Download5 Factors To Consider When Buying Guardrail Systems
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In the construction domain, many workers are likely to fall due to various hazards. But contractors have now thought about installing guardrails to ensure safety. These serve as a barrier that helps prevent workers from falling off the scaffolding structure. Workers can always lean against the guardrails if they tend to lose their balance. But when you’re buying guardrail systems, you should consider some factors.
1. Guardrail Height
Before you plan to purchase a guardrail, you initially have to determine the clearance. This refers to the vertical distance between the pedestrians and the guardrails. If you place the guardrails high above the working surface, then workers will find it tough to climb. On the other hand, workers are more likely to fall if the guardrail is placed at a low level. Usually, the top rail of the guardrail system has to be somewhere between 38 inches and 45 inches. This range will ensure that the workers are adequately protected against falls.
2. Material
Manufacturers actually don’t use the ideal material when designing guardrails. But before making a purchase, you have to consider many factors. The material of the guardrail should not only be easy to maintain but also corrosion resistant. You also have to consider strength and durability because the guardrails should withstand the weather conditions. If you’re going to set up guardrails in areas that face heavy traffic, then consider guardrails made from steel. But it’s better to choose something that meets your needs when buying guardrail systems.
3. Durability
Selecting a guardrail made of high-quality material is always critical. Materials like aluminum alloys and stainless steel are corrosion-resistant. Moreover, the material should also withstand harsh weather conditions and fluctuations in temperatures. The guardrail system should also sustain impacts from debris and even vehicles. This means that the material should be capable of absorbing and distributing the forces without getting deformed.
4. Functionality
Whenever individuals are working at the construction site, the functionality of guardrail systems also matters most. Factors like height, spacing between pickets, and structural integrity have to be considered for the overall design. While you’re installing the guardrails near a certain area, it must be easier to climb. The guardrails should also not prevent workers from accessing a certain region.
5 Safety
While buying guardrail systems, ensure that they meet safety standards and regulations. This will ensure safety for the workers due to adequate protection against falls. In addition, you can get in touch with guardrailing companies to comply with the guidelines of the federal government. In case you’re completely unaware of the standards, you can contact a firm that deals in guardrail installations.
Finally, you can approach AAIT Scaffold when you’re planning to purchase guardrail systems. While we offer high-quality products, our guardrails meet industry standards to ensure maximum safety and durability. Such systems are also compliant with local regulations when you’re concerned about safety requirements. AAIT Scaffold further offers various options for guardrail systems to suit construction project requirements. If you have any concerns regarding guardrail systems, then you can seek assistance from a customer support team.
5 FAQs To Consider When Buying Guardrail Systems
1. What do you need the guardrail for?
A guardrail is essentially used in scaffolding to ensure safety for the workers. These act as barriers to prevent accidental falls.
2. How are guardrails evolving?
Gaurdrails in scaffolding have been evolving to enhance safety and functionality. Professionals are also developing modular designs that are easier to assemble by leveraging scaffolding technology.
3. How long do you need the guardrail to last?
The lifespan of a guardrail system depends on its application, maintenance, and the outdoor environment. If the guardrails are exposed to harsh weather conditions, then workers have to maintain them frequently.
4. What codes apply to your guardrail?
Several codes and standards apply to guardrails. These include building codes, OSHA standards, and highway design standards.
5. How do you want the guardrail to look?
The overall appearance of guardrails will entirely depend on the architectural style, color, finish, and choice of material. Even when manufacturers try to achieve the desired visual appeal, safety features have to be incorporated into the guardrails.
Types of Stair Treads – AAIT Scaffold
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In today’s world, treads are the elements of staircases and have a unique design. While these offer safety, they also capture the attention of people around the house. Moreover, these are nothing but horizontal surfaces that people step on while climbing up or down. Even when the stair treads are made from different materials, they are known for their unique features and overall design. But if you’re unsure about which stair treads you should install, then this article is just for you. The article will eventually help you make the right choice among the types of stair treads.
What should you know before selecting stair treads?
When you renovate your house, design the staircase with the style in mind. Once you know the stairs you desire, look for suitable treads. While there are myriad tread styles available on the market, you must choose something that lasts long. Ensure that your needs are met, whether you want a conventional or modern home. Let’s check out the various options you can consider for your house.
What are the types of Stair Treads?
There are many stair treads designed for your house.
1. Wood Treads
When you’re selecting a wood tread, you have to consider many factors. Firstly, the wood should be quite hard and dense to withstand the weight of feet. You will also have to consider the grain patterns when you’re concerned about their appearance. While some woods, like oak, have prominent grain patterns, others, like maple, are uniform. Besides, you need to ensure that the finish offers adequate grip and prevents the likelihood of slipping. But, before you decide on the treads, make sure that they are affordable. Climatic conditions will also have to be taken into account because moisture and temperature can impact the wood’s strength.
2. Glass Treads
Glass treads can always enhance the modern look while light passes through the surfaces. But, before choosing this type of tread, observe the thickness of the glass to ensure durability and strength. These treads should also be treated with non-slip coatings to prevent slipping. You must also ensure that the glass tread is designed to sustain the intended weight. Besides, you must prefer buying tempered glass treads that are scratch resistant. LED lights alongside the glass steps can also enhance the appearance. To ensure maximum stability, the treads should have a sturdy and metallic support structure.
3. Tile Treads
Tile treads have always been an alternative to the ones made from wood. While these are available in different materials, like natural stone or porcelain, you should check for durability and aesthetic appeal. If the areas become moist quite often, then you should buy textured tiles that are slip-resistant. Alternatively, you can also think about setting up treads with a matte finish. Ultimately, you should select treads that are easier to maintain and clean. But, before you set up these kinds of treads, seek out some sample tiles to observe how they appear in the desired space and under light. To complement your home decor ideas, you can also consider mosaic or hexagonal tiles.
4. Composite Treads
Among the types of stair treads, composite treads are made by blending wood fibers with plastic. But, whether you wish to set them up outdoors or within your house, the material should be resistant to moisture and insects. You should prefer setting up treads with a textured surface that doesn’t become slippery. The tread’s surface should also not fade or get ruined due to scratches and stains. Once you buy these, ensure that they are compatible with supports around the staircase. You may need to use some techniques to shape the treads and install them properly.
5. Stone Treads
Stone treads are commonly used for stairs set up outdoors. While these enhance the beauty of the stairs, they look great with the landscape in the background. But, before you make a purchase, you must consider treads with a non-slippery finish. This will mitigate the likelihood of slipping, especially when the climate is very damp or humid. Moreover, consider using stone treads that can be easily cleaned with a solution of mild soap and water. You should also think about thick treads as scaffolding technology improves the overall quality. For more options, you can also consult a contractor and check out which treads suit your preferences.
6. Steel Treads
While considering steel staircase treads, they look good with open-beam architecture. You can also consider these in case you are looking forward to setting up a spiral staircase. If you are specifically looking for treads for indoor applications, then think about treads made from stainless steel. These don’t get worn easily, even when the environment doesn’t have adequate ventilation. On the other hand, treads with a matte surface will always look good when they’re subjected to numerous scratches. But, as these can be quite expensive, you should explore options that fall within your budget.
Sum Up
Finally, you should prefer using steel treads when you’re concerned about strength and durability. Once you get in touch with AAIT Scaffold, the team will offer different types of stair treads with maximum friction, even when you’re hastily ascending or descending the stairs. These treads are sure to last for a long time because they are made from supreme-quality steel. Once you buy the treads, you can install and maintain them with ease. With a non-slippery surface, these are quite safe even after frequent use of the stairs.
Innovative Scaffolding Solutions for Complex Architectural Designs
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When companies have to deal with complex architectural designs, innovative scaffolding solutions are essential. Such solutions have now enhanced access to hard-to-reach areas and improved maneuverability around the architectural elements. With these solutions taken into consideration, companies can ensure compliance with safety regulations and minimize construction time. So, in this article, we shall cover more about scaffolding innovations and some technologies.
Scaffolding innovations
Over time, advancements in scaffolding technologies have contributed to increased safety. Here are some innovative solutions you can consider for your projects.
Eco-Friendly Modular Scaffolding
With sustainability in mind, modular scaffolding is built from recycled and lightweight materials. Such a structure utilizes less energy due to the use of solar panels. As they are constructed in sync with urban ecosystems, they offer spaces for plants.
Anti-Gravity Floating Scaffolding
A floating scaffolding system is yet another scaffolding innovation that is becoming popular in the industry. Based on anti-gravity technology, these structures hover, with ease, high above the ground. Once the structure is built, workers can move around the structure without worrying about safety.
Birdcage Scaffolding
Such scaffolding is used, especially when the construction project is across a large area. The overall structure is also ideal when workers have to access multiple levels for smooth execution of the construction project. When you observe the entire structure, you will also come across smart monitoring systems. These not only enhance efficiency but also increase safety.
Flying Shore Scaffolding
Known as flying shores, these scaffolding structures offer lateral support to walls or other structures. Even when the structures have vertical shores, workers might think about diagonal bracing with this kind of scaffolding innovation. As the system can be adjusted easily, it allows for accurate alignment and positioning. But, unlike other structures, these are erected in stages as and when the construction project moves ahead.
Cantilever Scaffolding
When you observe cantilever scaffolding, it has robust and sturdy elements compared to traditional scaffolding. Workers can also be safe while carrying out tasks owing to the anchoring systems. These structures are also known for their versatility when people perform tasks at a certain height.
Apart from the ones stated above, suspension scaffolding is used when workers can’t set up traditional scaffolding. As the name implies, this scaffolding innovation refers to a suspension from an overhead structure or the roof. Adjustable scaffolding, on the other hand, enables workers to adjust the height to gain access at different levels.
What is the new technology for scaffolding?
In recent years, scaffolding technology has emerged to improve safety and enhance efficiency in construction.
3D Printing
By leveraging 3D printing technology, manufacturers can create custom scaffolding components with different designs. This can not only improve overall efficiency during production but also drive customization of various components.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)
Many manufacturers these days embrace AR and VR technologies during the design phases. With these technologies, workers can see the scaffold structures as they are being designed. Simulations presented through these technologies also give an idea of the assembly processes.
Smart Scaffolding Systems
These systems monitor many parameters through the use of sensors and IoT devices. Whenever the workers are able to gauge stability and load, the parameters can ensure safety and optimize the maintenance schedules.
Advanced Safety Features
Various safety features, like anti-slip surfaces and improved access points, can keep the workers safe. The safety of the workers can also be enhanced with scaffolding technology that detects unexpected falls. Moreover, certain response mechanisms are useful in case of emergencies.
Lightweight Materials
With advancements in material science, scaffolding components are developed using composite and lightweight materials. These are corrosion-resistant and reduce the weight of the scaffolding structure. The structure also becomes quite durable, even when it’s used repetitively.
What is the latest standard for scaffolding?
When manufacturers design scaffolding components, the entire structure should be capable of supporting a load four times more than the intended load. But when workers execute the construction project, they should ensure that they don’t exceed the maximum capacity. This is one of the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
As far as the guardrails are concerned, these are essential when individuals are working at heights more than 10 feet. Guardrails also have to be installed anywhere between 38 and 45 inches high. Workers also need to place the midrails at about half the overall height. Besides, cross-bracing should be sufficient to reach anywhere between 38 and 45 inches. Contractors should also make sure that the top rails are sturdy enough to sustain the weight of workers.
While setting up the scaffolding structures, planking shouldn’t sway more than 1/60 of the length. To ensure maximum safety, these planks should be made from solid wood. In addition, people shouldn’t overload the platform and extend the time spent working high above the scaffolding base. Ultimately, individuals mustn’t use restraints when the height-to-base ratio is more than 4:1.
Conclusion
Finally, you have to consider many factors while choosing an innovative scaffolding system. As safety is paramount for every construction project, you should look for scaffolding systems that have guardrails and stability-enhancing mechanisms. You should also select components that are easier to assemble and dismantle. The overall structure should also be designed for adaptability as well. Scaffolds must also conform to certain standards to sustain the weight of workers whenever they are working.
As a leading organization that supplies scaffolds, AAIT Scaffold is proud to provide high-quality equipment worldwide and to companies across the US. With efficient logistics, our team also ensures that they receive delivery way before the construction project is about to commence. Every scaffolding component Technocraft manufactures is known for durability as it is made from high-quality steel. We also assure quality, as every component undergoes testing to meet OSHA standards.
