The applications of scaffolding dates as far back as the early 5th century. The ancient Egyptians and Chinese used these temporary supporting structures to erect high rise buildings. Fast forward to the present and you’ll find scaffolding still being widely used in both commercial and industrial applications. For the former, scaffolding rental services are commonly used in:

1. Construction

Whether small or large in scale, construction projects typically require the use of scaffolding that enables workers to carry out their work safely on elevated platforms. There are many types of scaffolding used in construction. Some common examples are: supported scaffolding, which consists of a sturdy base made from poles, brackets, and frames to support work platforms; suspended scaffolding, where the scaffolding is suspended from the roof due to the impracticality of using supported scaffolding; and rolling scaffolding, where wheels are installed at the base of the scaffolding to enable the scaffolding to move.

2. Repairs and Renovations

Buildings are rarely knocked down or demolished unless they have exceeded their lifespan. This is why repairs and renovations are regularly conducted to maintain the structural integrity and safety of buildings. When it comes to historical structures and landmarks, repairs and renovations are all the more important in order to preserve the culture and identity they represent. In some cases, famous buildings and landmarks need to be reconstructed, which is where scaffolding is needed as well. In such cases, customized scaffolding may be used to meet the unique challenges of working on the structure. For instance, scaffolding must not rest or touch the surface of statues like the Lincoln Memorial, a priceless national treasure. Engineers will usually turn to special scaffolding designs for these.

3. Events

Last but not least, scaffolding is also widely used by the events and entertainment industry. From concert and live events stages to lights and sound systems, scaffolding is used for different applications. For example, grandstand seating may be temporarily assembled in an arena or outdoor stadium for a major concert if a large volume of people is expected to attend. Since scaffolding products are modular in their design and use, they can be built over, under, and around almost any project specification. However, only trained professionals should oversee the construction and dismantling of scaffolding to comply with safety regulations.

While there are many firms that provide scaffolding rental services, the general public is recommended to work only with firms that have a proven track record of success and safety. Based on OSHA records and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are around 4,500 injuries and over 60 deaths annually related to scaffolding work. These accidents may be prevented if OSHA standards were strictly complied with. As such, asking a firm about their safety training programs and safe work practices of personnel will not only be a prudent move but also prove to be a wise business decision as well.