Masonry Magazine September 2009 Page. 22
ADJUSTABLE SCAFFOLDING
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that regularly use scaffolding, but don't want to spend a lot of money buying new equipment.
Bridges says that training allows mason contractors and their employees to use scaffolding even more effectively. EZ Scaffold provides free training for its customers.
"When your employees understand how to use the scaffold and what it can do, they will be more efficient as well as safer," Bridges explains. "We also have a program for EZ customers, free of charge, in which we will layout your job on our CAD system so that you can see how much equipment it will take. This helps all the way from the bid process to providing the drawings to your employees during installation."
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Work safer with new accessories
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NEW SAFETY PRODUCTS have improved fall protection and made scaffolding safer. BETCO Scaffolds is now offering ladder cage hoops for its tubular ladders that protect workers while they climb onto the scaffolding.
"We have adapted the ladder cage hoops for the flat-type ladders used in the commercial market," Cantu says. "The ladder cage hoops form a temporary cage around the access ladder, enabling the worker to safely climb the ladder and egress safely to the work platform. Though not commonly used in the commercial industry, with today's emphasis on fall protection, in time this ladder accessory will be a common staple with scaffolding."
The company has also improved and modified its adjustable gate, which will clamp onto open-end frames from three feet, six inches wide to five feet wide, Cantu says. "The gate is spring loaded and will open outward and close behind the worker as he enters the platform."
Scafjack offers a guardrail that's similar to the guardrails used on mast climbers. The guardrail simply slides over planks at the end of the scaffolding to provide height protection up to 40 inches.
"It's very light at the end of the plank. There's nothing like it on the market in the United States," he says. "It's easy to manipulate to install. At 17 pounds, it's also easy to move."
Mason contractors sometimes nail 2-X-4 lumber together to provide guard railing at the end of planks. Scafjack's guardrail offers a safer, more