Setup time depends significantly upon the type of job. For example, a simple residential scaffold may take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours to set up with a competent crew. However, a more complicated commercial or industrial project may take days to set up.
A simple residential scaffold may take 2 to 4 hours to set up, provided the site has good access, is relatively flat and the scaffold configuration is not overly complex. Small mobile towers can be assembled by one person in less than 1 hour. Mobile towers have many advantages including portability and ease of use. They are ideal for small jobs such as gutter cleaning, painting, etc. Where the scaffold will need to be moved around a lot, then mobile towers would be the best choice.
However, the previous examples assume that all will go according to plan which is rarely the case.
Factors Affecting Setup Time
Site conditions affect setup time the most. Sites with uneven ground require a great deal of time to level and adjust bases. Access to sites can greatly impact the amount of time it takes to maneuver the equipment into place. Many construction sites are located in tight spaces (between buildings) or have limited driveway space. Obstacles in the path of the equipment or personnel can add considerable amounts of time to the setup process.
Also, the presence of existing structures around the site can be problematic. If power lines are present near the job site, or if there are trees, gardens, or landscaping that cannot be disturbed, it requires very careful placement of the scaffold to avoid these hazards. In addition to the location of the scaffold relative to the hazards, some creative solutions may be required to ensure the scaffold is safely erected.
Additionally, the building itself can increase the time it takes to set up a scaffold. Buildings that have varying wall heights, architectural features that the scaffold must work around, and/or buildings with odd shaped footprints can require more time to set up.
Finally, weather can also play a role in setting up a scaffold. Strong winds may stop work at height, while rain may make the surfaces slippery and therefore some parts of the assembly may be unsafe. Also, extreme temperatures can slow a crew down. Therefore, it is advisable to include buffer time in the schedule for any bad weather. Additionally, projects that are scheduled to begin in inclement weather (i.e., winter or during storm season), will also need to allow for bad weather to delay setup.
Experience of Crew Members
While equipment and technology can certainly make a difference in the efficiency of a scaffold setup, the experience of the crew members has a far greater impact. An experienced crew will know exactly what to expect, how to assemble the scaffold, and will know how to troubleshoot and overcome any unexpected challenges. Less experienced crews will take longer to unload the equipment, place the base plates, assemble the components, and properly brace the scaffold. Additionally, less experienced crews may make errors that will require them to tear down and rebuild the scaffold, which will add additional hours to the setup time.
Established scaffolding companies perth have crews that have experience in setting up scaffolding for similar projects. While they still have to follow safety guidelines and regulations, they are able to quickly and efficiently set up the scaffold. Their ability to do so is based upon their experience and knowledge of the equipment and the regulatory requirements.
Commercial and Industrial Projects
Setup times for commercial or industrial projects are normally much longer than residential projects. Commercial projects typically involve scaffolds that cover a larger area, reach greater heights or provide access to multiple work crews. The setup time for these types of projects can be anywhere from 1 to 3 days or more. Larger commercial projects or industrial facilities can require multiple days to complete the setup.
Industrial projects add an additional layer of complexity to the setup process. Workers must navigate around operating equipment, meet the specific safety standards required for the facility, coordinate with the facility’s scheduling and work with potentially confined spaces or hazardous environments. All of these complexities will add time to the setup process.
In addition to the complexities of the project, the scaffolding itself may become more complicated. Industrial projects may require specialized load ratings for the heavy equipment being used on the project, or special bracing to ensure stability in windy or exposed locations. Often, these specialized configurations take longer to engineer and assemble than standard configurations.
Equipment Type and Quality
Most builders prefer aluminum scaffolding for its lightweight characteristics and modular design. Aluminum scaffolding is also faster to assemble than steel scaffolding because the components connect more easily and less physical labor and mechanical assistance are required to move the pieces into place.
Newer scaffolding systems have quick connect components that are faster to assemble than older designs that require more manual fasteners. Builders report that newer scaffolding systems can be up to 20-30 percent faster than older designs.
The condition of the equipment also impacts the time it takes to set up the scaffold. Equipment that is maintained in good working order with functional connectors and clean threads will assemble more quickly and with fewer problems than worn or damaged equipment.
Planning and Preparation Time
Setting up the scaffold is only part of the total time it takes to prepare the site for the work to be done. Prior to starting the setup of the scaffold, the site needs to be prepared. This includes clearing the work area, marking out the scaffold footprint, checking for underground utilities, and placing materials.
Larger projects also require engineering and design time prior to the setup of the scaffold. This can include determining the configuration of the scaffold, calculating loads, identifying where the scaffold will be tied to the building, and preparing drawings of the scaffold. Depending on the size and complexity of the project, this engineering and design time can take days to complete, although it occurs before the setup of the scaffold begins.
Obtaining permits is also necessary in many jurisdictions for the erection of a scaffold over a specified height or in a public area. Permit processing can take days or weeks depending on the requirements of the jurisdiction and the backlog at the permit office.
High Reach and Multi-Level Setups
As scaffolding goes higher, the time it takes to set up the scaffold increases exponentially. It does not take twice as long to set up a scaffold that is twice as high. Rather, it takes significantly longer due to the added bracing required to support the increased vertical load, the time to transport the materials to the upper levels, and the increased caution required to ensure the stability of the structure as it increases in height.
Typically, multi-level scaffolding projects that exceed three stories will require several days to set up. Projects involving extremely high reaches may take a week or longer to set up. In addition, many multi-level scaffolding projects will require intermediate inspections as each level of the scaffold is completed.
Safety Inspections
Professional scaffold contractors always budget for multiple safety inspections throughout the setup process. Base plates are inspected after they are installed. Completed sections of the scaffold are inspected before being handed off to other trade workers. The final inspection ensures that all of the requirements have been met before the scaffold is put into service.
While safety inspections add time to the setup process, they are not discretionary. They are required to protect the safety of the workers and to comply with OSHA regulations.
Estimating Setup Times
For small residential projects, the setup and teardown time is typically 8 hours (or half a day). For medium sized residential projects or small commercial projects, the setup and teardown time is typically 16 to 24 hours. Larger commercial or industrial projects can require 40 to 80 hours or more for setup and teardown.
All of the previous estimates assume that the contractor has a competent crew, the weather is reasonable, the site has good access, and there were no significant complications. Budgeting for an additional 20% of time for unforeseen events makes the overall estimate of time more realistic.
Tear-down time is typically less than the time it took to set-up the scaffold. Tear-down time is approximately 60 to 70 percent of the time it took to set-up the scaffold. Once the components are disassembled, it is generally faster to remove the scaffolding than it was to set it up.
Communicating Effectively
Successful projects occur when contractors communicate effectively with the other parties involved in the project regarding what is needed. Providing accurate site information, describing the accessibility of the site, and providing open communication regarding the potential complications of the project will enable the scaffold contractor
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