If you are planning on doing a renovation or building project, it can be incredibly useful to know how to put up scaffolding correctly. At United Scaffold Supply, we provide scaffolding rentals, sales, and a variety of other scaffolding related services throughout BC, and we are committed to safety on every jobsite that our equipment is involved on.
How to Install Scaffolding
At United Scaffold, we provide services in scaffold installation and takedown in order to ensure that our equipment is always erected in a safe and reliable manner. Even if you are not building the scaffolding yourself, knowing how scaffolding is put up can help you to spot issues that could be a danger. The steps to install scaffolding include:
1. Preparing the Ground
Before beginning to build a scaffold, it is necessary to create an even, stable surface. If the dirt, grass, concrete, or any other type of ground is unlevel, fill it in with dirt or gravel and pack it down. Lay down soleboards to evenly distribute the scaffold’s weight over the ground.
2. Assemble the Legs
Begin assembling the base by finding all of the adjustable legs, base frame pieces, feet, and hardware to hold the whole thing together. On many scaffold models, the legs of the base are threaded and slide into the frame. Adjusting screws are used to set the height of the scaffold and level out the corners. If casters are being used, attach them to the baseplates on each leg.
3. Connect the Side Frame Pieces
Use the provided cross braces to connect the two side frame pieces that now have the legs attached. The cross braces should form an “X” along the long sides of the scaffolding.
4. Install the Planks
Each of the scaffold’s levels should have reinforced planks that hook into place on either end to act as a platform. Lay the planks in place and make sure that they are secure. Do not use homemade planks, as these might not be strong enough to support your weight.
5. Build the Upper Levels
In order to build the additional levels of the scaffold, attach the frame pieces to the base and then repeat steps 3 and 4. When you get to the top level, install guardrails if they are available.
If you would like to learn more about how to put up scaffolding correctly, or if you are interested in any of United Scaffold Supply’s services or products, please contact us at 1-866-820-6341 or fill out a contact form on our website and we will get back to you.