Reports are showing increases in the demand for construction work in both the commercial and residential sectors. Despite a growing shortage of skilled laborers in the construction industry, crews across the country are working hard to meet the demands of property owners. Although rising to the challenge is a major concern, the importance of safety can’t be overlooked. That means construction workers increasingly need the right types of equipment, such as folding ladders and various types of scaffolds, to do their jobs without facing any unnecessary dangers.
Looking at an Essential Type of Safety Equipment
While construction workers require a range of gear and equipment to do their jobs properly and safely, scaffolding is among the most crucial. Standard ladders are certainly an option, but they’re not always the most effective or practical solutions. In cases where workers need to get off the ground to complete their projects, scaffolding is often the best answer. Companies like Doka Formwork offer an array of scaffolds to meet construction crews’ needs. A couple of the most common are stair and ladder scaffolds.
Neither of these is necessarily the best choice for every job, but both certainly have their places. They have several differences that should be considered when determining which one best fits the type of job at hand. Take a look at the differences between these two types of scaffolding and why they’re important.
Stair Scaffolds
As the name indicates, stair scaffolds consist of work platforms and stairways. Stairs allow workers to safely climb the scaffolding even when they’re carrying tools, construction materials, and other essentials. They also provide easy access to high or hard-to-reach areas workers may need to build or repair. These scaffolds are typically faster and easier to climb than their counterparts. They also tend to hold more weight and offer a bit more stability than other types of scaffolding.
Stair scaffolds are often more durable than other types of construction platforms. When combined with their other attributes, they’re the prime choice for many types of construction projects. As such, they may meet more safety requirements than other options. Having said that, they’re not quite as portable as ladder scaffolds, and setting them up for use may require more time and effort.
Ladder Scaffolds
Ladder scaffolds, on the other hand, generally take up less space than stair scaffolds. That means they may work better in tight spaces or areas where stair scaffolding isn’t practical. These scaffolds are also much more mobile than their counterparts. They can easily be folded away when not in use and don’t need as much storage space as stair scaffolding. They’re often recommended for jobs that don’t require as much reach as stair scaffolding can provide. Keep in mind, that ladder scaffolds aren’t quite as stable and sturdy as stair scaffolds, and they’re not meant to hold as much weight.
Choosing the Right Scaffolding for the Job
Each of these types of scaffolding has its place in the construction world. For smaller jobs that don’t require a great deal of height and reach, ladder scaffolds may be the best choice. This is also the case when space and portability are crucial. Other times, though, stair scaffolds are the more suitable solution. They can hold more weight and offer more stability and safety. Consider these points and weigh them against the safety regulations that apply to the job at hand to determine which type of scaffolding would best meet your needs.
