What is scaffolding?
Scaffolding is essential to most, if not all construction projects. Serving a multitude of purposes, it provides workers with safe and stable platforms to perform tasks at heights. Scaffolding is a temporary structure in place to support people, materials and objects during the construction, maintenance, and repair of buildings, bridges, plus other structures. Scaffolding can also be utilised during the demolition of buildings, again supporting workers and creating a platform for them to work from elevated heights, whilst providing collective protection.
There are many types of scaffolding that can be used, depending on the project’s specific needs. Common types include:
- 48.3mm Tube and fitting scaffolding, made from steel tubes, couplers, timber decking and pre-fabricated beams to create unique, strong stable access platforms, shoring scaffolds, retention scaffolds loading scaffolds, access stairways and bridging, edge protection etc.
- System scaffolding, which is made up of pre-manufactured components that are readily assembled and disassembled using unitised materials, making it perfect for projects that require frequent adjustments, amongst others ideally suited to large façade and cladding projects, rail, infrastructure and events, especially where access via systemised staircases for either site or public use is required
- Modular temporary roofing and containment solutions, providing cover to buildings, objects and the people
- Pre-fabricated aluminium access scaffolding is generally mounted on wheels, and can be easily moved around site. It’s commonly used in situations where workers need to access different areas of a facility with ease, at limited height, without excessive loading requirements and for short periods.
Rightly so, there are strict safety regulations for the erection, modification, and dismantlement of scaffolding in the UK that all scaffolding companies must adhere to, such as the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Scaffolding is a complex yet essential part of construction projects, that requires proper planning, management and controls at every stage of the process.
Ensuring that you select the correct company to supply the best solution for your project can be time-consuming. One part of the selection process can be company accreditations. There is a multitude of accreditations companies can achieve, ensuring they are able to demonstrate their competence, and meet your stakeholder requirements. You can read more on some of Inner City Scaffolding’s accreditations here:
