Scaffolding refers to the impermanent system of metal tubes that are used to support buildings being repaired or constructed as well as the people working on or needing to access these buildings during this construction or repair process.
The earliest forms of these structures are thought to date back to the early 5th century BC where they were depicted on the Berlin Foundry Cup - a drinking cup which has been an important source of ancient Greek metal-working technology. The ancient Egyptians, Nubians and Chinese are also recorded as having used these structures to construct tall buildings.
Construction workers will often be lured by cheap scaffolding but they need to ensure that in cutting the price they do not compromise safety. All scaffolds in the UK should conform to the European Standard performance requirements, which set out regulations on the design, structure and access.
The basic materials of a scaffold are aluminium or steel tubes (in various lengths), wooden boards to provide a working surface and couplers to hold the tubes together. Ladders, ropes, sheeting and other items can be incorporated into the structure depending on the requirements of the job. As scaffolds are rarely independent structures, ties are used to attach them to the adjacent building, either through an open window or to a suitable component such as a pillar.
Good foundations are the key to success and frameworks will often need more than just base plates to carry and spread the load safely. Soft surfaces will require sole boards and heavy duty scaffold will usually need baulks set in concrete to support the structure.
Scaffolding can be used for a wide variety of projects from DiY to self builds and trade contracts and an experienced scaffolder will be able to work out how much equipment is required for each job. Whether you need cheap scaffolding for a home extension or an ongoing supplier for the construction industry the purpose is still the same - to ensure that construction or repair work can be carried out safely and without damage to the existing structure.
The earliest forms of these structures are thought to date back to the early 5th century BC where they were depicted on the Berlin Foundry Cup - a drinking cup which has been an important source of ancient Greek metal-working technology. The ancient Egyptians, Nubians and Chinese are also recorded as having used these structures to construct tall buildings.
Construction workers will often be lured by cheap scaffolding but they need to ensure that in cutting the price they do not compromise safety. All scaffolds in the UK should conform to the European Standard performance requirements, which set out regulations on the design, structure and access.
The basic materials of a scaffold are aluminium or steel tubes (in various lengths), wooden boards to provide a working surface and couplers to hold the tubes together. Ladders, ropes, sheeting and other items can be incorporated into the structure depending on the requirements of the job. As scaffolds are rarely independent structures, ties are used to attach them to the adjacent building, either through an open window or to a suitable component such as a pillar.
Good foundations are the key to success and frameworks will often need more than just base plates to carry and spread the load safely. Soft surfaces will require sole boards and heavy duty scaffold will usually need baulks set in concrete to support the structure.
Scaffolding can be used for a wide variety of projects from DiY to self builds and trade contracts and an experienced scaffolder will be able to work out how much equipment is required for each job. Whether you need cheap scaffolding for a home extension or an ongoing supplier for the construction industry the purpose is still the same - to ensure that construction or repair work can be carried out safely and without damage to the existing structure.
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