Scaffolding has been used in one form or another since ancient times to construct and maintain buildings and structures.
Though there are many different kinds of scaffolding, the most common type will consist of wooden planks and metal poles which form walkways across the width and height of the building, allowing workers to reach areas which might be difficult to access otherwise.
Scaffolding comes with many benefits, which has led to its enduring success in the construction industry. However, as is often the case, just because something is the most popular choice does not mean it is the best choice, and scaffolding comes with some significant drawbacks which can be resolved by alternative systems.
Higher training requirements
Scaffolding can be incredibly safe, but only if it is constructed by properly trained and competent workers, accompanied by proper supervision and instruction. If the scaffold is not assembled properly, or a defective component is used, the integrity of the entire structure is compromised and can put the lives of everyone that uses it - or even goes near it on the ground - at risk.
Higher planning considerations
Scaffolding requires serious and extensive planning bespoke to the property. Before work can be carried out assessments need to be made and the correct components brought to site, which can take time that could be used for carrying out the work. Other considerations include guardrails and the surrounding buildings and pedestrian pathways.
Scaffolding can also be left up for weeks or months at a time and might become a target for vandals who might use it to access your roof, where they might be injured or killed, which could lead to legal problems for the property owner. Scaffolding can also be a security risk, as burglars might use it to access windows. Other devices such as ladder guards are required to prevent illegal access.
Under work at height regulations, scaffolding should be inspected by a qualified and competent person before it is used for the first time, and then inspected every seven days until it is removed. It should also be inspected after it is exposed to ‘adverse weather conditions’, which can slow work down, add further costs and lead to legal trouble if neglected.
Higher time costs
Scaffolding can take hours to construct and might remain in place for weeks after the work has been completed. It is unsightly and can affect relationships with your client, their neighbours, or even income if the building is a landmark such as a country house or building of interest, alongside the additional inspection and site security costs.
Higher costs in general
For contractors or companies which regularly carry out external work, scaffolding can be a regular, costly outlay. Scaffolding can cost up to £1000 depending on location, and costs only increase as work goes on.
The solution
The Easi-Dec Access Platform system overcomes all of these issues to make work up to the roofline level safe and efficient, making it a cost-effective alternative to scaffolding. The Easi-Dec provides safe, rapid access to the roofline level and can span obstructions such as porches and windows, giving access to the wall, second floor windows, soffits and gutters for maintenance and repair work along with minor roof repairs and solar installation projects.
There are very few planning considerations, as the Easi-Dec can be built and used in many different locations and on different ground types, even on uneven surfaces. The Dec can be quickly built, lifted into position and used within ten minutes. It can even be moved whilst built to cover the same area as scaffolding, or you can link 2m Decs together with a Catwalk to form an 8 or 10m wide Roofline System.
Full training is provided with the purchase of an Easi-Dec system to ensure user competency, taking only 3-4hours at either our site in Sandy, Bedfordshire or at your premises. Once completed, a certificate is provided to each operative to prove they are competent in using the platform.
We offer annual audits for our systems to continually ensure it is safe to use and to provide you with the peace of mind that your operatives are working on safe equipment.
The Easi-Dec platform can be built in just ten minutes, then disassembled and stored in a Transit van or estate car, removing the risk of anyone who shouldn’t be using it to access the roof of the premises.
Perhaps the most important benefit of the Easi-Dec over scaffolding, however, is the money it will save. As a one-time purchase, the Easi-Dec could save you hundreds of thousands of pounds in scaffolding costs over just a few years if you regularly use it. Our cost calculator can show you how much money you could save by buying an Easi-Dec over renting scaffolding.
For more information on the Easi-Dec platform, or any of our safe access platforms, call our product experts on 01767 691812 or use our online contact form.