4 ELEMENTS THAT CAN DAMAGE OR DESTROY INDUSTRIAL SCAFFOLDING
1. Environmental conditions can undoubtedly contribute to industrial scaffold damage over time. Extreme weather such as heat, cold, and precipitation (i.e., rain, snow, and everything in between) can cause the industrial scaffold equipment to develop rust. This begins to slowly and steadily eat away at the metal. Other abnormalities resulting from temperature changes, including metal warping or bending due to extreme heat and weight, can be exacerbated over time.
To meet these harsh environmental conditions, Layher has an uncompromised commitment to quality. All Layher steel products are hot-dipped galvanized in a multi-stage immersion process. Having a galvanized coating protects the scaffold from the elements and thus prolongs the life of the scaffold even in harshest conditions.
2. Overloading very often has disastrous consequences. The industrial scaffold’s structural integrity will be stretched to their maximum if they are asked to hold more weight than they’re able to-or overloaded. The scaffold may survive in the rarest of situations, but that is undoubtedly a rare situation. More often than not, its load-bearing capacity and integrity would be compromised due to such damage. The end result would cause the scaffold to collapse, and several people would end up getting hurt or worse.
In order not to overload the scaffolding, it is important to engineer and build the scaffold for its intended loads. To accomplish this, it is important that load capabilities of the scaffold are known and that each piece performs according to its capabilities.
Therefore, Layher has an uncompromised commitment to quality during product engineering and manufacturing. This ensures that even in a scaffold consisting of thousands of pieces, each performs to its capabilities. In addition, Layher’s products are tested and have earned extensive national and international approvals. This and more supports a scaffold that will be designed to meet its requirements.
3. Inadequate work rules and procedures often lead to workmen and women who do not know how to erect or dismantle industrial scaffolding properly. An incorrect and inadequate assembly of the scaffold can lead to damage to the scaffolding, the equipment, or generally compromise the safety of the scaffold. Having the scaffold erected and dismantled properly is a very important issue for any HSE professional.
For Layher, it is important to be a partner within the scaffolding project. Layher’s partners benefit from over 75 years of experience worldwide. Layher’s highly qualified staff offers extensive after-sales and technical support. In addition, Layher offers technical documentation for the assembly of the scaffold and its trainers and engineering department are standing by to answer any questions. This to support your team in the correct and adequate assembly and dismantling of the Layher scaffold.
4. Lack of experienced personnel is one of the fundamental factors determining if a scaffolding will be erected correctly and safely. A qualified professional will also suggest proper storage of the industrial scaffolding equipment post use. They can ensure that the proper work rules are being followed, such as OSHA or other local requirements. Thanks to their knowledge, guidance, and influence, the industrial scaffold will be a safer place to work. On the other hand, the absence of experienced personnel becomes an issue that can not only damage scaffolds but also lead to dangerous situations.
To support our customers with the development of their team, Layher offers extensive training. From the basics of scaffold assembly, special products to scaffold design and engineering, Layher has a training program that fits your needs. These services are offered to help you develop your employees and grow your company.
Industrial Scaffolding
The most important takeaway regarding industrial scaffolding is that safety is paramount in a construction environment. If you don’t have the procedures in place, the experienced personnel on board, the regulations, and an understanding of what the environmental conditions can do to your scaffolding, then don’t erect it. It’s not worth the risk. Safety first and safety always. There’s no other way to successfully complete a project.
Should you have additional questions about industrial scaffolding, talk to the experts at Layher today.
