Scaffolding is a specialist field in construction that many companies cater solely for. If you are having scaffolding fitted to your property it is advisable to do a little research at first to make sure you know what you are getting. The following glossary explains terms commonly used in scaffolding and construction.
- An Adjustable Suspension Scaffold is a suspended scaffold system that can be raised and lowered by workers on the scaffold.
- A Bearer is a piece of scaffold used in putlog scaffolding. Bearers form horizontal bases which are used to support other pieces of scaffold and adjoining pieces.
- A Cleat in scaffolding is a weighted block used to secure scaffold on even or uneven grounds.
- A Dado is a type of cut used to make depressions in wood which can be used to interlock sections together.
- An Elevation Sheet is a page from blueprints which depicts a property or part of a property with proposed walls indicated.
- Fabricated Planking is the name for treated wooden planks that are used as support in scaffold structures.
- A Gable is the end section of a house formed into a triangle located immediately below the roof.
- A Hoist in scaffolding is a machine used to raise and lower unattached scaffold.
- Interior Hung Scaffold is scaffold that can be used in doors, particularly for ceiling work.
- Lean to Scaffold is a type of scaffold that is kept in place by leaning it against a wall or other solid structure.
- Mobile Scaffold is a portable solution with wheels. Mobile scaffold is available with or without motors.
- An Outrigger is a structure added to supported scaffold systems to increase the width of the base.
- A Power Hoist is a hoist that is powered by a power source as opposed to manpower.
- A Rated Load is the official guideline supplied by manufacturers for maximum loads for hoists and scaffolds.
- Suspension Scaffold is a scaffolding system that involves numerous platforms connected by ropes.
- A Tenon is a protruding part of a piece of wood used to connect joints.
- A Valley is part of a roof designed to aid water drainage. It is located just above the gable.
- Walkway is part of a scaffold that is kept clear and used solely for moving around the scaffolding.