Replies

1. 
   p_m | Aug 05, 2001 11:08pm | #1

   *
   Curtis,

   I. I'm sure the yellow pages will help in your search. Look under "scaffolding".

   II. How much does your foreman weigh? How can anyone design a "job built" scaffolding system which would rely on the pull-out resistance of nails? Obviously someone doesn't understand the fundamentals of construction [physics, engineering, etc.]. Can you post a diagram of this contraption?

   -Peter

1. 
   Jeff_J._Buck | Aug 05, 2001 11:33pm | #2

   *I'm guessing it was a 2x8 or 10 nailed horizontal.....at a corner.....extending out.....with a 45deg brace....as use on about every other house built...at one point or another. Don't the fundamentals of construction rely just a bit on the pull out resistance of nails? Jeff

1. 
   Curtis_O._Seebeck | Aug 05, 2001 11:44pm | #3

   *Jeff is correct in how it was built. It was a fluke accident that should not have happened. Fortunately, like I said, he was not hurt other than a little bruised and had the wind knocked out of him.The main thing I am thinking about is ultimate safety. As the employer, I could be held liable for not providing a safe working environment, even thought I had nothing to do with building the scaffold. I figure that if I can provide them with some type of scaffold system that is safe, that would reduce my liability.I also do not like the amount of time it requires to build a job built scaffold. I know there are other options out there that provide for quick set up and movement. I just have not had any luck finding something and thought I would get some advice here.I really wasn't looking for a discussion on wether or not my foreman knows the fundimentals of construciton. I am just looking for suggestions for the future, not criticism of the past.Obviously I care enough about what is happening on my jobs to be here looking for a better solution.Curtis O. SeebeckPresident, Seebeck Construction, Inc.San Marcos, TX

1. 
   davidmason | Aug 05, 2001 11:55pm | #4

   *The rental places around here will sell off their old scaffolding every year or so. You don't get much of a break on price as the only thing that is wrong with them is that they have overspray or drywall mud on them. Just a couple of the 6' tall sections would probably help your guys . Just a thought, Dave

1. 
   Curtis_O._Seebeck | Aug 06, 2001 12:07am | #5

   *Thanks for the suggestions. I am really looking for something more "high-tech" then the normal scaffold. The problem with normal scaffolding is that in order to work on an area say 20' you have to have numerous sections of uprights. These are all a pain in the ass to haul around. I have a 22' amuminum scaffold board that we use now. I would just like some type of system, possibly like a scaffold jack system.Thanks again for the thoughts.

2. 
   Brad_Raymer | Aug 06, 2001 01:20am | #6

   *I have used the pump-jack system a few times and liked it, but I saw a siding man in our area using beefy walkboards and alumminum trestle type ladders .His set-up was fast and these appeared to be very safe and sturdy at lower heights. I have run conice/soffits off of extension ladders with ladder jacks and walk boards, liked everthing but getting onto the board from the ladder, always a little scary.Anyone else?

3. 
   Mike_Smith | Aug 06, 2001 02:13am | #7

   *curtis.. Alum-a-pole with 24' pics is about as efficient as it gets...

4. 
   Mike_Maines_ | Aug 07, 2001 01:23pm | #8

   *Pump-jacks, ladder jacks, wall brackets, all have their place. Pump jacks are the most versatile though. Mike

5. 
   Malcolm_Doney | Aug 09, 2001 03:22am | #9

   *Ladder jacks work in a lot of cases, just use another ladder to get onto the scaffold. I have seen/heard of too many guys coming down off of screw/nail up scaffolds. Work safe, live long.

6. 
   Stray_ | Aug 09, 2001 02:36pm | #10

   *Depending on how much you want to spend, this stuff is the cats a--http://www.hydro-mobile.com/index_int.html?sec=productsThe infinite hight adjustment will improve efficiency greatly. This is a big capital outlay, you may try renting it first (in NY state, Albany Ladder rents them out). The campus has installed thousands of 2' of stone and brick facing on some new dorms over the past year with these. very smooth.-Stray

7. 
   David_Cass | Aug 12, 2001 07:52pm | #11

   *I'm with Mike Smith on the Alum-a-pole. They are quick to set up, safe, with available handrails, you can use your old pick on it, and they can get tallet with additional sections.

2. 
   Curtis_O._Seebeck | Aug 12, 2001 07:52pm | #12

   *
   I am a custom home builder that still has his own framing crew on payroll to do all my framing. Recently my foreman fell due to a poorly built "job built" scaffold. You know, the ones built of lumber and using a 2x as a plank. The nails pulled out of the wall and he came down. Fortunately, he was not hurt but rather just bruised.

   I would like to invest in a scaffold system that is easy and fast to put up, portable, yet SAFE. I need it primarily for installing siding and doing cornice work up to 2 storeis. Does anyone have any suggestions?

   Thanks in advance

   Curtis O. Seebeck
   President, Seebeck Construction, Inc.
   San Marcos, TX