Are you in search of a safer and more efficient way to work at heights? Then, suspended scaffolding might be just the solution you never knew existed. These scaffold systems differ from traditional scaffolding systems in that they hang from overhead structures, unlike standard scaffolding, which is ground-supported. They improve safety and aid in performing activities such as window cleaning, repair, and industrial maintenance much faster.
In this blog, we will look at what suspended scaffolding is, its types, advantages, and its use in operations, leaving you with an understanding of why it has become an important tool for modern construction and maintenance.
What is Suspended Scaffolding
Suspended scaffolding is one of the temporary working platform types available during construction and maintenance, painting, and repair works on tall edifices. This is contrasted with the traditional scaffolds, which are supported by the ground. It gets its support from the top of the structure and is hung using ropes, cables, or mechanical hoists. It enables workers to perform work at hard-to-reach surfaces on elevated areas without even having to build a complete support framework on the ground. These systems are lightweight, but can hold heavy loads up to 1500 lbs. When combined with powerful motors, materials, and workers, it can be lifted at varied speeds.
Purpose of Suspended Scaffolding
Safe Access
Allows workers safe access to high places or hard-to-reach locations. It eliminates the need for the presence of slings on the ground, especially with high-rise buildings.
Versatility in Use
The entire range from cleaning, painting, and fixing windows on high-rise buildings to maintenance work in large industrial facilities can be undertaken with the use of suspended scaffolding.
Increased Productivity
It allows the workers to quickly move from one area of the building to another efficiently without moving large scaffolding systems.
Enhanced Safety
It can easily support the weight of workers and materials; hence, the risk of accidents, which may occur with ladders or climbing equipment, is mitigated.
Types of Suspended Scaffolds
Swing Stage Scaffolding
It is a platform that hangs from a building, suspended by ropes or cables, connected to stirrups at each end. This is also called a two-point adjustable suspension scaffolding. This scaffolding is motorised, making it suitable for large-scale projects. This scaffolding is easily installed, dismantled, and transported from one place to another. This scaffolding is typically used for window cleaning, painting, building maintenance, and installing signage on tall buildings.
Catenary Scaffolding
This type of scaffolding is set up by attaching a working platform to two horizontal, parallel, parallel ropes, suspended from structural supports of the building, such as beams and columns. These platforms consist of hook-shaped stops to prevent from slipping of the wire rope. This rope is known for its efficiency, including the time, money and energy required for constructing tall scaffolding. It is used in the construction, renovation, and maintenance of high-rise structures.
Float/Ship Scaffolding
A float scaffold consists of a wide platform that rests securely on two parallel bearers, supported by overhead hanging ropes of a certain fixed length. These scaffolds are not designed to support more than three workers or light materials or tools. These scaffolds are used for small maintenance and renovation projects that don’t require heavy lifting, such as riveting, bolting, and welding.
Interior Hung Scaffolding
This scaffolding consists of a platform suspended from the ceiling or roof structure by fixed-length supports. Suspension ropes or cables are connected to overhead supports with shackles, clips, or thimbles. Interior-hung scaffolds are usually suspended from roof structures, such as ceiling beams must be inspected before usage.
Multi-Level Suspended Scaffolding
This type of scaffolding has platforms suspended at different levels, all supported by the same cable or rope system. It permits several teams to work concurrently on various floors or sections of a building, thus improving efficiency and coordination in the execution of large projects. Multi-level systems are most often employed in the construction or refurbishment of buildings where operations must be performed on several vertical planes simultaneously.
Multi-Point Adjustable Scaffolding
More than two support points are utilised in the suspension of these scaffolds for greater stability and load distribution. The suspension points are adjustable separately to suit the varying parameters of the structure. Ideal for working on curved or irregular surfaces, such as domes or ship hulls or even decorative facades of buildings.
Single-Point Adjustable Scaffolding
This system has only one suspension point and is generally employed in lighter work, such as inspection or small repair jobs. A platform or chair is suspended from one cable or rope¸, and workers pull themselves up or down using a mechanical or manual hoist. Easy to move about and quite compact, it does not, however, bear much load, nor does it offer a large work space.
Needle Beam Scaffolding
A needle beam scaffold is made up of a platform supported by needle beams passed through the openings in a wall or a floor and supported at either end. The beams are suspended by ropes or chains attached to the overhead supports. This type of scaffold is mostly used when work must be carried out over a surface where usual support from below is not possible, such as below bridge works or facades of buildings being renovated.
Advantages
Suspended scaffolding has several advantages that make it, therefore, a widely used method for all industry types. Among the major benefits are:
Safety
It provides a secure and stable working platform for workers carrying heavy loads and reduces the risk of accidents compared to traditional ladders or scaffolding.
Accessibility
It is an excellent means of accessing high areas or those very difficult to reach. It thus became a mandatory system for tall and high-rise buildings for maintenance.
Versatility
This scaffolding can be used for both construction and maintenance needs, no matter whether they are stationary or moving. There is no limit to flexibility for large and small tasks.
Cost-Effectiveness
These scaffoldings in many situations require fewer materials for setup compared to traditional scaffolding, making it economical, which can be deployed at less cost.
Disadvantages
Suspended scaffolding has many advantages, yet one must be aware of the disadvantages.
Wind Sensitivity
Due to the height and being suspended, this type of scaffolding is more prone to high winds than regular scaffolding. Such winds result in safety hazards to the workers.
Setup Complexity
Setting up and maintaining this scaffolding may require higher expertise, as it involves securing the scaffold to the overhead structure, which could be time-consuming and labour-intensive.
Limited Weight Capacity
Depending on the system, some suspended scaffold types may exert weight limitations, affecting the type of work that can be done on them. Weight limits or overloading a scaffold can become a safety hazard.
Applications
- Building Maintenance: For cleaning, painting, and repair works in high-rise buildings.
- Construction: For bricklaying, plastering, and installation of exterior systems.
- Industrial Projects: For maintenance in large factories, refineries, or power plants.
- Emergency Work: For rescue operations and safety purposes.
Installation and Setup Process
Assess Structure
Precautions should be taken before installing the scaffold to evaluate the entire setup. The inspector should confirm that the entire scaffold and the workers can be supported. Strong beams or overhead support points able to carry the system will be required.
Secure Points of Suspension
On the structure, mark out and secure the suspension points. These spots are where the scaffold hangs from: most often substantial building beams, roof types, or other high points. Ensure that these suspension points are secure and can withstand the test of an overhead load.
Mount the Suspension System
Hoist the ropes, cables, or hoists to the suspension points. These will facilitate the raising and lowering of the scaffold itself. However, all lifting gear should be in good condition and capable of supporting the total weight of the scaffold and the workers on it.
Assembly of Scaffold Platform
With the suspension system in place, the scaffold platform may be assembled. This involves attaching the platform to either the ropes or cables in such a way that it is level and stable. The platform must be firmly attached to allow no shifting or tilting.
Check for Stability and Safety
Recheck that the platform is balanced and stable. Perform a load test to confirm it can safely support the workers and their equipment. All connections must be secure to ensure that no accidental or unexpected movement of the scaffold will take place.
Final Inspection
Conduct a thorough inspection of the entire system before use. Look for any hazards, such as loose fittings, weak points, or general wear on the cables or ropes. Verify that all safety devices are in place and working, such as guardrails and fall protection.
Conclusion
Suspended scaffolding is much safer and relatively more efficient than scaffoldings of traditional scaffolding when working at heights. Typical scaffolds rest on the ground, while suspended scaffolding hangs from overhead structures, making it easier to reach higher or otherwise inaccessible areas. Thus, operations like window cleaning, repair, and maintenance get done quicker and with less risk. In this blog, we will have an excursion into the types, benefits, and installation process of suspended scaffolding, emphasising the reasons why it is a very important tool in modern construction and maintenance.
Apoorva H P Achar