Film Set Scaffolding Suppliers and Movie Scaffolding

South Africa has become a haven for film productions. Cape Town is a particularly popular location, but the rest of the country has also seen an increase in the number of films being produced.

With the increased number of productions being shot in both studios and on location in South Africa, the demand for film set scaffolding suppliers has increased in recent years. Film productions make heavy use of scaffolding and rigging, relying on scaffold hire contractors to provide film set scaffolding.

South Africa has very diverse scenery, perfect for films needing to be shot in a multitude of locations. There are first-class beaches, attractive business districts with high rise buildings, deserts, wetlands and lakes, small rural towns and high mountains that are snow capped during winter. Labour in South Africa is also comparatively cheap, lowering production costs significantly.

The Rand exchange rate is favourable to overseas film makers and South Africa offers a setting which has all the necessary scenery and facilities at a fraction of the cost of filming in other locations around the world.

The film industry in South Africa is booming with many film and production companies available to assist on films. These few points are just a couple of the many reasons that South Africa makes a great location for film productions.

Scaffolding Requirements in the Film Industry
When films are produced, scaffolding is required for many purposes. Film sets, temporary structures, platforms and access ramps for high areas are some of the uses of scaffolding on a film set.

Enormous sets require a lot of scaffolding to create items such as fake streets and imitation buildings. Scenes shot from an elevation require scaffolding and platforms to allow the equipment and crew access to high points, while assuring the safety of the crew and the equipment.

Film set scaffolding suppliers in South Africa are usually contracted to provide the movie set scaffolding and rigging.

The equipment used in filming can cost millions of Rands, making the stability and reliability of scaffolding a key concern for film makers. Scaffolding used also needs to be adaptable to different terrains. Many films are shot in locations where the ground is unstable or uneven; making the need for scaffolding that is able to perform its duties on unstable locations extremely high, as well as upholding the health and safety of the crew and equipment whilst constructed on uneven ground.

Health and Safety
Scaffolding used on film sets not only needs to be safe for the filming equipment, but also for the safety of the staff, crew and actors. If scaffolding does experience a problem in terms of a collapse or any other issue, even if no one is hurt, filming can be delayed which causes massive problems with budgets, the time schedules and many other important factors which the film depends on to be reliable.

Flexibility and Reliability
'Time is money'; a statement which could never be truer than in the film industry. When producing a movie, film makers depend on efficiency and the ability to shoot the production without delays. For this reason the scaffolding used in films for sets, temporary structures and access platforms needs to be quick to assemble, dismantle and move around. The production of a film can be more expensive and delayed by scaffolding which is not easily constructed and dismantled. Complex scaffolding that is difficult to work with will require more man power, increasing costs further.

When a film is in production, certain unpredictable elements such as natural light and the weather are important factors, yet these are not easily replicated artificially and require swift movement to have everything ready in order to film when conditions are perfect. This is another reason why the scaffolding used needs to be very dependable in term of its ability to be erected and dismantled quickly and efficiently.

Kwik-Stage Scaffolding and Self-Lock Towers
Scaffolding types such as Kwik-Stage Scaffolding systems and Self-Lock Tower systems are extremely useful and popular in this regard. These types of scaffolding are extremely reliable for many reasons.

Kwik-Stage Scaffolding and Self-Lock Towers are very easily assembled and just as easily dismantled requiring much less man power to do so than other types of scaffolding. Because the scaffolding is dependable in terms of time saving and lessened need for manpower, Kwik-Stage Scaffolding and Self-Lock Towers are a massive benefit to the film industry as they save time and cut back on costs.

The Kwik-Stage System is also very useful in the film industry as it is able to be erected on uneven terrain without compromising on efficiency or safety. This scaffolding system adheres to strict health and safety regulations. The scaffolding system is tested by engineers before use to make sure that it is compliant with the standards needed for heavy industrial scaffolding.

Using reliable scaffolding such as Kwik-Stage and Self-Lock systems from a film set scaffolding supplier in South Africa, the film industry reaps a sizeable benefit in terms of time saving, less man power and ultimately lowered costs. Couple this with a favourable exchange rate and dramatically different types of scenery within close proximity to one another; South Africa is a prime location for successful film production.

Precautions For Scaffolding

Construction work for buildings can be pretty hazardous and scaffolding is used as a temporary framework to give support to the workers and the building materials. It is almost like a rolling ladder and is immensely useful especially for very tall buildings as the height can be adjusted and it can hold many people and materials at one go. It is also comparatively safer than other means used in construction because of its lockable wheels. Nevertheless, it is always better to err on the side of precaution and proper maintenance and usage is imperative to ensure the safety of the construction workers. This will help prevent any types of accidents and related injuries. Staircase towers are also commonly used as scaffolds.

Scaffolding comprises of three main parts, namely, tubes, boards and couplers. Tubes can be of steel or aluminum though aluminum is preferred as it is both light and durable and is also flexible. Couplers are used to join the tubes and the boards provide a support for human access. Boards are made of wood which is seasoned and the standard size is usually 50mm - 63mm.

Scaffolding are usually attached to buildings with ties and are more stable than independent scaffolding. A type of independent scaffold is the mobile type which is mounted on wheels or castors which swivel and can be wheeled around from location to location.

Scaffolding safety is crucial for workers and the setting up and pulling down of the scaffold should always be done under the correct guidance and the supervision of a competent supervisor. It is best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines as each one may have some small differences in its set-up which may be crucial to properly and safely putting up and dismantling the scaffold.

The guidelines specifying the usage of the scaffold should also be strictly followed. Even though the management team is directly responsible for the proper workings and safe usage of the scaffolding, the workers should also be vigilant and inspect the scaffolding before and after every use. Any fault or deficiency, however minor, should be immediately reported to the concerned authorities. Even if you are simply in the scaffolding rental business it makes sense to provide for insurance for your company.

For further precautions, safety harnesses and guard rails for construction workers are highly recommended as they will buffer the fall, if any. Anyone working at a height of more than six feet above the ground should wear safety harnesses. Many an unfortunate accident on construction sites could have been avoided, if only proper precautionary measures had been taken and stringent inspection rules followed. Both management and the workers have to work in cohesion and joint responsibility to ensure the smooth and safe usage of scaffolding.

All about Scaffolding and their safety measures

Scaffolding is a provisional framework inside a building to hold up construction and repair of buildings and structures. Scaffolding is one of the main necessities in any construction field. Let it be large structures or smaller homes, Scaffolding is a necessary part. In Australia and most of the Oceania nations, Scaffolding is done with Pipes while in Asian countries Bamboo is used.

Scaffolding works are enduring to certain safety compulsions and the bare minimum requirements are set out by the authorities. The primary elements of basic scaffolds are: - Ledgers, Standards and Transoms.

Standards are perpendicular tubes which are used to relocate the entire weight of the structure to the floor where the scaffold rests. These kinds of Scaffolds are also called uprights. Ledgers are flat poles used to connect between standards. Transoms are always kept in the way which makes the right angle with the ledgers. It is an ordinary practice to place main transoms next to the standards to grasp the standards in place and to supply extra support to the boards. Main transoms will be associated by transitional transoms to supply extra support to the boards over and above the scaffoldings.

Following are some safety measures to adhere to when using scaffolding:

When moving towers, care must always be taken to ensure that the tower will remain upright. Particular concern must be taken when moving the scaffolding tower over a rough surface, as this may cause it to fall. No equipment should be left on the scaffolding platform at the same time as you are moving it. If the equipment falls it could damage or harm someone standing beneath, and the weight of the equipment could also make the scaffolding less powerful.

The tower should always be tied to the building in dubious weather conditions. Acute concern should be taken when there are high winds, as this could cause the scaffolding to move and bend. If the tower is not tall enough for its purpose, rather erect a taller structure of scaffolding. Inserting boxes or a ladder or any heavy equipment on top of scaffolding to gain extra height is very dangerous.

When scaffolding is upright, be it for industrial use or residential, the size and shape of the building must be taken into deliberation. A trained contractor who specializes in scaffolding is always ideal, because they will be able to decide accurately what size of scaffolding. They will draw up a scaffolding construction and installation plan that is customized for your building necessities.

Guidelines for the use of Scaffolding

Scaffolding construction services in South Africa are a necessity due to the major upgrades of so much of the existing infrastructure in and around cities and the construction of new buildings. With events such as the FIFA World Cup in the near future and the progression of South Africa into becoming a first world country, the transformation of the visual and structural aspects of the country are staggering. Along with these transformations comes the need for reliable and safe scaffolding services and systems through a safety approved contractor.

Hiring a Contractor
Hiring a licensed scaffolding contractor is the best method of finding a reliable and safe scaffolding system to use. In South Africa, contractors must abide by governmental safety legislations and the OHS Act & SANS 10085 to ensure that optimum safety is maintained during scaffolding operations and to avoid prosecution for accidents or death.

From the years 2000 to 2005, there were 3999 injuries in the United Kingdom caused by various accidents on construction sites, all of which were avoidable - with proper care and safety, accidents should be extremely minimal.

Scaffolding Safety Preparation
Before a scaffolding structure is erected, there is some preparation which should be carried out by the scaffolding contractor hired for the job and by the person hiring the contractor.

Firstly, the area where the scaffolding is to be erected needs to be a level surface that is stable, and if it is not, the contractor will need to stabilise it and make sure that it is adequate to support the scaffolds.

Safety of bystanders is incredibly important and if the scaffolding is to be erected in a public place, appropriate measures need to be taken. For example, the work can be scheduled to proceed during quiet periods, during which less people are likely to be in proximity to the structure or roads can be closed through council permission. Scaffolding should never be erected near power lines as this can be extremely dangerous and result in fatalities.

If scaffolding is to be used on a freeway or highway, the contractor is required to have a license especially for this and is responsible for applying for and obtaining such a license. However, the person hiring the contractor is responsible for asking for planning permission from the local council regarding the erection of any temporary structure and possible permanent structures the scaffolding may be used for.

The Uses of Scaffolding Services in South Africa

Scaffolding services in South Africa have become an increasing necessity in the transformation of the country into a first world entity with a thriving infrastructure of impressive buildings, busy freeways, massive sports stadiums and world-leading industry.

Scaffolding services are required for a variety of projects taking place on a daily basis in South Africa. Quality products and experienced scaffolding service providers are becoming sought after in the wake of rapid growth and construction taking place in the country.

Many providers of scaffolding services in South Africa use scaffolding systems such as Metri-Form formwork systems, Self-Lock towers and Kwik-stage systems. These scaffolding systems provide contractors with a lot of benefits due to their increased safety, easy assembly and dismantling and lesser need for manpower. These systems lower construction costs due to the decreased amount of manpower and time needed in their use.

Construction scaffolding and formwork
Scaffolding and formwork is a key element of the construction industry. With the use of scaffolding and formwork, incredible structures with modern and complex architecture are able to be constructed.

Scaffolding is used to create the support for formwork to be completed in building construction, as the scaffolding provides a medium for the concrete of the formwork to set. Scaffolding services are also used as a support structures for workers to access parts of the building which are difficult and dangerous to reach, such as alongside buildings at extremely high elevations.

The FIFA 2010 World Cup tournament is being hosted by South Africa next year, and has brought much transformation for the country. Where previously central business districts of major cities have been left looking unsightly due to negect and improper maintenance, scaffolding services in South Africa have been used by restoration companies and builders to improve the conditions of the buildings in these areas. This will provide a more aesthetic view of the CBDs and scaffolding has been used extensively in the renovations.

Many new buildings have been erected to cope with the influx of people for the tournament, including the impressive sports stadiums in major cities which will be used for the football games in the World Cup and the Gautrain, an underground railway system for public transportation. These structures have required an immense amount of scaffolding and formwork in their construction.

Special Events Scaffolding
Scaffolding services in South Africa have become widely used in special events such as marathons, rock concerts and public engagements. Scaffolding can be used to create stages for these special events which are safe for use in performances and prize givings.

Commentary towers are often required in sports events where commentators and judges need to have a very clear view of the action. Additionally commentary towers enable speakers and screens to be elevated so that those attending these events can see and hear what's going on.

Scaffolding is also used to create signage towers for use in special events, allowing the use of large banners for advertising and displaying sponsorship logos. This is an important part of special events as advertising generates much capital for these events.

High towers can also be used as camera towers for film crews and television stations to report and film the special events. Scaffold towers provide a stable temporary structure for the use of cameras.

Special events also require seating in some instances. Scaffolding services in South Africa can be hired to construct seating stands for spectators which are not only large enough to cope with the crowds, but safe enough to support the weight of thousands of people watching the event.