Commonly used in construction projects, scaffolds are great tools which enable individuals to more easily perform work in high places. Having a structural makeup specifically designed to be easy to shift, set up, and transport, these tools are convenient and safe.
Due to their structure, it is far easier to climb and move around on them compared to ladders, for example. Additionally, multiple workers can work on a task at a time, and these tools are far more stable and practical than ladders.
Nowadays, there are plenty of options for you to choose from when considering scaffolds. It is important that you make the right decision when choosing which model you want to buy, as it can determine how safe your workers are and how long the structure will last!
Whether you need a large structure or a small one, keep reading for some tips on what you should consider before making your purchase.
Standards
When purchasing your model, you want to make sure that all the safety standards are satisfied. This is super important to ensure the work health and safety of your workers. There are also construction regulations that you will have to abide by.
Your scaffolds should have safety features as dictated by Australian standards, such as lockable wheels and skid proof platforms. Don’t be afraid to question the supplier about this – it is better safe than sorry.
Check the specifications of the product you buy to ensure that you are abiding by the standards and that it is fine to use! You want to make sure that you are not risking any dangerous situations due to the model you are buying, so it’s important you check carefully.
Warranty
Scaffolds are a long-term investment – you splash out the money so that you can use them over and over again for at least a few years. Having a warranty on your scaffolds is essential so that if it becomes damaged sooner than expected, you can easily get it repaired at little cost.
This guarantee helps with peace of mind when making your decision of which structure to purchase. You should check that it comes with a warranty and how long it is before you hand over your money.
If you purchase one with no warranty, you might come to regret it if it doesn’t hold up as well as it should! It’s better to be safe than sorry, so settling with a model that has a few years’ warranty is a good idea.
Quality of the product
It is important that you invest in a good quality product rather than buying something that will be easily damaged. You should look at the materials used and ensure you aren’t buying a cheap knockoff. While you might be tempted to go for a more affordable option, it is important that you don’t sacrifice quality for price.
Inspect the quality of your product before spending your money on it. Ensure that it is made out of materials that are anti-corrosive, durable and sturdy, and lightweight for easy transportation. The structure itself should be steady and easy to use.
Technical support
Having technical support from the scaffolds supplier is super helpful. If any problems arise, knowing that you can simply call up the company and shoot a few questions to get your problems resolved is extremely reassuring.
To ensure that you have this, consider whether it is easy to get in touch with the company, and whether they are quick to resolve any issues you’ve had throughout the buying and consideration process. If not, it is probably likely that they will not provide great technical support, so you should rethink buying from them.
Easy to assemble
When you’re looking at scaffolds, choosing one that is easy to assemble will be beneficial for you. Chances are, you’ll have to assemble it yourself – and multiple times in the future – when it arrives, so be prepared for that.
Make sure it comes with an easy-to-understand instruction manual. The ease with which it is built and taken down drastically affects its usability – if it is too complex, then it is not practical or efficient to use. Being easy to assemble will cut down the set up and take down time.
Although your scaffolds should be easy to assemble, they should also be steady and not easily budged once they actually are set up. Scaffolds are great tools, but you should make your decisions carefully when purchasing to ensure you have one of good quality.
Type
Different scaffolds are beneficial for different jobs. You might want to invest in a few different products for a variety of situations, or choose one that is particularly versatile.
Consider what kind of tasks you are usually doing and what problem you are trying to solve. This will help you to narrow down your options. You should also do some research into which models are best for certain kinds of jobs.
Safety is paramount when it comes to these structures, so do not neglect it! The health of you and your workers should always take precedence over any good deal you can get on scaffolds.