Scaffold Tower Types
The different types of scaffolds include the independent scaffold, the single pole scaffold, the suspended, or swing stage, scaffold and the hanging bracket scaffold.
Birdcage Scaffolds
An independent, or birdcage, scaffold consists of more than two rows of vertical poles, or standards, connected by horizontal pieces, or ledgers and transoms. It is intended for use on one level only for example when working on a ceiling. Scissor lifts should be used to erect or dismantle such scaffolds.
Scaffold Towers
There are various different types of independent scaffolds alongside the birdcage such as the tower, the mobile and the hung scaffold. The scaffold tower consists of four vertical members connected longitudinally and transversely. It is essential to implement the following control measures with this kind of scaffold:
- The tower must be resting on firm ground where the wheels or feet are properly supported. No bricks or building blocks may be used to take the weight of any part of the tower.
- The height of the tower, from the bottom of the scaffold to the working surface, must not be greater than three times the minimum base dimension unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer, supplier or designer.
Mobile Scaffold Towers
A mobile scaffold tower, an independent and freestanding scaffold, is typically mounted on swivelling wheels called castors which attached to the lower end of a standard to allow the scaffolding tower to be moved. It is essential that the height of the scaffold tower is no greater than three times the minimum base dimension.
In regards to choosing the appropriate castors it is important to use those that have the working load limit clearly marked on them and to use castors able to support the total mass of the dead and live weight of the scaffold.
DIY Scaffold Towers
One type of mobile scaffold tower that is both commonly used and popular is the DIY scaffold tower. DIY scaffold towers are an excellent choice for the casual user or homeowner, allowing safe working on the outside of houses or even on ceilings for a relatively small outlay. Their cheapness and simplicity of construction means they are not ideal for heavy, regular users, but DIY scaffolding towers are certainly an effective option for the hobbyist.
Other Scaffolding Types
Aside from scaffold towers, there are many other specialised scaffolding types that may be of use. A hung scaffold, for instance, hangs from another structure but is not capable of being raised or lowered when in use. Such a scaffold must be erected by a competent person who, prior to erecting the structure, must obtain verification that the structure to support the hung scaffold is capable of bearing the load.
Alongside independent and freestanding scaffolds there are also dependent ones such as the single pole scaffold. This contains a single row of standards and is completely dependent upon the structure against which it is placed for support. It is important for no components of this type of scaffold to be removed until the scaffold is being dismantled.
A swing stage scaffold can be either raised or lowered as it has a suspended platform. These types of scaffolds are commonly associated with those used by window washers.
A hanging bracket scaffold and its means of support should be designed by a qualified engineer. A safe means of access and exit should be provided for people installing such a scaffold. This system may include horizontal components that are supported by floors of buildings or other structures.
These are only a few of the many variations of scaffolds available. Great care should be taken to choose the appropriate scaffold as lives could depend on it.