Should You Buy or Rent Scaffolding?
Why hire scaffolding?
Working in construction entails a lot of risks. That is why when you choose to hire a scaffold from a reputable company, you are not only guaranteeing the safety of your workers but the whole people around the site as well.
Scaffold hire companies work with an experienced team of scaffolders who have extensive knowledge about the building regulations. Not only are they skilled at erecting scaffolds but they are also trained at dismantling them with utmost precision and safety in mind.
When you hire a scaffolding, you won't have to worry about maintenance or repair costs as these are usually covered by the hire company as well. Plus, the supplies needed to build the scaffold are already provided so you can be confident that what is built matches the scaffolding required. This will safeguard not just your employees but also your business against lawsuits and delays, even if the building were to collapse.
Through a scaffold hire, you allow your workers to work at heights safely using a platform while eliminating the need to spend on your own materials and equipment.
What are the sizes of scaffolding?
In Australia, scaffold sizes can vary depending on the specific requirements of the project. In many cases, scaffolds from hire companies can be customised and adjusted based on the specific needs of a particular job. To determine the appropriate size, consult with a professional scaffold hire provider.
Can you put a ladder on the scaffolding?
In some cases, scaffolding hire companies provide ladders to be used alongside scaffoldings. However, it should be securely attached before anyone attempts to use it. It is also recommended that a harness and safety line be used whenever possible when working at heights on a ladder.
Ladders can only be used for simple access jobs and for safe entry and exit such as where access to the working platform is required for a limited number of individuals and where tools and equipment can be delivered independently to the platform. However, they should not be placed near the working platform to prevent falling through openings.
Why buy scaffolding?
If you are working in a big construction industry, buying a scaffold can be an advantage and a great investment for you compared to relying on a scaffold hire. Since you will be using it in the long run, having your own scaffold can save you a lot of time and money on rental costs. Given this advantage, you can use it anytime you need it without having to worry about scheduling pickups. However, if you are a small contractor or just a homeowner looking to do some repairs, buying a scaffold may not be practical as the upfront costs can be too expensive. On top of that, keeping and maintaining it can be inconvenient especially if you are not always using it.
Do you need to be a ticketed scaffolder to build a mobile scaffold under 4 meters?
Based on the Scaffolding Code of Practice 2021, a high-risk work licence is not required for scaffold work if the potential fall height is four meters or less from the mobile scaffold. However, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) and principal contractors have a general obligation to ensure the health and safety of anyone involved in the scaffold work.
Takeaway
Although buying your own scaffolding is a good idea, choosing to rent one offers more advantages in construction applications. When you work with a reputable scaffold hire company, skilled professionals will erect the framework for you. You can also guarantee quality materials used by the scaffold hire. Ultimately, you can relax knowing that competent experts will dismantle the scaffold on your behalf.
In addition, when you rent scaffolding, the cost of supplying and erecting the structure is usually included in the final hire price which means that there will be no additional cost during the setup process. If you are looking for a reliable scaffold hire company in Wollongong, Crewscaff provides a range of scaffold hire solutions to suit the requirements and budget of residential, commercial and industrial clients.
