Scaffolding Towers

Scaffolding towers are important pieces of equipment for UK tradesmen and home owners who need to perform work at a height. Steel or aluminium scaffolding towers are generally more stable than ladders because towers sit square on the ground and are not leaned at an angle against a building or wall. A scaffolding tower facilitates work because it provides increased mobility to work-men which, in turn expedites the job. Tasks like painting, for example, take less time because the work-men don’t constantly need to reposition ladders . A properly set up scaffold is also much safer than a ladder.

Scaffolding Safety

Safety is paramount when assembling, disassembling and using scaffolds. In fact, the EU-OSHA (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work) has developed a set of rigorous standards that govern how scaffolds are erected, taken down and moved. These regulations assure the safety of those who work on steel or aluminium scaffold towers. If possible, professional scaffolding services should be engaged.  

Types of Scaffolds

Although there are a large number of UK scaffold towers configurations and installations, most are classified as either dependent or independent. A dependent scaffolding tower is attached to an interior or exterior wall, which gives it strength and stability. An independent scaffold tower is free standing and for that reason has a wider number of possible applications. Towers are generally of 2 types: fixed and mobile. Fixed towers must be disassembled and reassembled whenever the scaffold needs to be moved. Mobile towers have casters attached to the bottom of vertical members on which they stand which facilitates moving.  

Materials Used in Scaffold Towers

Steel and aluminium are the most popular materials for scaffold towers. Steel is more expensive because it is more durable. Regardless of application (professional or DIY scaffold towers), if you're going to be using your scaffolding extensively, steel is the better choice. For occasional use, aluminium is preferred, with the caveat that it's not a durable or as strong as steel. Finally, be certain that your scaffold conforms to all safety and health regulations in your location. And when you buy scaffolding, be sure it has a tag affixed testifying that it's passed standard safety tests.

When selecting UK scaffolding towers , if you're not completely sure of the specs and application, it's wise to hire scaffolding specialists.