DownloadWhy Tube and Clamp Scaffolding Are Used Extensively?
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Tube and clamp scaffolding, also known as tube and coupler scaffolding, is a versatile scaffolding system composed of steel tubes and clamps. Using right-angle clamps, vertical tubes are joined to horizontal tubes. This scaffolding system has been used since antiquity.
With this, a tall and reliable structure can be erected. It comprises only two components, namely, tubes and couples, which are easy to assemble and disassemble. Hence, in this blog, we shall go into the details of tube and clamp scaffolding with its applications, advantages, and range of steel tube clamps at AAIT – a leading tube and clamp scaffolding distributor in the USA.
What is tube and clamp scaffolding?
Also known as tubular scaffolding, this is a 3D framework constructed using tubes and clamps. Connected to each other tube with the aid of clamps and couplers, it is still utilized by a large number of people due to the total flexibility it offers.
Tubular scaffolding allows for limitless adjustments in the position of standards; thus, it can be completely fitted to the circumstances, albeit requiring significantly more time and effort than modular scaffolding.
What are the advantages of the tube and clamp scaffolding?
The primary function of scaffolding is to provide a height-adjustable platform for personnel to execute their duties and convey goods and supplies. Below are the advantages of steel tube clamps.
1. Tough and durable
Steel is tough. Steel offers superior weather, fire, wear, and corrosion resistance. It can withstand strong rainfall, blazing sunlight, and considerable foot traffic. It outlasts other scaffolding materials due to its hardness.
Your steel pipe scaffolding will last many tasks and years without deteriorating. Thus, it is one of the safest and most sustainable platform solutions, making it popular in construction.
2. Higher carrying capacity
Steel tubes and clamp scaffolding are highly sturdy. It can carry more than other materials due to its strength. Steel pipe scaffolding supports heavy loads. It could hold many people, tools, and building supplies without swaying.
Steel can support heavy weight, making it a stable base. It won’t shatter or bend under pressure. Even in windy conditions, it can safely carry employees and equipment.
3. Easy to assemble and disassemble
Steel pipe materials are light despite their strength and toughness. This simplifies building site assembly and disassembly. Steel pipe scaffolding may be easily packed and unpacked on a truck and moved in large quantities.
This makes it superior to other materials. Scaffolding must be built quickly to start building operations. Steel tube and clamp scaffolding speed up temporary structure erection, improving project efficiency.
4. Can be used on bigger jobs
Steel tubes and clamps also provide structural support. This lets manufacturers make steel pipes in different shapes and sizes that you can assemble.
Single and double steel pipe scaffolding can be assembled to considerable heights. Timber and bamboo scaffolding make this challenging. Steel pipe scaffolding can produce platforms without height restrictions, making it perfect for bigger building development.
5. Has standard forms and geometry
Scaffolding steel follows steel pipe standards. This simplifies ordering, manufacturing, and assembling steel pipe scaffolding. They also employ standard geometrical parts, which makes it easy to get the appropriate 90-degree angles needed for a sturdy platform.
6. Provides a steady, firm platform
Steel pipes are sturdy construction components, especially scaffolding. Steel pipe scaffolding provides a secure building platform.
It resists rust, fractures, and other durability issues. Thus, it is less likely to break apart, be badly erected, or loosen, preventing worker and pedestrian accidents.
7. Environmentally friendly
Steel’s environmental impact is underappreciated. It’s really sustainable. Timber scaffolding, which deforests, harms the ecosystem.
The steel industry may recycle outdated scaffolding, save non-renewable resources, and use less primary energy to make scaffolding products. Steel pipe scaffolding is environmentally benign due to its long lifespan.
The Best Tube and Clamp Scaffolding Supplier
The steel tube and clamp scaffold are used where unlimited versatility is required. It is a prevalent practice in construction in many nations. Horizontal tubes (and hence walking decks) may be positioned at any height along the vertical tube (as authorized by engineering restrictions), while vertical tubes, or legs, may be spaced at any distance, up to the maximum distance allowable by engineering requirements.
AAIT is a scaffold tube clamp supplier in the USA. Our steel tubes and clamps are built from structural steel and aluminum of the highest quality. This will ensure the scaffolding system’s safety and stability. Our assortment consists of I-beam tube clamps, right-angle couplers, swivel couplers, rosette clamps, and many others.
Visit our website at aaitscaffold.com to contact us and receive a free estimate today!
Mistakes To Avoid When Using Scaffold Towers (With Tips To Mitigate Them)
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A scaffold tower is an independent scaffold that consists of pre-fabricated scaffold components. These components are connected to build an accessible and movable system. These towers are used in heavy-duty on-site applications (like, installing ceiling fittings), where standard ladders aren’t enough.
The scaffold towers have multiple advantages, including-
- Greater height, stability, and strength
- Easy assembly and disassembly
- High versatility
- Light in weight and movable
- High durability
- Made with non-corrosive materials
However, these advantages can be jeopardized if the safety rules are compromised. This blog shall infer on most common mistakes made while handling scaffold towers along with some safety tips.
Most common mistakes when using a scaffold tower
Here are some mistakes that scaffolders should avoid when using scaffold towers.
1. Introducing heavy objects on the tower to increase its height
The ascent and descent using your access scaffolding equipment could be time-consuming. Given this, it is understandable why one could be tempted to use any available object, such as a chair or a plastic box, to increase their height. We understand the temptation, but it does not mean we believe you should give in to it.
A dependable stepladder, for instance, is not intended for usage atop an access tower, but rather on the ground. Using unanticipated items such as chairs or crates could place you in a perilous scenario. Keep away from the hazards!
2. Using the scaffold tower when there are heavy winds
We are not claiming that scaffold towers are incapable of withstanding heavy winds; this is frequently considered during the design phase. While the weather deteriorates, it is risky to perform work at a height when the wind speed is high.
If the winds become too strong, you should delay your work. The power of the wind alone may throw you off balance, and it could also send pebbles, dust, and other small objects at you at the worst possible moment. Avoid becoming one of the thousands of employees who have died from falls from a height during the past five years.
Moreover, scaffolding is prone to several hazards at construction sites which can be prevented if adequate care is taken during and after its construction.
3. Not calculating the safe working load
Like ladders, scaffolding towers have a maximum weight capacity that must be observed. Thankfully, the vast majority of people can escape the grave danger of exceeding a ladder’s weight capacity. Keep everything on the scaffold tower for a short time, as removing it could compromise the platform. A fall of tools or materials could pose a hazard to those below.
4. Buying cheap scaffold towers
When it comes to accessing equipment, you should always invest a bit more than you would normally. In fact, we previously discussed on the blog why you should always invest in a quality ladder, and it boils down to the same principle: if you’re dedicating your life to it, you should never settle for a low-cost one.
5. Scaffolders are untrained
Understanding the structure of the site and how to operate the relevant equipment is crucial for every construction worker. On scaffolding, untrained personnel is less likely to identify danger warnings, be aware of their surroundings, and wear fall protection.
At first glance, scaffold towers may appear more sturdy and durable than ladders, but do not assume they can sustain the same weight or power. Avoid jumping up and down or throwing heavy objects from a great height; they were designed to support the weight of a person standing still and making steady, planned movements.
6. Neglecting the external dangers
When a scaffold tower is constructed, it can reach heights so magnificent that they are almost intimidating. At this height, there is a high potential for electrical operations to be hazardous. Even though injuries experienced in this manner are typically less serious, the damage caused by high voltages could result in fatalities if not addressed prior to the commencement of operations.
Safety tips when using scaffold towers
To avoid the above mistakes, here are some safety tips.
- Use safety equipment and PPE kits
- Take note of load limits
- Know construction regulations and standards
- Inspect scaffolding materials
- Build the scaffold tower by following the manual provided by the scaffolding supplier
- Inspect the site and equipment every day before starting work
- Keep vehicles and heavy equipment clear
- Stay organized
- Mind the weather condition
- Be fully licensed
- Train scaffold users
Bonus tip: Scaffolding safety tags
Tags on scaffolding indicate whether or not it is safe to use. A competent individual (as determined by OSHA) is required to inspect and label the scaffold structure. Three distinct types of scaffolding tags exist:
Green scaffold tags– The presence of a green tag on a scaffold indicates that it has been examined and is safe to use. Upon completion of the initial inspection, it should be affixed to all access points.
Yellow scaffold tags– The presence of yellow scaffold tags indicates particular requirements for safe use, i.e., the scaffold has been changed to match existing work requirements, and it may pose a safety risk to all users.
Red scaffold tags– The presence of a red tag on a scaffold indicates that the structure is dangerous for use. These tags are frequently utilized when scaffolding is being installed or disassembled.
These tags are provided by scaffolding accessories supplier that helps in distinguishing the safety levels while working.
Avoid Mistakes For Safer Construction Works
There are mistakes that can be avoided on the construction site. Scaffold towers, being multipurpose scaffolds, are mostly taken for granted. Hence, it becomes important to be aware of the common mistakes and tips to avoid any flaws or injuries.
AAIT is a leading scaffolding accessories supplier in the USA. We provide top-notch scaffolding components and scaffold towers that meet OSHA regulations. From ringlock scaffold towers to movable and non-movable scaffold towers, all are available.
Get in touch with us to avail towers from the best scaffolding distributor in the USA that provides maximum safety.
How To Treat And Weatherproof Scaffold Boards (Wooden, Aluminum, and Steel Boards)
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The entire scaffolding sector relies on one important terminology, i.e., precision. The more accuracy, the more stability, and efficiency in the construction work. From antiquity, wooden scaffolding has been very prominent and can be used at every construction site.
But recent approaches to scaffolding have brought aluminum and steel scaffolding systems that make work more efficient. Still, there is one scaffolding component that is made from wood.
Scaffold boards are usually made from wood that delivers robustness and allows safe access. However, wood is vulnerable to the element. Scaffold boards outside have no bark, thus they are exposed to harsh elements. In addition, insect infestations might destroy them. Moreover, the steel planks settle rust and get damaged.
Many think they may avoid these concerns by using waterproof or coated scaffold boards. However, treatment is ongoing. It requires long-term upkeep. This post will cover how to treat, waterproof, and renew both improvements to wooden scaffold boards, steel, and aluminum boards including a no-do solution.
How can scaffold boards turn faulty?
Before getting to know the solution to treat the scaffold boards, let’s first review how the boards turn faulty.
A. Wooden Decks
The wooden decks get marked by:
1. Wet Rot: Fungal infections like wet rot occur in humid conditions. The board will be discolored and darker than the rest. Rot weakens the board, diminishing its load capacity. Boards improperly stored often suffer from this. Covered, spaced, and off-the-ground boards provide airflow.
2. Wood Warp: When exposed to fluctuating temperatures, wood tends to warp into irregular shapes. This can even occur with your home’s flooring. This frequently results in dangerous shifts in equilibrium when utilized at a height
3. Damaged Sections: This is quite straightforward. If the board sustains structural damage as a result of incorrect handling (such as broken knots, end bands, etc.), it becomes weakened and should not be utilized.
4. Infestation: Some insects flourish by consuming or just inhabiting wood. Examine the board for wormholes, and if any are found, discard the board.
5. Distortion: As scaffold boards are exposed to all types of weather, the wood is subjected to sunlight as well as soaking and drying cycles, which can cause boards to warp. A warped board is hazardous because it can shift in service. The standard establishes restrictions on cup, bow, spring, and twist.
B . Steel and Aluminum Decks
1. General Deterioration
Commercial and industrial work sites with elevated multi-level work platforms are suited for scaffolding systems. Consequently, the equipment endures severe impacts throughout the course of a typical workday. Transporting the equipment causes the piled components to collide with one another. To reduce this effect, appropriate work-piece piling procedures must be implemented. Aluminum Scaffold Decks Are An Ideal Choice For Scaffolding and it has been the material of choice for most construction projects because it has several advantages over traditional wood and other alternatives.
2. Corrosion
Components of a scaffolding system that have corroded or rusted might compromise its structural integrity, leading to catastrophic failures and scaffolding collapses. Most susceptible to rusting are non-galvanized scaffolding systems, specifically wedge-shaped painted steel scaffolding systems.
How to treat different scaffold boards?
– Wooden Boards
1. Linseed Oil
It is easy to use. Clean your scaffold board, then uniformly coat it with oil. After soaking, apply another application of oil. Every few months, lubricate your board for the best results. After that, they fade. Linseed is just one therapy oil. Linseed, walnut, and tung oils are used for this, often blended with turpentine and apple cider vinegar for a greater impact.
2. Sealants
The most effective approach for protecting scaffold boards from scratches and warping is to seal the wood. In addition to washing the board prior to applying the sealant, it must be sanded to provide a uniform surface. Before applying your sealer with a delicate brush to the entire surface of the wood, stir it. Then, allow the wood to dry, lightly sand it, and reapply. Continue until pleased.
3. Wood Stain and Dye
Staining scaffold boards have two primary benefits: it improves the boards’ appearance and increases their resilience to insects and water damage. The finest application for stained scaffold boards is outdoor furniture, such as scaffold board planters. The treatment will improve the wood’s natural grain and boost its resilience to cracking, blistering, and peeling.
– Steel and Aluminum Decks
1. Galvanizing
Galvanizing is a technique for preventing corrosion. This is performed via hot-dip galvanizing or electroplating. The iron or steel object has a thin layer of zinc coating. This prevents oxygen and water from reaching the underlying metal, while zinc functions as a sacrificial metal. Zinc is more reactive than iron, hence it oxidizes in preference to the iron thing.
2. Bluing
Bluing steel parts in a potassium nitrate, water, and sodium hydroxide solution provides minimal rust prevention for tiny steel items. This method is called “bluing” because the finish is blue-black. Firearms employ it to resist corrosion. Fine clocks and metalwork use it.
3. Powder Coating
A powder coating is the uniform application of a dry powder to a clean surface. The object is then heated, which transforms the powder into a thin coating. Available powders include acrylic, polyester, nylon, vinyl, epoxy, and urethane. Using an electrostatic spraying technique, powders are applied. A charged, non-conducting powder is sprayed on the electrically conductive object.
So, there’s a way to keep scaffold boards intact.
It is difficult to identify a single significant reason for the harm that all of these issues might cause to the scaffolding structure and equipment. Other than organizing an effective maintenance program, nobody has any control over atmospheric conditions. In order to prevent the above-mentioned major issues, the following procedures are essential:
- Program of scheduled upkeep
- The presence of qualified, professional, and experienced individuals
- Appropriate training for all employees
AAIT is a leading scaffolding parts manufacturer in the USA. We provide aluminum decks, steel planks, and OSHA-compiled wooden boards that are galvanized and color coated. These boards can be used for ample work for many years.
Get in touch with us now!
What are the OSHA Standards for Ladders?
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Every year in the US, more than 100 people die and thousands are injured from ladder falls. And did you know that ladder-related injuries are among the top three workplace safety violations in the USA?
These statistics pose a question about the safety rules and regulations for ladders. Working at a vulnerable height requires acceptance and commitment to the rules jotted down by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) under OSHA ladder regulations.
This article attempts to cover the core OSHA standards for ladders.
Rules for all ladders
The following rules are applicable to all types of ladders.
1. Keep ladders free of oil, grease, and other potential slip hazards.
2. Ladders should not be loaded beyond their maximum intended load or their manufacturer-rated capacity.
3. Only use ladders for their intended purpose.
4. Ladders should only be used on stable and level surfaces unless they are secured to prevent accidental movement.
5. Ladders should not be used on slippery surfaces unless they are secured or have slip-resistant feet to prevent accidental movement. Do not substitute slip-resistant feet for caution when placing, lashing, or holding a ladder on slippery surfaces.
6. To prevent accidental movement, secure ladders placed in areas such as passageways, doorways, or driveways, or where they can be displaced by workplace activities or traffic. Or, use a barricade to prevent traffic or activity from approaching the ladder.
7. Maintain a clear perimeter around the top and base of ladders.
8. Ladders should not be moved, shifted, or extended while in use.
9. If the worker or the ladder could come into contact with exposed, energized electrical equipment, use ladders with non-conductive side rails.
10. Face the ladder when climbing or descending.
11. When climbing, use at least one hand to grasp the ladder.
12. Carry no objects or loads that could result in loss of balance and falling.
13. When ladders are the only way to enter or exit a work area with 25 or more employees, or when a ladder serves simultaneous two-way traffic, double-cleated ladders or at least two additional ladders must be provided.
14. When a ladder is ready for use, its rungs, cleats, and steps must be parallel, level, and uniformly spaced.
15. Unless specifically designed for this purpose, ladders may not be tied or fastened together in order to form longer sections.
16. When splicing side rails, the resulting side rail must have the same strength as a side rail made of the same material in a single piece.
Rules for stepladders
1. Do not use the top or top rung as a step.
2. Do not use cross bracing for climbing on the rear section of stepladders unless the ladders are designed and equipped with steps for climbing on both the front and rear sections.
3. Stepladders must be equipped with a metal spreader or locking device to keep the front and back sections in an open position when in use.
Rules for specific types of ladders
1. Do not use single-rail ladders.
2. Use non-self-supporting ladders at an angle such that the horizontal distance from the top support to the foot of the ladder is roughly one-fourth of the ladder’s working length.
3. Utilize wooden ladders constructed on-site with angled side rails so that the horizontal distance is one-eighth of the ladder’s working length.
Rules for portable ladders
1. Any portable ladder needs 11.5 inches (29cm) between the side rails. In addition, portable metal ladders should have dimpled, skid-resistant rungs and steps to reduce slipping.
2. Non-self-supporting and self-supporting portable ladders must support four times the maximum intended load, and type 1A metal or plastic ladders should support 3.3 times. Apply a load to a self-supporting ladder at an angle of 75.5 degrees to determine if it can hold it.
3. Portable ladder side rails must extend at least 3 feet above an upper landing surface when used for access. When this isn’t possible, the ladder should be secured and a grab rail provided to help workers mount and dismount. A ladder extension must not deflect under load to cause slipping.
Rules for fixed ladders
If a fixed ladder’s overall climb length is equal to or greater than 24 feet (7.3m), it should be equipped with safety devices or self-retracting lifelines and rest platforms every 150 feet (45.7m) or a cage or well, and several ladder sections no longer than 50 feet (15.2m). Landing platforms should be spaced 50 feet apart. Fixed ladders must meet these standards:
1. They must support two 250-pound (114kg) loads between any two attachments. Fixed ladders must support added loads from ice, winds, rigging, and ladder safety devices.
2. Individual rung/step ladders should extend at least 42 inches (1.1m) above an access level or landing platform with horizontal grab bars or vertical grab bars with the same lateral spacing as the ladder rails.
3. Every fixed ladder step or rung must support 250 pounds (114kg) in the middle.
4. Minimum 16-inch clear space between rung/step ladders and fixed ladder side rails (41 cm).
5. Ladder rungs must be shaped to prevent slipping.
6. Fixed ladders without cages or wells should have a 15-inch (38cm) clearance on each side of the centerline.
7. Fixed ladders must have cages, wells, ladder safety devices, or self-retracting lifelines if the climb is less than 24 feet (7.3m) but the top of the ladder is higher.
Rules for temporary stairs
1. Don’t use stairways with metal pan landings and treads if they haven’t been filled with concrete or other materials, unless the pans are temporarily filled with wood or other materials. All worn treads and landings must be replaced.
2. Do not use skeleton metal frame structures and steps (where treads and/or landings will be installed later) without temporary treads and landings.
Rules for stair rails
1. Stair rail systems and handrails must be finished to prevent injuries such as punctures and lacerations and to prevent clothing from becoming entangled.
2. The ends of stair rail systems and handrails must be constructed to prevent dangerous projections, such as rails that extend beyond the system’s end posts.
3. Standard 42-inch (1.1 m) guardrail systems must be installed on unprotected sides and edges of stairway landings.
Rules for handrails
1. Handrails and top rails of stair rail systems must withstand at least 200 pounds (890 n) of downward or outward weight within 2 inches (5 cm) of the top edge.
2. Handrails must be 37 inches (94 cm) or less from the handrail’s top to the tread.
3. Handrails must provide a good grip to prevent falls.
4. Temporary handrails must have a 3-inch (8-cm) clearance from walls, stair rails, and other objects.
5. Stairways with four or more risers or more than 30 inches (76 cm) must have a handrail.
6. Winding or spiral stairways must have a handrail to prevent the use of less-than-6-inch treads (15 cm).
Wrapping up
It can be difficult to keep up with every OSHA ladder rule detail. Often, avoiding unsafe ladder use is as simple as employing common sense. Occasionally, the OSHA ladder safety regulations can be difficult to recall.
Also, to keep up with all the OSHA rules, you need to contact a company that makes scaffolding that meets all the rules. In that case, AAIT is an ideal choice, as scaffold steel ladders and ladder brackets, along with the steel ladder design, satisfy OSHA standards for ladders.
Get an ideal ladder at AAIT today!
