Thursday, July 18, 2013

Important Factors To Consider About Contract Scaffolding

By Ania Stan


If you are thinking of contracting a scaffolding company, your first concern is likely to be whether they are reputable and experienced enough for your project. With large projects, mistakes or missed deadlines can be costly, so it is important that the company can work swiftly but competently.

Ideally, the company you use will be experienced in small and large projects. All good companies will be able to give examples of projects completed, perhaps on their website, including good quality photos of their work.

Important Accreditations For Contract Scaffolding Companies

Accreditations are another important thing to check. Look for those that relate to safety and training, which are key factors in this industry.

The following are examples:-

* SMAS " Safety Management Advisory Services " relating to health and safety competence

* CHAS - Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

* CITB " Relating to apprenticeships

* CITB " Relating to apprenticeships

* CISRS " Preferred industry recognised training scheme

Any accreditations relating to safety, industry recognised training schemes and memberships to approved business groups or associations are all indicative of a reputable business.

Scaffold Erectors - Having the Right Team

Health and Safety is an important consideration with huge implications. Building sites and climbing scaffold is a dangerous business so it is crucial that the scaffold is constructed properly and safely. It is important that the scaffold company has the right training and certification in place to protect the scaffold erectors and any others at the site.

Coordination and organisation is very important in large scaffolding projects, so it may be worth considering whether the scaffold erectors are employed as company staff rather than self-employed people on temporary contracts. Consistency of work and experience is arguably better when using the same team who are used to working together, as they should be more efficient.

Apprenticeships work well in this instance, as the apprentice can be trained up to full experience and employed in the team they trained with. It is then worth the investment by the company once they have their fully trained scaffold erector, as they have been a part of their training from day one and can ensure they are competent in all areas of skill and safety.

CAD Design Drawings Provided In-house

It is more common now for reputable contract scaffolding companies to offer in-house CAD design. These are drawings of the scaffold project so that both the client and the company can see a plan and draw an accurate load list/bill of materials. This means the scaffold can be erected quicker, more accurately and so the all round organisation of the project is better. This is an essential tool for a complex construction project.




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