Suspended platforms, also known as suspended scaffolding, are essential tools for high-rise buildings like skyscrapers and complex structures.
There are several types of suspended platforms, each designed to meet specific needs and challenges.
Understanding the different types of suspended platforms is crucial for selecting the right system for a project and ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.
What is Suspended Platform?
A suspended platform is a temporary work surface commonly used in construction, maintenance, and cleaning operations on tall buildings.
It consists of a horizontal platform suspended by steel wire ropes from an overhead support system, typically located on the roof or upper levels of a building. These platforms are designed to be raised or lowered to various heights, allowing workers to access different areas of a building’s exterior safely.
Suspended platforms are equipped with guardrails, safety harnesses, and other protective features to ensure worker safety while performing tasks at elevated heights.
They are particularly useful for tasks such as window washing, facade inspections, painting, and repairs on high-rise buildings, bridges, and other tall structures where traditional scaffolding or ladders would be impractical or unsafe.
What are the Different Types of Suspended Platforms?
In this section, you will learn about the different types of suspended scaffolds and their uses in construction and maintenance tasks.
Single-Point Adjustable Scaffold
A single-point adjustable scaffold is supported by one rope or wire cable. It’s often used for quick access to high areas. The platform is balanced and can be raised or lowered as needed. This type is useful for tasks like window washing or painting where access to a specific spot is needed.
A common example is the boatswain’s chair, which is a small seat used for working on the side of a building. It’s ideal for tasks that don’t require a large platform or heavy equipment.
Two-Point Adjustable Scaffold (Swing Stage)
A two-point adjustable scaffold, also known as a swing stage, is the most common type. It is supported by two ropes or cables at each end. Swing stages are often motorized, allowing them to be easily lifted or lowered.
This scaffold is widely used in high-rise construction and maintenance, making it perfect for window washers and facade repairs. The platform can be used for as long as needed, providing more space for workers and materials.
In addition to their outdoor applications, these platforms prove invaluable in indoor settings, providing access to elevated or confined areas that would otherwise be unreachable using conventional scaffolding systems.
Multi-Point Adjustable Scaffold
This type of scaffolding utilizes multiple anchor points or supports to suspend the platform, distributing the weight more evenly and allowing for greater load-bearing capacity compared to single-point systems.
The use of multiple suspension points increases the scaffold’s stability, making it suitable for accommodating heavier loads and multiple workers simultaneously.
Multi-point scaffolding is particularly advantageous for large-scale projects or tasks that require extensive coverage, such as painting, cleaning, or renovation of building facades.
Catenary Scaffold
This type of scaffolding is constructed by securing a working platform to two horizontal, parallel ropes, which are suspended from the building’s structural supports, such as beams and columns. To ensure safety, the working platforms are equipped with hook-shaped stops that prevent them from slipping off the wire ropes. The wire ropes serve as the sole support for the scaffold.
These scaffolds are not adjustable and are typically used in scenarios where workers need to move along a fixed horizontal path, like during the construction of long bridges or other similar structures.
Float (Ship) Scaffold
A float scaffold, also known as a ship scaffold, is a type of suspended scaffold system featuring a wide platform that is securely supported by two parallel bearers and suspended by ropes of a fixed length from above.
These scaffolds are designed to accommodate no more than three workers along with light materials or tools, making them unsuitable for transporting heavy loads. Instead, float scaffolds are useful for lightweight tasks such as riveting, bolting, and welding during maintenance and renovation projects on buildings or indoor painting and light fixture maintenance.
Multi-level Suspended Scaffolding
Multi-level suspended scaffolds are a type of suspension scaffold featuring multiple platforms positioned at different heights, all supported by common stirrups rather than a single platform. These scaffolds are held aloft by more than two ropes, which are anchored to overhead supports, providing a stable and versatile work environment for tasks at varying elevations.
This scaffold is ideal for jobs involving large teams or substantial materials, such as bricklaying or large-scale painting projects.
Interior Hung Scaffolding
Interior hung scaffolding is a specialized type of suspended scaffolding designed for use within buildings.
Interior hung scaffolds using fixed-length ropes or cables are suspended from the ceiling or roof structure. So, it must be thoroughly inspected beforehand to ensure the ceiling or roof can support the weight of the scaffold.
This setup allows workers to perform tasks in areas such as atriums, large halls, or theaters where floor space may be limited or where ground-based scaffolding would be impractical.
Needle Beam Scaffolding
This system consists of a platform resting on two parallel horizontal beams, known as needle beams, which are supported by overhead lines or cables anchored to the building itself.
Needle beam scaffolds are typically used for light work, such as riveting on steel structures, due to their adaptability and ease of relocation.
Series of Platforms From IHURMO
IHURMO is a leading global supplier of suspended work platforms, tower cranes, and construction hoists, providing safe and efficient solutions for various elevation-based projects. To explore our wide range of customized, high-quality suspended platform products and learn how we can meet your specific needs, visit our website and contact us.
- By Platform Length:
- By Application/Special Features:
- Painting and Decorating Suspended Platform
- Used for Window Cleaning Suspended Platform
- Shipbuilding Suspended Platform
- High-Rise Building Maintenance Suspended Platform
- Wind Turbine Maintenance Suspended Platform
- Chimney Maintenance Suspended Platform
- Bridge Inspection Suspended Platform
- Aluminum Suspended Platform
- Galvanized Suspended Platform
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most widely used form of suspended scaffolding?
The two-point swing stage scaffold is the most widely used form of suspended scaffolding. It offers flexibility and can be used on many types of buildings. It’s popular for window cleaning, painting, and exterior repairs.
What safety requirements must be met for suspended scaffolding according to OSHA?
According to OSHA, you must use personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) or guardrail systems on suspended platforms over four feet high. Guardrails need to be at least 42 inches high to ensure worker safety, and regular inspections and proper training are also required.
How does the anchorage affect the choice of suspended scaffold systems?
Anchorage is crucial as it supports the scaffold system. The strength and stability of the anchorage points determine the type of suspended scaffold that can be safely used. Roof anchors and fixed overhead points are common anchorage systems.
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