Whether you’re a tradie or just need to do work on your house, you know how important scaffolding is. When you buy scaffolding, what do you look for? Do you know the best way to buy scaffold?
Builders have been using scaffolding as far back as 17,000 years ago. While scaffolding has changed a lot since then, there are still a few basic principles that are the same. You want a product that’s safe, reliable and can withstand punishment.
There’s a lot that goes into buying outdoor scaffolding. Ready to discover the best tips to make scaffolding easier? Then read on!
Understand the Different Types of Scaffolding
This is one for the non-tradies reading. There are many different types of scaffolding. Next time you buy scaffolding, make sure you know exactly what type you’re after.
If you need to do a job inside the house, you’ll want to buy aluminium mobile scaffold. These give you all the advantages of a ladder, but with a bigger and more stable work area.
Outdoor scaffolding is a different kettle of fish. For most jobs, you’ll want to stick with regular steel Ringlock scaffolding, which enables you to create any length or height of scaffolding.
When You Buy Scaffolding, Ensure it Meets Safety Standards
No matter why you’re using scaffolding, the last thing that you want is for it to give out under you. If you buy scaffolding from a dodgy trader, you can’t be sure that it meets the required New Zealand safety standards. When you buy it from us, you can trust that it’s safe for work.
There are regulations covering almost every aspect of scaffolding. Let’s take a look at some of the key ones:
- Scaffolding must have guardrails at the right heights. They should also have midrails.
- Tall scaffolds need to be supported with braces, ties and outriggers.
- Toe Boards/kick boards are required to stop tools and equipment from falling on people below.
The scaffold should also be relatively easy to assemble and dismantle.
Look for Useful Optional Extras
While all our scaffolding meets the required safety standards, some options can make it even safer. For example, you could buy kickboards/toeboards, access gates, internal access platforms with ladders or outriggers to improve safety.
Only Buy Authentic Hardware
There are a number of companies out there that offer copies of name-brand scaffolding. It can be tempting to grab this equipment: it’s often a lot cheaper than the real thing.
Don’t risk your safety for the sake of a few dollars or lose money with poor quality that will rust out in no time.
Look for Serial/Batch Numbers
When an accident happens, it’s important that the bad batch of scaffolding can be traced. This means that you should buy equipment that has some kind of serial number on it that can be traced. It’s important for you and others.
If equipment goes wrong, then a recall can be put out for a certain batch. If it happens to you, you can help prevent it from happening to other people. If it happens to other people and you know your numbers, then you can remove the kit from your site and prevent injuries.
When you buy equipment, keep track of the numbers. It’s not too hard, but it’s easy to forget.
Make Sure You Have a Point of Contact
If the worst happens and something goes wrong, you need to make sure that you have a point of contact. Our equipment is covered by a full 10-year warranty. This means that getting in touch and getting a replacement is a snip.
If you buy from another company that doesn’t have an easy point of contact, your work could be interrupted for days or weeks. That’s not good for anybody. When you buy scaffolding, make sure that you have someone you can get in touch with.
Ask to See Proof of the Scaffolding’s Safety
When you buy scaffolding, you need to be able to see proof of the hardware’s safety. This shouldn’t just be from the manufacturer, either. A manufacturer worth their salt should be able to give you proof of their hardware’s safety from an independent tester.
You should never buy from a dealer that can’t offer proof that the scaffolding is safe. Your safety and that of your workers is your top priority.
Check Weight Limits
Before you buy a scaffold, you should check that it is appropriate for the task at hand. Don’t ever just eyeball it: this is what causes accidents.
Know the weight of your workers and their gear and don’t ever be tempted to push the limit. Make sure that you have the right equipment for the job.
Take the Building into Account
Every building, and thus every project, requires a slightly different scaffolding set up. When you buy scaffolding, take this into account.
What height scaffolding do you need? Is there any particular task that requires additional headroom? Are there hard to reach areas that will require different types of scaffolding?
Don’t buy one type of scaffolding and assume that this will do everything. Have enough scaffolding that you’ll be able to take on any job.
What to Remember
Let’s recap. The most important things to remember when you buy scaffolding are:
- Check that the scaffolding is genuine
- Check weight limits
- Ensure it meets safety standards
- Know your scaffolding
- Buy any optional extras that you need
- Ask to see proof of safety
- Check for serial numbers
- Have a point of contact
You’ll be glad to hear that we can help you out with all of these! If you need to buy scaffolding, take a look at our catalogue!
Got any questions? Then get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to help you!