Scaffold Structures

You may be wondering at this point if Scaffolding is Interesting History?

It may not be to everyone, but History is the foundation of the Modern era, in this case, the Modern period of Scaffolding Systems and Construction.

Holes were found and still exist in Palaeolithic caves in South West France.

Its Occupants used these holes 17,000 years ago to erect a scaffold system to carry out Historic Cave Wall Painting Gallery.

More Interesting History has been documented includes Scaffolding used during the construction of the Pyramids, Medieval Abbeys and Churches.

Medieval Scaffolding

Scaffolding Poles were not Metal Tubes back in Medieval Times.

Scaffolding Monks put up wooden Scaffolding to provide Working Platforms for Building Sites Constructing Historic Buildings, some of which are Still Standing Tall.

Buckfast Abbey in Devon, England Constructed by Medieval Monks using Wooden Scaffolding Methods 

Wooden Scaffolding

This type of Scaffolding was the most common and, surprisingly, is still used in some parts of the world.

The scaffold is constructed from Bamboo or other natural wood materials such as Tree Branches.

Bamboo and Wood Frame Scaffold System was put together using Ropes as oppose to Nails.

Not only did the Ropes System provide stability, but it meant construction workers could use the Scaffolding Frame Systems again along with the rope.

Bamboo Scaffold

Scaffold Structures made from Bamboo were and are still used throughout the Centuries across the World.

Bamboo Vertical Posts are tied together using Nylon Strips.

Scaffold erected using Bamboo is still used in some parts of the World and preferred by some.

Those who still use Bamboo as Scaffold Poles, including Hong Kong, prefer Bamboo due to its Lightweight but Extra Strong Properties.

Tubular Steel Scaffolding has been know to collapse in High Winds whilst Bamboo Structures stay in Place.

But, as Scaffolding Practices and Technologies evolve, The Construction Industry moves away from using Wooden Structures. 

In the UK and Europe, the Scaffolding Confederation helps its members ensure Workers and the Public are kept safe but enforcing Stringent Safety rules.

Modern Day | Scaffolding Industry Users today favour Modern Scaffolding methods, including Metal Scaffold Poles using Clamps, Coupling Devices, and Plastic Sheeting for extra Protection.

Scaffold Poles first appeared in the early 1900s. 

The problem back then was Scaffold Poles made of Metal would not hold when tied due to rope and ties slipping on the Scaffold Tube.

An Inventor called Daniel Palmer-Jones came up with a Metal Coupler to hold the Scaffold Poles together.

 This invention changed the Scaffold Frame System, and over the years, Scaffold Couplers, Brackets, Clamps and Putlog Couplers have altered the way Scaffolds are erected. 

The Scaffolding Industry in the UK is heavily Regulated to ensure Workers and the General Public remain Safe during Building Work.

The Modern Scaffolding Tubes are now commonly used, with innovations coming through with a Lighter Scaffolding tube, Greener Materials, and a Stronger Safer first frame System.

Scaffolding Materials now include various safety gear products, coupling device variations, and the universal coupler.

 A scaffold is not all Steel and Metals.

 Your Scaffold Structure will not work without widely used Scaffold Planks.

 Timber Scaffold Boards tend to come in 3.9m (13ft) Lengths.

 The Timber Scaffold Boards are typically described as Banded or Unbanded.

Banded Scaffold Boards will have Metal Bands at each end to stop the wood splitting, whilst Unbanded Scaffold Boards do not have the same Protection.

A Scaffolds Steel and Wood Structure will benefit from additional Safety and Equipment to make workers Lives a Bit more Comfortable.

Equipment commonly used in a Scaffold Structure would include a Rubbish Chute Hopper with Rubbish Chute Sections to quickly and safely move Debris to the Ground.

Safety Ladder Trap Doors and Safety Ladder Guards, which stop unauthorised personnel entering the Scaffolds Structure, and Workers from falling through Hatches.

Of course, Scaffolds are not always needed, and construction projects can be completed with Safety in mind using other Equipment for elevated Height.

Builders Trestles come in a variation of Sizes, including Builders Trestle Size 3 with a maximum height of 1.73m.

 The Builders Trestle is the perfect quick, safe solution and is commonly used with Scaffold Planks to provide a Safe lift for working on walls and ceilings.

When working at Height, always check current UK Regulations to ensure the correct system is in place.

For more information, visit NASC (National Access & Scaffolding Confederation)

Next time you walk past a large Scaffolding Structure, you will be reminded of the wonders of what is happening behind it, Construction of Historic Buildings, Pyramids and Cave Paintings, none of which are likely to have offered their presence without Scaffolding.