Developing A Food Processing Plant From The Ground Up

Whereas an experienced contractor can quickly assemble and disassemble scaffolding on his or her own, you won't exactly be able to when you rent some scaffolding for a job around your house. When you pick up the pieces, it's a good idea to get a clear understanding on how to set up the scaffolding from the rental agent. You'll also want to learn some tips on how to work safely with the scaffolding. Upon arriving home and getting ready for the job, you can benefit from recruiting a helper such as your spouse, your teenager, or a neighbor. This helper can provide assistance in a number of ways beyond helping with the setup and disassembly to make the job easier and safer.

Passing Things Up

One of the most time-consuming parts about working with scaffolding on your own is having to climb down every time you need something else for the project. And, while it's important to be properly prepared and take everything you need when you ascend, the reality is that you'll think of something else that you need at some point. With a helper on the ground, you won't have to waste time climbing up and down. Instead, he or she can either pass you what you need by hand or, in the case of several levels of scaffolding, you can make a simple rope-pulley system with a bucket attached to it.

Watching the Footing

It's important to carefully set the footing of the scaffolding when you assemble it. Typically, you'll place a piece of durable plywood under each of the feet to ensure that the scaffolding is level and won't sink into the ground. However, as you move around, you can create vibrations that cause the feet to slip off the wood. One of your helper's jobs should be to keep a watchful eye on the plywood support pieces and ensure that they're still in place.

Acting as a Safety Supervisor

Given the importance of being safe when you use scaffolding, your assistant can assume the role of safety supervisor. When you're working above the ground, you can easily be so focused on the task at hand that you aren't aware of specific hazards. From his or her spot on the ground, the helper can watch what you're doing and make any necessary suggestions. For example, it might be good to place another wooden plank on the level you're on to provide better footing. The helper can also keep an eye on the forecast, as the last thing you want is to be on some scaffolding in a lightning storm.

For more information about renting and using scaffolding, contact a company like Savage Scaffold & Equipment Co.