Make sure you tailor your construction site security to your scaffolding systems

A scaffolding system is an interconnected number of temporary work platforms which are put up on a building or construction site which enable construction workers to work up off of the ground. There are three main types of scaffolding systems, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.

One of the most commonly used types of scaffolding is a supported system with metal poles and supports a system of elevated walkways. This is typically used in low rise situations where it is cost efficient. Another type is suspended scaffolding, which unsurprisingly is suspended from buildings using ropes. Third and finally, adjustable scaffolds feature a system of pulleys and mechanical methods which allow the scaffolding to move and up and down a building. This last type is especially useful on skyscrapers and is often used as window washing platforms.

However, there are a number of different factors which need to be considered to suit your project:

Staring from the bottom up, it is essential to ascertain the condition of the ground where the scaffold will be used.  If the earth is unstable in the surrounding area or if a supported system would prevent access to the building, a suspended or adjustable system would be better suited to your project.  This will also increase construction site security as the suspended platform won’t allow potential thieves to reach the upper levels of the building where the entrances may be vulnerable.

Alternatively, an adjustable system on wheels could be a practical solution, as the scaffold could be moved out of the way at the appropriate time. However, these constructs are difficult to use on uneven terrain, which is more than likely to be the case on a building site. However once again this will need to be worked into your construction site security systems to avoid leaving it in an unsuitable position.

The budget of your project may also hinder the type of scaffolding that you choose to employ. Whilst a supported platform may be the most affordable option as the equipment needed can be reused many times over, an adjustable system will make up the difference through increased production rates. Suspended scaffolds should generally be avoided as unsurprisingly they are by far the most expensive. This is due to the special needs required to uniquely engineer the desired system to the specific building. You may also need to factor the scaffold alarms into this cost, as reports have started to filter in of insurance companies refusing payouts due to the lack of construction site security.

After that, the buildings design must be factored in. For tall buildings for instance, it is recommended to use a suspended system as supported systems could be deemed unsafe at such a height. They are however useful when working in the winter as scaffold covers can be put on to shield the workers from the worst of the weather.  Unusually shaped buildings will require suspended systems to work around awkward projections. The schedule of the work will also need to be considered as if masonry is continuing after the initial erection of steel girders has been completed an adjustable or supported system will be required in order to keep pace with the production.

If you want to buy scaffold alarms for your scaffolding please visit http://www.permanex-security.co.uk.

About us:  A trusted company since 1989, the Permanex Group leads the way in scaffolding alarms and construction site CCTV right across the United Kingdom.

Editor’s note:  Permanex Security is represented by Search Engine Marketing agency TRON Media. This Press Release was written by Jo-Anne Keyte.  Please direct all press queries to Jo-Anne Keyte email: jo@tronmedia.co.uk or call: 02031670969.