority for project managers. However, ensuring safety doesn’t mean sacrificing efficiency. That’s where commercial scaffolding comes in. Scaffolding is an essential tool for any construction project, providing a safe and secure platform for workers to perform their tasks, or other specific needs. In London, where space is not a luxury and safety regulations are stringently re-enforced, commercial scaffolding is a must have for any construction site. Commercial scaffolding maximizes efficiency by allowing workers to easily access hard to reach areas safely, whilst for example allowing thoroughfare and other tasks to continue.

Benefits of using commercial scaffolding for construction projects

There are many benefits to using commercial scaffolding in your construction project. Some would argue it is essential to most, if not all construction projects. Here are some key benefits:

Expertise

To use commercial scaffolding, the contractor requires expertise within its field. Commercial scaffolding is common within inner city projects such as London and other cities that have high-traffic areas. With this comes further complications regarding safety standards. Careful consideration is needed during the planning stages. This not only includes the foundations, stability and in service requirements of the scaffold to ensure safety of the workers, but also consideration of the building itself. As an example, a renovation of a Grade I listed building would require careful consideration and planning before any works are to take place, onwards detailed requests to be submitted to Historic England, requiring approval from the Secretary of State.

Enhanced Safety

Safety is critical to the success of any construction project. By using commercial scaffolding along with proper planning, you are providing safe, practical solutions for the multitude of necessary tasks. Engaging a scaffolding contractor that has expertise in this area helps to ensure that all health and safety aspects are covered. Companies that have expertise in commercial scaffolding are likely to have acquired a collection of accreditations, enabling you to rest assured that your scaffolding requirements are in capable hands. Commercial scaffolding is ultimately designed to withstand various loads required whilst providing a stable working environment, often making it the safest option for any construction project.

Types of commercial scaffolding and their uses

There are two key types of commercial scaffolding available, each designed for specific uses.

Here are some of the most common types and their uses:

Tube and fitting scaffolding

This solution is a versatile and flexible option that can be used for a variety of construction projects. It consists of a large array of tube and fitting components, that can be easily assembled and adjusted to accommodate different project requirements. This type of scaffolding is ideal for projects that require a lot of customization, as it can be easily adapted to fit the specific needs of your project, especially when combined with modular beams to enhance strength and foundation capabilities.

Tube and fitting scaffolding is type set to 48.3mm galvanized tubes, either 4mm or 3.2mm gauge respectively which must be used solely in application, combined with 38mm x 225mm timber for platform decking, all fixed using preferably Class B couplers.

Generally speaking, tube and fitting scaffolds have a larger option base for method application at site.

System Scaffolding

Systemized scaffolding is a modular scaffolding solution that is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled. It consists of prefabricated, bespoke sized components that can be quickly assembled to create a safe and secure working platform or other use. This type of scaffolding is ideal for projects that require a lot of scaffolding and phased adaptations, as it can be easily scaled up or down to accommodate different project requirements.

System scaffolding is manufactured by several key suppliers worldwide, available to erect in the main part façade or structure access scaffolds and large temporary roofs. Systemized staircases such as HAKI are widely used and meet the hierarchy of access requirements.

Working with a professional scaffolding company

Once you have identified that commercial scaffolding is needed on your project, it’s time to locate the right company for you. Here are some important considerations when choosing a scaffolding company, and will formulate your conclusion:

Experience and expertise

Choose a scaffolding company with experience and expertise in the specific type of scaffolding you need for your project. This ensures that you are working with professionals who understand the unique requirements of your project and can provide the best solutions. Looking at the scaffolding companies’ portfolios will give you a good understanding of the types of projects they have completed.

Accreditations

When it comes to commercial scaffolding, safety is of the utmost priority. To achieve the accreditations, the scaffolding companies need to adhere to strict guidelines and procedures. A Scaffolding Association, CHAS and Constructionline are just some highly sought accreditations within the scaffolding, engineering, and construction industries.