There are many different types of construction sites with different objectives. One thing all construction sites have in common is an abundance of materials and tools to carry out work with them.

The following article is a brief introduction to some tools and equipment commonly used when working with scaffolding.

Spirit levels are a simple and effective tool used to measure how level a surface is. Spirit levels have many uses on a building site including helping to stabilize a scaffolding network. Below are some different types of spirit levels and descriptions of their uses.

• Carpenter’s Levels are a common find on most construction sites. Carpenter’s levels are available in a range of different designs all of which feature an air bubble trapped in clear fluid in the centre. The classic design is usually about two feet long with holes cut out of the metal frame to allow ease of grip whilst positioning it. The carpenter’s level is used by laying the length of it over a wall or other surface that needs measuring. If the surface is uneven the bubble will move in the respective direction and if it is straight it will rest still in the clear panel.
• Line Levels are useful for measuring proposed structures over long distances. Line levels are small, lightweight devices that are attached to string lines using hooks. When using a line level the string line is pulled taught and becomes the spirit level with the bubble used to measure how level the line is.
• Automatic Levels are used by surveyors to accurately measure height differences over long distances. Automatic levels are more sophisticated than normal spirit levels and comprise of a spirit level integrated with a telescope. The operator places staffs in the ground (one in front of the area to be measured and one behind) to obtain a reading of the distance in between.

Impact wrenches are air powered tools that have many uses. Impact wrenches deliver high pressurised force to small areas with little effort required from the operator. Impact wrenches perform a similar function to hammers; they apply a large amount of force to a small area accurately.

Impact wrenches use socket wrenches which can be adjusted to adapt to different jobs as required on site. When constructing scaffolding impact wrenches are particularly useful for hammering in hooks to secure moorings and tie-ins to support workers using safety harnesses.

When working on and assembling scaffold in particular a safety harness is an essential piece of kit. Statistics reveal that the majority of injuries which occur on building sites are caused by workers falling from large heights. Safety harnesses when used properly play an important role in reducing the amount of accidents occurring in the work place.

Safety harnesses are similar to those used by climbers with several adaptations to benefit construction workers. Safety harnesses are attached to a stationary object or structure that acts as an anchor, mooring the user in place. Some safety harnesses are available with shock absorbing mechanisms which steady the pace of deceleration when descending to prevent any further injuries from happening.