Each scaffold and scaffold component must support without failure its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it. A qualified person must design the scaffolds, which are loaded in accordance with that design. NAVEEN BHARADWAJ, Proprietor, Scaffolding Engineers.
What are the cuplock scaffolding offered by Scaffolding Engineers? What are safety features in cuplock scaffolding system?
We offer different Scaffolding items used in construction work, like Cuplock system, Props, U Jack, Base Jack, Planks Moving Tower, etc. Cuplock System is the most advanced form and safe system for construction. It is being used worldwide. Upper and lower cup tightly hold the ledgers/horizontals in cuplock system.
Percentagewise traditional formwork and scaffolding system commands a far larger pie than modern formwork and scaffolding system, what are the reasons for this?
Yes, just because of low cost traditional formwork and scaffolding system still exist, but it is changing very fast. Infact, in Delhi and Mumbai almost 98 percent metal scaffolding are being used. Smaller cities are also following to use it now. However, it’s unfortunate that many are still using traditional formwork and neglecting the safety features.
Tell us about the rental market for scaffolding system? What is the total rental market size?
Every construction company no matter small or big requires scaffolding on rent. In construction, size and period varies and hence they depend on rental scaffolding. Regular maintenance, stock and security of material are reasons to make this market attractive. Since, we know that a client is hell-bent on cost minimization and a manufacturer needs the money to keep his business going, treading the rental route sounds sane. Builders and contractors want to bring down the investments and are therefore happy to hire the systems at feasible rates for a stipulated time. Also there’s always an uncertainty in contractors’ minds that a project can come to halt at anytime or maybe get delayed inordinately. Therefore, companies are finding it lucrative to adopt the rental model. The South-West and North-Central regions account for over 70 percent of the country’s construction equipment rental market and it’s growing at 12 percent. Similarly, in India demand for organized Indian formwork and scaffolding is around Rs. 2,103 crore and it is growing at 10 to 15 percent annually.
What are the processes that go in to selecting the right scaffolding system for high-rise buildings?
Right scaffolding is very important part for working in high rise building. All Safety measure must be taken before sending workers to work on height. First of all the system has to be choosen carefully and one must satisfied himself on following points - strength of pipes, how old pipes are, should not be rusted, cup welding to verticals is a major part which need to be insured properly as whole weight is going to come on it. Lesser the distance between two verticals would increase the capacity of loading. Guard rail, quality safety net must be placed before working.
What are the after-sales services and technical support Scaffolding Engineers offers?
We use heavyduty scaffolding 40 NB pipes for Cuplock system. We provide general guidance to client about how to use them to make structure rigid at site. We also help client on calculating minimum quantity of material they would require for any project.
What steps can be taken to prevent accidents caused due to scaffolding failures?
The ground on which scaffolding is to be constructed should be checked. It needs to be firm and secure, and it should be level. Each scaffold and scaffold component must support without failure its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied or transmitted to it. A qualified person must design the scaffolds, which are loaded in accordance with that design. Each platform must be planked and decked as fully as possible with the space between the platform and uprights not more than 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) wide. The space must not exceed 9 inches (24.1 centimeters) when side brackets or odd-shaped structures result in a wider opening between the platform and the uprights. Each scaffold platform and walkway must be at least 18 inches (46 centimeters) wide. When the work area is less than 18 inches (46 centimeters) wide, guardrails and/or personal fall arrest systems must be used. All employees must be trained by a qualified person to recognize the hazards associated with the type of scaffold being used and how to control or minimize those hazards. The training must include fall hazards, falling object hazards, electrical hazards, proper use of the scaffold, and handling of materials.
Tell us about your landmark project.
We have been working for many years and supplied materials to various projects for setting up of industries,residential and commercial towers. However, our biggest project was providing material for setting up factory for Paras Dairy in Newasa near Nashik in Maharashtra and a JainTemple building in Dungarpur, Rajasthan.
What are the latest technological developments taking place in scaffolding system?
Scaffolding system basically facilitates workers to work on height. Safety for workers is a major concern for working towards technological development. Light weight is another major concern for easy movements. Therefore, I believe heavyweight of MS pipe used in scaffolding is most negative point. There is an effort in market to bring aluminum or any other light weight material with similar strength to use in place of MS. Plastic / Polymers pipes are also options for development.
