What’s Pump Jack scaffolding?

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The Pump Jack Scaffold is a compact, adjustable construction scaffold with brackets, a walking platform and pedals. As the name suggests, the most distinctive feature of pump scaffolds is the ability to use foot pedals to pump a walking platform up or down vertical support posts, as height adjustments are required. Such scaffolds are commonly used by painters, siding installers, and other building professionals in areas where traditional fixed-frame scaffolding is impractical due to uneven terrain, limited time, or lack of space.

In terms of scaffold types, pump jack scaffolds are highly portable, easy to assemble, inexpensive, and versatile, making such tools a favorite of small construction crews lacking the manpower to assemble larger scaffolds. Rather than a traditional fixed-frame metal scaffold or custom-built wooden scaffold, the pump jack scaffold features just five pieces that easily fit into the bed of a pickup truck. A complete pump jack scaffold set includes a pair of top brackets with long extending arms, a pair of brackets with foot pedals and footplate supports, and a narrow metal footplate or platform.

Some units include an extra set of brackets to hold a second board for use as a workbench, with all brackets having the same size opening to accommodate the uprights. Typically, users need to purchase the wooden posts separately in lengths equal to the height needed. Any pressure-treated wooden post can be used, as long as its dimensions fit the bracket openings. Since single posts are used at either end of the scaffold, the only height requirements for posts are those limits imposed by building codes and safety guidelines. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends posts no longer than 30 feet (10 meters) and the use of 4×4 pressure treated lumber for posts.

To set up pump jack scaffolding, two wooden posts are set vertically and plumbed onto a structure. The posts can be sunk into the ground at the base or allowed to sit above ground, depending on the specific terrain. Metal extendable arms are attached to each pair of upper and lower brackets, helping to secure the scaffold to the structure using bolts or screws. The arms extend to the left and right of each bracket to provide the greatest possible stability and to prevent the scaffold from breaking. The bottom brackets have smaller support arms to accommodate walking platform risers and pedals.

Safety is the biggest concern with pump jack scaffolding. Without the complex framing of traditional scaffolding, workers have little protection from falls. Therefore, organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommend the use of personal fall prevention devices or guardrails, as well as limiting total weight to no more than 500 pounds (227 kilos).

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