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.