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Important Tips to Consider When Renting a Tower Scaffold for a Construction Project

10 February 2022

Ethan Burton

Working at height is an essential aspect of any construction job. Therefore, it's important to find the best equipment to access high job sites without jeopardising worker safety. A scaffold tower is one of the most reliable platforms for working at height. It has interlocking poles and bridges for structural support and guardrails for worker protection. Tower scaffolds also have wheels for easy mobility. Here are three tips to keep in mind when renting a scaffolding tower for your project.

Choose the right material

There are three popular materials used to make scaffolding towers: aluminium, fibreglass, and steel. Before approaching a rental company, consider the following factors:

Weight considerations

Aluminium scaffolding is lightweight, which makes it easy to move from one place to another. It is suitable for light to moderate loads and jobs that require a mobile scaffold. Fibreglass and steel are heavier materials. However, steel scaffolds are incredibly heavy and can support heavier loads than other materials.

Nature of the job

Consider any elements of the task at hand that may limit your choice of scaffolding. For example, when undertaking electrical jobs, you may want to avoid metal scaffolds as the material is a conductor of electricity. In this case, fibreglass, which is a poor conductor of electricity, would be an excellent choice.

Budget

Steel and fibreglass scaffolds may cost more to rent than aluminium ones. Therefore, aluminium scaffolding can save you money. However, don't compromise worker safety to lower rental costs. If the job requires a platform that can handle more workers and heavier loads, opt for steel. You can save money by scouting for cheaper deals from scaffolding rental companies.

Determine your height needs 

Tower scaffolds can be adjusted and customised to reach various heights. Therefore, when renting the equipment, ensure that it can access the desired height. This will prevent workers from stretching out to access higher points, which could pose a safety risk. Note that some tower scaffolds come with more than one platform. Thus, you can rent a scaffold with multiple platforms to access different heights at a time.

Examine the weather and the terrain

Two factors determine the safety and usability of scaffolding for work-at-height operations: wind and ground conditions. Avoid using tower scaffolds in windy weather, as they can sway and cause fall accidents. Also, place the scaffolding on stable ground to maximise stability. Do not place the equipment on mud, poorly compacted soil, or soft ground, as it could destabilise, topple over, and injure the workers. If the ground is soft or wet, replace the topsoil with gravel or crushed rock and compact it properly before setting up the scaffold.

Consider these tips when renting a tower scaffold for your construction project.

For more information, contact a company that offers scaffold hire services near you.

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