In the last post, “Things you need to consider before beginning a scaffolding project: part one”, we discussed the first two key things that you need to think about before beginning an important scaffolding project: one, the types of scaffolding that you need for your unique project, and two: the reputation of your supplier - can you trust them to do a great job for you? In our second post in the series, we will tell you what else you need to keep in mind before beginning a scaffolding project.
Weather conditions
You need repairs, you need renovations - maybe you even need a new building built as soon as is humanly possible. However, a key thing that many eager renovators and designers overlook is the condition of the weather. For example, if you are planning building, repair, or renovation work during the winter, certain safety procedures need to be put in place and certain particulars need to be considered before work can begin on your plot.
The doomy nature of the winter weather: think hail storms, massive amounts of snow, and icy downpours can all impede work and severely limit the amount that your scaffolding team get done. As such, if you want work done as quickly as possible then winter is not the best season for you.
In addition to impacting the speed and efficiency of scaffolding projects, winter weather can also be very dangerous for the workers undertaking construction and repair work on your building. Winter weather frequently increases the amounts of slips, falls, and injuries we see in our industry. As such, if you are determined to build or renovate in the winter weather (and it can be done), please take the time to make sure that proper safety precautions are in place. This takes us to our second point…
Safety first
In addition to taking the time to consider the weather before you begin scaffolding work, the safety of the working team should be one of the top things on your priority list. A good team should always come well prepared with safety gear: double check to see if that scaffolding team servicing your building are wearing high-vis jackets, safety, helmets, and harnessing (if scaling heights) - this will ensure everyone is safe as they work.
Secondly, you also want to ensure the safety of everyone on site - below and around the scaffolding and workers. Make sure you let everyone who will be on site know beforehand when and where the workers will be working and how long for. Provide alternative routes if doorways will be blocked by workers: it’s important that everyone who comes onto the site is well prepared for scaffolders to be there. Don’t forget the safety helmets: even if people are just passing by, each should be protected with the right headgear.
Don’t begin without considering these key things
We hope this small series was helpful in helping you understand the key things you need to have laid out before you can get started with a scaffolding project. Looking for more tips? Check out our past blog posts for more helpful advice from our expert team of scaffolders.