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Discussion Forum

Scaffolding Concerns

BigK | Posted in General Discussion on October 2, 2010 11:42am

     Does anyone here have any experience with using Biljax’s Utility Scaffold system? They are more commonly known as “speed scaffold”.

     I own a couple of sets, use them for working on higher walls and cielings (interior). I really like them for their speed of setting up, mobility, and ease of use. The generous size of the working platform, nominally 2 1/2′ x 6′, is a plus also.

     My issue is this: one platform are stamped “CAP 1000 lbs”, an older but identical platform is stamped CAP 750#.  I am an “average sized guy”, 6’7″ and weigh 310#. I figured that with that rating that this system would be safe for me to use. The issue is that the metal frames around the ends of the work platform is bending under my weight and taking a permanent bow. I measured 5/8″ bow in one end and refused to use that platform again. I was able to return one of that platform under waurantee, but the other platform I have had for a while and so am stuck with it.

     The way that these platforms are built, there is no real support under either end of them. Biljax initially maintained that the rating was based on 75# per square foot, spread out evenly over the entire platform. I am contending that even an average sized mexican weighing 160# and standing on 1 1/2 square feet, would exceed the design parameter; also that only the center 1/3 of the platform has been braced for any kind of load.

     Biljax and I are discussing modifying the original platform with heavier plywood (1/2-3/4) and additional bracing at either end. I am insisting that they provide me with a stamped engineer’s letter as to their acceptance of these modifications and their willingness to stand behind the improvements. We haven’t gotten to the part about  who is going to pay for these changes yet.

     Has anyone else had issues with these platforms bending like I described? If so, how did you address the issue? What are your thoughts about this? I am looking for additional input on this situation. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

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  1. jimatgreatwhite | Oct 02, 2010 11:24pm | #1

    I think you just need to get wider shoes!

    Thier rating is most;y a sales technique. It is the maximum load allowed if place exactly as they state.

    They would sell a lot fewer of them if they said only 150 pound guys cold use them naked without any tools or materials in hand.

    I have used mine as lumber carts,getting close to the thousand pound rating. Saves the back a bit.

    An average size guy like yourself may need to make a few field modifications. If you can weld or have  a welder buddy maybe you could beef up the ends yourself.

    I think they are a gosh send to the industry!

    Jim

    1. BigK | Oct 03, 2010 10:53pm | #2

      Wider shoes? I already wear a size 15.

           The local distributor thinks that I should buy a heavy duty system. I reminded them that they were only to happy to sell me (not my wife or someone else who is smaller) the scaffold in question. Since when did a 1,000# rating qualify as a light duty system?

           I am working with the manufacturer about some modifications: 3/4 ply to replace the 1/2, steel angles at either end. But I am insisting that they provide me a stamped engineer's letter acepting the liability for these modifications. No way that I am going to be the responsible party if someone were to get hurt from my equipment (injury, court, Mfr.-"we didn't authorize those modifications").

           I, like everyone else in the industry, has at some time spent good money for some new fangled tool that failed to perform as advertised let alone do the job at all. Does anyone remember the Quik-Drive collated screw gun? My original, and the mfr's. improved replacement were both pieces of junk. But I thought that a stated capacity rating actually meant something. No where in any of their literature was there any mention of spreading out the load over the entire platform. And I bought the original American made version, not some cheaper chinese junk that is available almost everywhere. I actually thought that meant something too.

      1. BigK | Oct 08, 2010 12:18pm | #3

        Atta Boy for Biljax

             Biljax is stepping up to the plate, they have told me that they are going to make things right. They have admitted that they have had a few calls for the same issue like I described with the platform frame bowing under load and becoming unsafe to use. They are going to modify the frames, add some angle steel at either end to better support the loads applied. This decision was in response to how I presented my case of how their product was inadequately designed for the intended task. Biljax has also decided that they need to change the design of their stock platform so as to eliminate this issue for future users.

             Biljax has decided that they would replace both of my platforms with the newer stronger platform at no cost to me. Only one is still under waurantee, I have owned the other one for several years and I offered to pay for that one. I want to give Biljax, an American corporation, a huge atta boy for stepping up to the plate and making everything right.

             If anyone wants to discuss how I was able to persuade Biljax to make these changes, please email me directly so that we can discuss this privately.

  2. renosteinke | Oct 08, 2010 01:56pm | #4

    A few general observations:

    Load ratings are for 'live load,' and it is assumed that the load will somehow be spread by the structure. For example, youe home's roof might have a rating of 'only' 30 lbs. per sq., ft- but you can easily walk on it.  Were someone to claim that the load had to be APPLIED in a 'spread out' manner, they would be mis-stating the topic.

    There is probably no area where manufacturers encounter more hostile lawyers than in the ladder/scaffold industry. Anything, and I do mean anything, bad happens and the lawyers start calling. No matter how innocent the manufacturer is, they are seen as the 'deep pockets' target, thus attracting all manner of spurious claims.

    The first result of this harrassment is that the manufacturers -usually- wildly over-engineer their products, try to make them completely idiot-proof, and offer exceptionally generous warranty settlements. Far cheaper to give away a ladder than to face a lawsuit.

    The second effect is that the manufacturers, tired of being milked like cows, start fighting back. At the first mention of 'lawsuit,' it becomes 'see you in court.'  They also 'circle the wagons,' adopting the position that there is nothing wrong with their product- period- ever. Whatever happened, it wasn't their fault.

    The second effect was best illustrated in the "Keller fiasco." This happened when someone fell, found fault with the foot design of the ladders, and tried to have an intelligent dialog with them. The firm .... well, I believe that the fuss that followed is the main reason that Keller ladders are nowhere near as commonly seen as they once were.

    The manufacturers have a point. I recall one job, where I spent some serious time working off a 'quickie' scaffold. When I finished, I climbed down, turned to set my drill on the scaffold deck (perhaps 5ft. up)- and the entire scaffold collapsed. This inspired me to take a much closer look at that scaffold- a look that revealed that the mounting lugs were damaged. Already cycnical in my opinion of the contractor who owned the scaffold, I jumped to the conclusion that he must have salvaged the thing from someone's dumpster.

    I look back now, on the condition of various scaffolds and ladders that I have used, and I shudder. There's little excuse for the poor conditions I have seen. For seven years I used a medium-duty ladder that served me well, and is still in good shape; yet, I know a guy who will trash a super-heavy-duty ladder in a few months.

    I'm glad you got your issue resolved. Biljax scaffolds are decent scaffolds- and far better than some.

    1. jimatgreatwhite | Oct 08, 2010 08:01pm | #5

      I'm glad you were able to get things right by you!

      I trust you didn't go the way of "I think my lawyers will have a different opinion".

      Working with them hopefully is why they took care of you and are chaniging thier standards.

      Just a thought, does the surface we roll them around on have a rating of 250 lbs per square inch?

  3. altec02 | Sep 28, 2012 07:20am | #6

    Scaffolding

    Hey. I dont have any experience using that kind of scaffolding. The one that i tried is [url="http://www.geruest.com"]layher[/url%5D. This is the best, when we talked about scaffolds, thanks

    1. DanH | Sep 28, 2012 08:14am | #7

      Yeah, I always get my scaffolding from Germany.  The prices are good, but the shipping charges are a killer!

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