The demands a of construction or development project large or small can more often than not, evolve and change.
Regardless of the size, industry or sector cost is always a factor. Focusing on the bottom line is as much a priority as it is a necessity. When seeking scaffolding there’s no doubt there’s a lot to consider, cost being one of a big factor. The question is, should cost be the deciding factor?
Safety Concerns of Second Hand, Imported Scaffolding
As leading UK scaffolding manufacturers we manufacture and supply a wide range of system scaffolding, scaffolding supplies, fittings and scaffolding products locally, nationally and internationally alongside a wide range of scaffolding repair and reconditioning services, bespoke fabrication and updated modifications.
We regularly repair, recondition, inspect and test thousands of scaffolding components and systems on a regular basis. In doing so, quite often we come across scaffolding supplies and equipment submitted for repair in a unfit for purpose condition.
To be expected, to some degree. However, when the true condition of some of the equipment processed for repair is unveiled an alarming amount of UK contractors are completely unaware of how deadly and dangerous their scaffolding and scaffolding supplies actually are, and how lucky they have been.
It’s generally not until the scaffolding or supplies are shot blasted in preparation for repair or there’s been an accident caused by the condition of the scaffolding, the extent of the danger is revealed.
Safety of supply is an issue we’ve previously brought to light, raising awareness due to the increased levels we have been dealing with over 2013 and 2014. Despite bringing it to the attention of governing bodies we’re still seeing large quantities of dangerous and deadly imported scaffolding and second hand scaffolding in circulation throughout the UK.
The safety of supply is an obvious issue we’re all aware exists, it’s right in front of us, yet nobody is willing to mention the subject or deal with the problem.
Deadly Second hand and Imported Scaffolding
The UK is governed by some of the world’s most stringent safety regulations, cheap imported copies of system scaffolding such as Cuplock and Kwikstage manufactured overseas are not required to meet with the same stringent safety regulations as set in the UK. Many imported cheap copies from some manufacturers in China don’t conform to any relevant or adequate safety standards, even close to whats required with the UK.
It’s vital to know the exact safety standards any scaffolding or scaffolding supplies you invest in or hire conform to. Knowing the load bearing capacity of any scaffolding component, scaffolding system or indeed scaffolding supplies is just as vital as knowing the safety standards they conform to.
Not knowing this information and not ensuring your imported or second hand scaffolding meets with UK safety regulations, suddenly turns that cheap imported scaffolding system or second hand investment into a very expensive, sub-standard, deadly disaster – waiting to happen.
Cost Effective, Safe Scaffolding Solutions
It’s true what they say, you get what you pay for. That’s especially the case when it comes to scaffolding. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
We manufacture and supply a wide and diverse range of system scaffolding and scaffolding supplies alongside an exclusive bespoke fabricated range of stillage, steel pallets and bins, scaffolding safety solutions and fall prevention systems.
We’re proud to have the skills to manufacture and the power to supply – on demand!
Our master craftsmen have the skills and ability to work to any prototype, with a turnaround in as little as 3 days! We also provide onsite support, advice, guidance, scaffold testing and verification services.
Finals Thoughts
Be cautious when seeking a cheaper alternative when investing in scaffolding, as alluring and attractive as the cost savings maybe, be mindful of the large quantities of dangerous and deadly scaffolding and scaffolding supplies in circulation within the UK – which carry far more than just cost saving attributes.
There’s nothing wrong with looking for costs savings or convenience, providing you’re fully aware of potential consequences the convenience you choose – may bring.
The best advice we can give is make sure you know the safety standards the scaffolding conforms to, find out when it was last tested and has ever been repaired or reconditioned? Also make sure you find out where the scaffolding was manufactured.
If you’re looking for any advice, gudience or more information on any of the services, scaffolding or scaffolding supplies manufactured by St Helens Plant, supplied worldwide, contact us – 01744 850 300 or email us at – [email protected]
