Ladder versus Scaffold

Ladders are the most commonly used tool to reach a particular height, especially for home repairs, light fixtures, cleaning, or storing things in attics and shelves. Most of us believe in D-I-Y (do it yourself) and do not hesitate to take ladders for granted to quickly fix something. However, it is imperative to make sure safety is of equal importance. Apart from efficiency, safety plays an important role and for the same reason, one must consider choosing scaffolding over a ladder for the next home improvement project. A-Type ladders in Dubai are easily available and can be used for home improvement projects.

When should a ladder be used?

• According to Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines, ladders are excellent for:
• Low-risk work areas and situations.
• Ladders are good for a brief period of task lasting for 30 minutes.
• The area and environments where the ladder will be used must be considered carefully for stability and balance. This will help to avoid any accident and fall or loss of life.
• Carry out a risk assessment before you decide to use a ladder.
• The ladder has to be physically repositioned for an extended work area.
• Ensure the ladder is firmly secured on the ground.

When should a scaffold tower be used?

Scaffold towers are ideal for situations where ladders do not serve the purpose of effective work. Erecting a scaffold takes a longer time as compared to placing a ladder. You can consider using a scaffold tower instead of a ladder if:

• The work at height will last for more than 30 minutes
• Space required for movement while working at height.
• The floor or ground is unfit to secure/stabilise your ladder
• A scaffold platform allows you to move around more while you’re working.
• Fiddly work that requires the use of both hands, needs free space to move around provided by a scaffold tower.
• extra material required at height can be placed on the platform of scaffold tower thus making the labour work efficiently.

Let us look at the differences and similarities between a scaffold and a ladder.

1. Safety of ladders vs scaffolding.

Ladder Safety

• Ladders are often made from durable metal. They are equipped with all types of fancy features and are multipurpose.
• Though Ladders appear to be safe and simpler to use, nearly 10,000 people suffer injuries related to ladder falls every year.
• Unsafe use of ladders includes not wearing the correct type of shoe, climbing up and down the ladder incorrectly, etc.
• The size of the ladder must be considered to ensure overreaching the height does not lead to falling.
• Ladders are susceptible to weather-related issues as in extreme circumstances, the ladder can easily tip over and either causes a fall or leave a person dangerously stranded on a roof or ledge.

Scaffolding Safety.

• Scaffold towers are customisable and decrease the probability of unnecessary falls. This will drastically increase the level of safety at which you operate while working at home or construction sites.
• Additionally, the design of scaffolding equipment will give the worker greater confidence even if there is a fear of height. The platform is stable and convenient for movement thus making the professionals work easily without any fear of scaffolding in Dubai.

2. Greater Flexibility of ladders vs scaffolding.

 2. Greater Flexibility

Scaffolding suppliers in Saudi Arabia vouch for flexibility factors. Scaffolding brings a heightened level of flexibility to your home improvement project.

• It can be fixed on any ground.
• Scaffolding towers can be built on uneven surfaces too.
• Wheels can be fixed to the Scaffold tower for easy movement from one place to another.

Ladders are not that flexible enough and have many limitations.

• The ladder cannot be used on every surface even a slight slope will pose a severe safety concern.
• Weather conditions play an important role in ladder usage. A rainy day for example will pose to be very inconvenient for using a ladder. This will stall the work and delay it. The moisture after a rainy day will not allow the ladder to be firmly grounded.
• Stability issues with a ladder to access a specific area of your home will complicate your efforts.

Ace manufacturers strive to meet all customer’s needs effectively. Aluminum scaffolding prices in UAE are affordable and cost-effective to meet the work requirements.