Energized power lines
Before erection of a scaffold project, one important practice is awareness of power lines in the work area and their voltage. Project managers should maintain a safe clearance between scaffolds and power lines. For instance, there should be a minimum distance of two to three feet for insulated lines with less than 300 volts. For insulated lines with 300 volts or more and for all uninsulated power lines, a minimum distance of ten feet is required.

Scaffold decks
To ensure scaffold safety on decks, planks should be no more than one inch wide for plank warp and wane. A guardrail system is not required if the platform is less than 16 inches from the building, except for suspended scaffolds where the maximum distance is 12 inches. The space between the last plank and the guardrail, which is also the space required to install an additional plank, should not exceed nine and a half inches.

Access to and between scaffolds
Different kinds of ladders such as portable, hook-on, attachable, and stairway-type can serve as access to and between scaffolds. To ensure scaffold safety, these ladders should meet the standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Ladders should not be more than two feet from the supporting level.

Aside from ladders, integral prefabricated scaffold rungs, direct passage from another scaffold, structure or personnel hoist, ramps, and runways can also be used to access different areas of scaffold projects. Also, rest platforms must be installed for every 30 to 36 feet of elevation.

Project managers will do well to work with companies that provide scaffolding safety training to employees to ensure scaffold safety during erection of scaffolding projects. This way, they can prevent accidents that can lead to lawsuits, serious injuries, and even death.

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In fact, representatives from the Scaffolding, Shoring, and Forming Institute (SSFI) and the Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) pushed for the inclusion of scheduled and unscheduled maintenance work to the scope of tasks covered by the employee protection standards of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). These tasks include but aren’t limited to window washing, painting, decorating, tuck pointing, sand blasting, and water proofing.

In addition, this revised rule enforces scaffold safety training for those assigned to do maintenance work. Through training on subjects from basic guidelines to fall protection, companies can rest assured that their employees will remain safe while cleaning, painting, or doing other maintenance work using scaffolding.

Accidents can happen no matter how simple a task is, especially when working above ground. For this reason, companies should use safe, durable, and reliable scaffolding for maintenance work.

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One of the most important factors contractors should consider is whether or not the company provides equipment that complies with the standards set by the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). For example, according to the OSHA, before a contractor decides to rent shoring equipment, he must be allowed to inspect the equipment prior to, during, and immediately after concrete placement (regulation 1926.703(b)(3)). In addition, he must be able to check if:

• The equipment is damaged, as this can mean that its strength is reduced to less than what’s required by regulation 1926.703(a)(1) (regulation 1926.703(b)(2))
• Sills are sound, rigid, and capable of carrying the maximum intended load (regulation 1926.703(b)(5))
• The proposed design of the shoring was prepared by a qualified designer. This should be followed by a detailed inspection of the assembled installation by an engineer qualified in structural design (regulation 1926.703(b)(8)(ii))

By making sure the chosen shoring rental service abides by these, among other OSHA regulations, contractors can better ensure safety onsite.

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Project consulting. A scaffolding company should closely work and coordinate with a project manager or general contractor. This way, both parties will be able to identify project needs and conditions, and the scaffolding company can provide the specific scaffolding types necessary to address these.

Compliance with scaffolding standards. To avoid accidents and ensure the timeliness of the project, safety should always be a priority when getting scaffold rental services. A scaffolding company should follow the safety standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Service Administration (OSHA) and the specific rules and regulations of the state.

Project implementation. It would benefit the project greatly if the chosen scaffolding rental company is able to construct, erect, and dismantle scaffolding. With these services, contractors and project managers will no longer have to worry about sourcing additional manpower and fitting these into the budget.

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fall-related accidents at construction sites are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in Virginia. Scaffolding rental providers such as Scaffold Resource offers durable scaffolding and shoring equipment that meets industry safety standards.

Aside from scaffolding, Virginia-based construction companies should also ensure safety on their jobsites by requiring all personnel to use PPEs such as protective clothing, helmets, and goggles when needed.

Construction companies that value the safety and well-being of their construction workers in Virginia should have a scaffolding rental provider they can trust. For scaffold and shoring solutions for construction jobs of all sizes, visit ScaffoldResource.com or call 301-924-7223.
 

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The Maryland economy benefits greatly from film, TV, and media productions. A few years ago, the Baltimore-Washington area was third in the country after Los Angeles and New York in film and TV production. Despite recent setbacks, the local industry is doing its best to stage a comeback in Maryland. A scaffolding company will always be an asset to production outfits, helping to create movie magic on set.

Scaffolding in Maryland movies was used in different ways. In the film Ladder 49, it was used to create the set facade for exterior and interior environments. The scaffolds were installed according to the set designer’s wishes and local building codes. In Music High, the scaffolds were used for exterior access for lighting in the location.

When making movies in Maryland, a scaffolding company can help with the set’s scaffold requirements, whatever they may be. The company can also provide scaffolding safety training to ensure the safety of the actors and production staff.

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Many of America’s treasured buildings are found in Washington, DC. A scaffolding company plays a significant role in preserving the monuments that symbolize ideals of the nation.

Scaffolding in DC was used in the Jefferson Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial as an interior access system for assessing and restoring the structures. Both were challenging projects because the scaffolds needed to be installed in such a way that they would not come into contact with the surface of the statues, while allowing restorers to have visual and working access to all surfaces.

In DC, a scaffolding company working on the nation’s treasures must not only provide the equipment needed to get the job done, but also take the necessary precautions to preserve their historic fabric.

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Located in Ashburn, Virginia, Redskins Park is the 162-acre training camp of the Washington Redskins NFL team. As the Redskins train for the season every summer, football fans are invited to watch open practice sessions for free. These open practices have made the park a high traffic location ideal for visual promotional materials such as banners.

In Virginia, the scaffolding used for the internal counterweight and guy-wire system was designed and installed with consideration to wind load and tripping hazards. Given the height of the structure and the number of people who visit the park, wind load calculations were important in ensuring the structure was sturdy enough to break strong winds and prevent it from toppling over.

Scaffolding in Virginia was also used for the installation of a 46′ span roadway entrance truss. The Virginia scaffolding company behind the project ensured the stability of the structure, which served as a grand entryway to the park.

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Scaffolding can be used in two ways for restoring structures in Virginia. Shoring is the first. It supports the walls to ensure they won’t collapse. The second is its use as an elevated platform, enabling workers to reach and repair high and unstable places.

There are many important historical buildings that could be restored in VA with the aid of scaffolds. For example, Arlington House is a beautiful structure that was General Robert E. Lee’s home, and the grounds host the Arlington National Cemetery. It’s an example of Greek Revival architecture in Northern Virginia. Scaffolding services could help complete the plastering and the installation of a new fire system.

Scaffolds were also essential in the restoration of the Pentagon, a Neoclassical structure. While its address is in Washington, DC, it is firmly located within Arlington County, VA. Scaffolds helped to install a trash chute system in the building post 9/11.

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As a contractor, it’s important to know which scaffolding types your project will require. There are various kinds of scaffolding products such as work platforms, wall access, stair towers, sidewalk canopies, and shoring. Project consulting can help you choose among all these types to address your construction and repair needs.

Alongside a company that offers scaffolding project management, you can maximize the functionality of the different types of scaffolding available. This is important because these different scaffolding types were designed with specific functions in mind.

With scaffolding project consulting, you can also receive professional input on other aspects of the project. For example, when providing extra support to a building with shoring, project consulting groups can help determine how much material is required and tell you how to set it up given the dimensions and special concerns of your project.

Scaffolding project management can help ensure that a project runs smoothly and that safety hazards are avoided.

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