Masonry Magazine May 2006 Page. 39
Improved Safety and Usability
IT'S NO COINCIDENCE that an emphasis on job site safety has resulted in new accessories designed to protect workers. Justin Breithaupt, Jr., owner of Non-Stop Scaffolding Inc. in Shreveport, La, said his company's new Mid-run Guardrail is a safety "problem solver."
When scaffolding is used at a wall, the wall serves as a barrier to protect workers. But when the scaffolding extends past the wall, workers are exposed to a fall hazard if they walk to the end of the scaffolding, Breithaupt said. The guardrail eliminates the hazard by clamping to the scaffold planks where the wall ends.
"OSHA is getting stricter about guardrails, and we saw a need to put a guardrail that would block someone from walking into, what OSHA considers to be, a hazardous area," he said.
Easier Transport and Setup
ONE OF THE DRAWBACKS of scaffolding is hauling it to and from the job site. It can also be burdensome to set up, often requiring the use of cranes or forklifts. Manufacturers have responded by making scaffolding easier to transport and erect.
George Biagiotti, New England sales representative for St-Mathias-sur-Richelieu, Quebec-based Fraco Products Ltd., said increased safety and efficiency was a goal for the company's new FRSM-1500.
The platform, with a 1,500-pound lifting capacity, is designed for a single person to set up and stand on while working. "One guy can set it up in 20 minutes," Biagiotti said, adding that the platform is assembled by hand-without a crane, hoist or other lifting device to a freestanding height of 35 feet.
When the job is finished, the platform can be folded up into a compact kit that fits on a trailer. The trailer can be pulled by a pick-up truck, making it easy to transport, store and then position on the next job site - a trend taking place across the industry.
America AS Mast Climbers, a division of American Platform & Scaffolding in Baltimore, has three new lightweight, easily transportable machines (mc1100, mc2300, mc3615) that are up to 50 feet long and 400 feet tall.
"No cranes or forklifts are needed. The machines roll right off the trailer and are ready to use," said Barney Hanna, the company's development manager. "When you work in a big city, for example New York or Washington, D.C., getting a crane or forklift in is impossible."
Why is Waco the Contractor's Choice?
For over 60 years, contractors across the country have relied on Waco Scaffolding & Equipment to keep access projects on target and within budget. From engineering your project to closeout, Waco manages each step with trained industry professionals bringing years of experience in both access and construction techniques and practices.
* Scaffolding
* Forming & Shoring
* Hi-Reach
* Engineering Services
* Erection Services
* Contractors Equipment & Supplies
* Sales & Rentals
For Dealer Sales, call Sue Votroubek at 216-749-8900 ext. 130 or visit Waco on the web at www.wacoscaf.com
WACO
Waco...We're With You Every Step of the Way!
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Action Scaffold Manufacturing
2229 S. 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034
800.252.3417
www.actionscaffold.com
Fax: 602.252.0004
E-mail: sales@actionscaffold.com
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May 2006
Masonry
37