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Tips For Staying Safe While Using Scaffolding

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Whether you're fixing some loose exterior siding, pressure washing the house or doing any other job that requires you to be elevated high off the ground, renting scaffolding will make your life easier and safer. Instead of being perched precariously atop a ladder — possibly for a long duration — you can set up the right amount of scaffolding, ensure that it's stable and then work confidently to get your project done. When you visit a rental center, the rental rep will go through the process of setting up the scaffolding, as well as answer any questions you may have. Once you're home, however, you'll need to be vigilant about these safety tips.

Keep Your Hips Below The Upper Rail

When it comes time to lay the wooden planks across the metal frame of each scaffolding section, you'll need to decide the height at which to set the planks to allow you to climb and reach whatever project you're working on. As you make this decision, you must also be careful to ensure that when standing on a plank, your hips are below the upper rail of that scaffolding section. If they're above the rail, your center of gravity will be too high, and a misstep could cause you to fall. When below the rail, you'll simply bump into the rail and regain your balance.

Don't Skimp On The Locking Devices

If the job you're tackling is large, you might have to put up, take down and move the scaffolding on numerous occasions. As you go through these steps, you'll eventually get more comfortable with the scaffolding and be able to set it up quickly. It's imperative that you don't cut corners in an effort to save time. For each section of scaffolding for rent that you put together, you must lock all the pieces together. Typically, you'll do this with a heavy-duty pin assembly that will prevent the sections from swaying and coming apart.

Place An Extra Plank Behind You

If you're working very high off the ground — for example, three or four scaffolding sections high — it's easy to feel a little nervous, even if you're perfectly stable on the scaffolding. A simple way to beat this case of the nerves is to place a wooden plank behind where you're working at roughly the height of your backside. You'll be able to lean your weight against it slightly, which is ideal if your legs are shaky, and you'll have the feeling that you're in more of an enclosed area, which can feel snug and secure.


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