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| Author: Phil Ray |
When you need scaffolding to do a job don't think of it as a DIY job. If you need scaffolding you'll need to contact a scaffolding hire company. If you do it yourself, you may find that you will become liable for any problems or issues that arise.
A good place to start looking for a hire company is your Local Council or authority. They may have a list of approved hire companies and you will need to contact them to find out. Rememberyour Local Authority will not be able to recommend a particular company as such, but you should be able to make sure that it is am approved company.
In this way you can help to make sure that you employ a qualified builder or scaffolding company to carry out the erection of scaffolding. Again, as working off scaffolding can be a hazardous occupation, leave any building work to the professionals and a qualified builder to do any related building work.
Scaffolding licences
Your scaffolding may need a license. It is the responsibility of the builder or scaffolding Hire Company to get a licence for any scaffolding that is put up on the highway (this includes the pavement). However, you need to be clear that it is your responsibility to check they have this and that it does not run out before the building work is finished.
You can always contact your local authority to apply for more information as to if you need a license and what to do about this.
Safety
Safety is of prime importance when erecting or using scaffolding. Employing qualified people to erect your scaffolding and carry out building work should help to make sure your building site is a safe place. However you should discuss safety issues with the person or company you employ. In particular, you will need to be aware of the following points:
- Scaffolding should always be erected on a firm, level foundation.
- If there is any risk to the public, schedule scaffolding work for quiet times or get a highway closure your local council.
- It is dangerous to erect scaffolding too near power lines. Your local power company can temporally move or protect cables but you will need to organise this well in advance.
- All scaffold boards used should be British Standard BS2482.
- There must be suitably strong barriers in place if someone could fall more than two metres.
- in order to avoid building waste falling on passers-by, keep scaffold boards clear and provide protective catch netting if necessary.
- Ladders should be strong, secure and in good condition, domestic ladders are generally not suitable. Make sure that they are long enough and securely fixed for safety's sake!
Heavy or bulky loads shouldn't be carried up and down ladders. Make sure a hoist is available for heavy or large awkward loads.
Make sure that scaffolding structures are checked weekly, and inspected after alterations, damage and extreme weather conditions. Make sure that it is recorded that you have an appointed person responsible for doing thiseven if it is you.
Components should never be removed out of position for any reason whatsoever. Even on a temporary basis.
Building regulations
it is always wise to contact your local council for details of any building regulations you may need to consider, like the 'materials and workmanship' regulation or the 'access to and use of building' regulation. Copies of the current building regulations are available from Building Regulations Publications HMSO.
You also need to make sure you have any necessary planning permission for the building project your scaffolding relates to. Again your local council will be able to advise you on this.
Rememberwhen it comes to scaffoldingsafety first, last and always!
Article by Philip Ray
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Whilst this article endeavours to contain up to date and accurate information, the article can only be considered as a guide. The author would always recommend that you take local independent professional advice. |
Author Bio:
After many years working in the construction industry, Phil now teaches in the UK. He has written many articles for web sites like Householders Guide, ukhomeonline.co.uk and yourhomeonlineuk.co.uk. His wide knowledge of the Construction Industry and Housing Markets makes him a popular author on Buying Real Estate.? |
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