Things to Consider when Buying Scaffolding and Formwork
Even when humans were still living in caves, they had already found a use for scaffolding, and formwork or falsework made its first appearance in ancient Rome. The latter has become an essential tool within the construction industry, where its purpose is mainly to mould poured concrete to the desired shape, such as a slab, a column, or an arch. On the other hand, a scaffold, although also an essential feature of the building industry, is a means to provide bricklayers, plasterers, painters, and other artisans with easy and stable access to selected areas of a construction.
In both cases, safety will depend on quality, while moulded structures will only be as good as the falsework used to shape them. Consequently, scaffolding and formwork are now subject to strict international regulations with which manufactures are obliged to comply. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that you only purchase these items from an established and proven reliable source and that all of the components you may require bear visible evidence that they are fully compliant with the relevant international standards.
In practice, the best way to ensure that your scaffolding and formwork is up to standard is to purchase these products from a recognised manufacturer rather than a general stockist of building materials. A manufacturer will be in a position to answer any questions you may have and even to provide you with on-site support if you should need it. By contrast, a stockist will be most unlikely to have the knowledge and practical skills necessary to provide you with meaningful advice or technical support.
A building contractor, much like any other business owner, must weigh the cost of items, such as scaffolding and formwork, against the quoted price for a job. It can be tempting to settle for purchasing second-hand equipment, especially where the margin may appear to be tight. That said, only in rare instances can one guarantee that used equipment has been refurbished and meets the recommended standards. An injured worker or a sub-standard moulding that you will need to replace could quickly negate any upfront savings and even put your project in the red.
On the other hand, if you choose to invest in new scaffolding and formwork and maintain it as recommended, you will be assured of many years of valuable service and the best possible return on your investment. All Disc-O-Scaff products, whether off-the-shelf or bespoke, are manufactured from top quality materials and engineered to the highest international standards.