Scaffolding consists of standards, ledgers, and stringers. Platforms, clamps, and casters are also used. Stairs and ladders allow workers to move between levels safely. Accessories such as hoists can be added for convenience.
The three main parts that make up the scaffold structure include the standards, ledgers and stringers. These are the pipes that make up the skeleton of the scaffold, although many other parts of the scaffold are required to make the structure sound and usable. Platforms, for example, are used to allow workers to stand or walk while on the scaffold structure; clamps are used to connect pipes together and casters can be installed at the base of smaller scaffolding structures to allow workers to move the structure when needed.
The standards are the vertical pipes to which other horizontal pieces will be attached. Many standards can be stacked to create a taller structure and are connected with scaffolding clamps. Other parts of the scaffolding can also be connected with clamps; Stringers are horizontal stringers that run between the standards and stringers are smaller tubes that run perpendicular to the stringers to create structural rigidity and stability. Platforms, or flat pieces of wood or metal that workers can stand on, will often be placed on top of ledgers. Some special types of clamps allow for diagonal stabilizer registers that form an X shape between the standards. The clamp used for such purposes is known as a swivel clamp and is one of the most versatile scaffolding parts available.
Some of the important wet parts of the scaffold are stairs and ladders. These allow workers to move from one level of the scaffold structure to another safely. Ladders are generally safer than stairs, and workers can carry materials up stairs but usually not up ladders. Ladders tend to be more expensive, however, and take up a significant amount of space compared to ladders. Ladders often run along the side of the scaffolding, and in some cases, holes may be present in the platforms for a worker to move from level to level. This poses a safety risk, so stairs are usually preferred.
Accessories can be used on scaffolding to make them much more convenient. Hoists, for example, can be mounted to the side of a scaffolding structure and used to transport materials from ground level up to any platform. This hoist mounts to the scaffold structure and is often motorized; a pulley turns to let the cord out or retract it as needed, and the cord features a hook at one end so items can be attached to the line.
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