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Welcome to the Network Scaffold Service UK Limited Blog. Take a look at the latest news and updates regarding our scaffold services throughout the Midlands.

An Informative Guide To Cantilever Scaffolding

An Informative Guide To Cantilever Scaffolding

By on May 26, 2022 in Blog |

When it comes to scaffolding in Derbyshire, many of the types displayed are usually traditional forms of scaffolding. It is not uncommon to see different types of access scaffolding. However, one type of scaffolding that can be found in Derby but which is not overly common is cantilever scaffolding.  Exactly what cantilever scaffolding is can confuse some people who aren’t involved in the industry. So, we decided to focus on what cantilever scaffolding is and how it can benefit you and/or your business.  What Is Cantilever Scaffolding  Cantilever is an excellent access solution for both commercial and domestic scenarios. This unique type of scaffolding is becoming ever the more popular; this is due to the fact that it is very easy to erect and dismantle. Accompanying this, is the fact that the scaffolding structure helps expert scaffolders to access hard to reach places as well as offering unrivalled levels of protection and support.  As mentioned above, due to the unique form of cantilever scaffolding; it enables workmen access to typically hard to reach places. The cantilever style conveniently eliminates the requirement for poles and frames in front of scaffolding structure.  This unique form of scaffolding is often used when there is an obstacle or narrow pathway obstructing access to an area. An often cited big advantage of cantilever scaffolding is the fact that it is extremely cost effective when it comes to erecting and dismantling scaffolding in areas that do not typically allow for such freedom.  The 3 in 1 Rule Much like other forms of scaffolding; health and safety should always be at the forefront, regardless of the scaffolding type. While the cantilever scaffolding type is safe, there are still many precautions you can take to ensure everything remains as safe as possible.  As such, when it comes to working on cantilever scaffolding you might want to consider the 3 in 1 rule. The 3 in 1 rule details that the total working height of the scaffolding tower should be 3 times the distance of the narrowest side of the base. If these requirements are not met; the tower should be secured by guide wires to ensure the structure remains sturdy and secure at all times. These guidelines...

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What To Do With Wet Safety Decking

What To Do With Wet Safety Decking

By on May 20, 2022 in Blog |

As we have stated in many of our previous blogs, safety decking is an industry leading fall prevention system. The system is becoming ever the more popular with scaffolding companies. This is largely due to its incredible health and safety benefits.  While the advantages of safety decking far outweigh the negatives; such as the incredibly easy installation process and the previously mentioned fall protection technology, there are some instances where this industry leading safety platform technology can be a slight hindrance or minor hiccup.  No matter the month in the UK, we can unfortunately see quite a lot of rainfall. This inevitably leads to wet and slippery decking. With the majority of safety decking being plastic, this creates even more of a problem. Although it might go without saying, we thought it best to state it here, plastic when wet, can be very slippery.  As you might have already guessed, having slippery flooring can lead to potentially catastrophic incidents.   Luckily, the safety decking system supplied by Network Scaffolding is non-slip and extremely versatile. Although our product is non-slip, there are still certain steps you should take. This is to ensure the integrity of the structure and quality remain as consistent as ever. As such, let’s look at what to do with wet safety decking or any other scaffold decking for that matter.  Dry It Safely And Effectively It might go without saying, but if your decking is wet, you will want to dry it as soon as possible. You should do so safely and effectively. Although our technology is non-slip, keeping your decking as dry as possible is always a benefit.  There are many ways you can dry your decking. These can include simply using paper towels and/or other clothes to quickly dry them. Or, even using a dehumidifier if you happen to have the time and facilities to do so. Remove Leaves Depending where your scaffolding has been erected, you might garner a range of leaves on your structure. When wet, leaves produce another potential slip hazard.  Because of this, you will do well to promptly and effectively remove the leaves as soon as they fall onto your structure. The sentiment is echoed for any other debris. Aside...

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Permits and Permissions For Scaffolding in Derbyshire

Permits and Permissions For Scaffolding in Derbyshire

By on May 12, 2022 in Blog |

At Network Scaffolding Services, we have many years of experience in the scaffolding in Derbyshire sector. As such, our intricate and thorough knowledge has been showcased multiple times on our blog. In one of our previous blogs; we actually detailed some of the potentially confusing jargon that is often used amongst scaffolders.  Or, even more recently, we detailed some of the most used components and equipment in scaffolding.  While many of us would prefer not to acknowledge it, the scaffolding business can heavily revolve around official documentation. One of the most famous forms of documentation or paperwork which should be considered before any work is commenced on a scaffolding site; are the consideration of permits and permissions.  Whilst the world of permits and permissions are not particularly confusing; the result of getting the documentation incorrect can be catastrophic. Being a successful high quality scaffolding company in Derby, we thought it opportune to detail what planning and permissions you might require in Derbyshire.  Scaffolding On Private Property For the most part, when erecting scaffolding on a privately owned property in the UK, you do not require a permit or any relevant paperwork. However, usually when carrying out work on scaffolding, the property owner has normally asked a qualified company to erect and work on the site. As such, this is considered efficient enough permission.  In conclusion, as long as you have been asked to be there, you do not need to worry about permits and permissions on private properties.  Permits For Public Highways When it comes to erecting and dismantling scaffolding on a public highway, or most other non-private premises for that matter, it is a different story as far as permits are concerned.  Derby city council advises that in order to put scaffolding on a public highway, you must apply for a license to the council beforehand. You must ensure you have acquired your permit at least 2 weeks before work is due to start.  The scaffolding and hoarding license costs £165 for 28 days. You will need to pay another £83 for every additional fortnight of work required.  The council have advised that structure which are erected on the highway without permission; will incur a cost of £50 plus...

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The Many Different Components of Scaffolding

The Many Different Components of Scaffolding

By on May 5, 2022 in Blog |

In one of our most recent blogs, we covered some of the commonly used scaffolding jargon. We quickly alluded to some of the different components of a typical scaffolding structure. While different types of scaffolding can have different components, the vast majority of structures have certain set components.  Let’s take a look at the different components of scaffolding and, while we are at it, let’s detail what they look like and how they are typically used.  Different Decking Decking is an essential part of any erected scaffolding. Suitable high quality decking provides the perfect groundwork for any safe working platform. Decking is usually described as the horizontal platforms laid across the structure to allow workers safe footing.  There are multiple specific decking system options for your scaffolding. At Network Scaffolding, we supply industry leading safety decking, or crash decking as it is sometimes known. Safety decking is extremely effective at preventing falls, is a high quality safety platform and it is incredibly practical when it comes to erecting and dismantling a scaffolding structure.  So why not consider investing in crash decking today? It is one of the best forms of fall protection.  Standards Standards are arguably the most important of a scaffolding structure. Without standards the structure would not be erected at all, never mind have any kind of structural integrity.  Standards are the long circular pipes supporting the weight of the scaffolding from the ground up. They are usually fixed into a secure base plate to allow for firm and safe footing when working commences on the scaffolding.  Ledgers When it comes to scaffold erecting, there are few components as important to the overall structural integrity of the scaffolding as a ledger. Without ledgers, there is no question that the scaffolding will not be as safe as it should be. Sometimes known as simply runners, ledgers are tubes that connect standards along the length of scaffolding. The tubes should be secure on the inside of the standards with load bearing couplers to help with further support and with weight distribution.  Guard Rails For any scaffolding over 2 meters tall with a slight risk of falling, guard rails are a necessity. While guard rails themselves might have certain requirements...

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Using Scaffolding For Advertising And Promotion

Using Scaffolding For Advertising And Promotion

By on Apr 28, 2022 in Blog |

Up and down the UK, it is not uncommon to see scaffolding draped in advertisements as you drive up and down city roads. Whether the scaffold is in Derby or anywhere else, you will most likely have seen various types of scaffolding advertising all types of products and services. From promoting Apple’s new product to luxury washing machine brands. When it comes to advertising on scaffolding; the possibilities are endless.  This unique form of advertising and promotion is called scaffold wrap. Often scaffold wrap is used to hide the already existing scaffolding while simultaneously promoting a brand and/or product. This technique has proven very effective as the technique has multiple purposes.  So when it comes to using scaffolding as an effective form of advertising, you might want to consider these helpful tips.  Identify A Plan Like most potential marketing projects, you will want to identify or lay out a detailed plan to ensure the overall success of the project. Some of the previously mentioned advertising projects can be quite costly as far as company expenses are concerned. Because of this, you will not want to overlook any small detail. To counteract this and ensure the project is carried out in a sufficient and timely manner; you can mitigate the potential for a mistake through effective and detailed planning.  Strong and effective planning is essential when it comes to any commercial based or financially costly task.  Know Your Budget and Permissions  As you might have already guessed, scaffolding can be found up and down the UK. As such, the scaffolding might be seen in very densely populated areas enabling any potential advertisement on them to be seen by a vast array of people. If this happens to be the case; putting a scaffold wrap with advertisements on them might cost significantly more as this will be seen in a more desirable area.  When budgeting is concerned, you might have to deal with installation fees, delivery costs and other potential small fees. You will also want to consider what relevant permissions you might require. For example, you can not just put up an advertising banner on anyone’s scaffold, you must acquire certain permissions first.  Proofing A step often forgotten by many...

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The Importance of the Environment on Scaffolding

The Importance of the Environment on Scaffolding

By on Apr 22, 2022 in Blog |

Over the last few years, or even decades depending how you look at it, there has been an overall push to be more environmentally aware and subsequently; reduce our carbon footprint. This sentiment rings especially in the first half of 2022. Being a surveyor of premium quality scaffolding from Derby, we understand that our environmental impact has on the world around us. As such, we enact many different techniques to ensure our carbon footprint is as low as it can be.  The scaffolding industry might not be the first industry you think of when it comes to having an environmental impact. However, many of the industries we work on, which include construction and demobilisation, can have quite a big impact on the environment if the correct procedures are not put in place.  We would like to highlight ways in which our industry in general strive to be more environmentally friendly.  The Use Of Steel Surprisingly a proven effective way to be more environmentally friendly is by using steel for scaffolding. This is in large part due to the fact that steel is very sustainable. Steel will last significantly longer than material such as timber meaning there is less need for material waste.  Accompanying this is the fact that steel is often manufactured in heavily regulated, environmentally friendly ways.  Staff Training Carrying out all encompassing and sufficient environment training to all members is a simple and effective way of being more environmentally friendly. Educating staff on issues such as recycling and sustainability is extremely effective. It is found that staff will reduce their carbon footprint as a result of this.  Waste Management On Site As previously alluded to, we want easy access to recycling options and as such we encourage recycling and waste management on site. Having delicate and separate bins for plastics and cardboard is just one way to do this.  Want To Learn About Our Environmental Approach?  Do you want to learn more about the approach to environmental issues of a BS OHSAS 18001 accredited supplier? Why not check out the rest of our site for more great information on scaffolding in Staffordshire and surrounding...

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