How to maintain scaffolding under different usage frequencies
The frequency of use of scaffolding directly affects its wear and tear rate and maintenance needs. There are differences in maintenance focus and cycle under different usage frequencies. The following are specific maintenance plans:
1、 High frequency usage scenarios (such as continuous construction of building frames, support frames with frequent short-term turnover)
Usage characteristics: Used at least 15 times a month, or in a long-term cycle of installation removal transfer, with high probability of component wear and collision, and easy loosening of connection nodes.
Key points of maintenance and upkeep:
Daily inspection (before and after each use)
Focus on inspecting the plugs and pins of the upright and horizontal bars: check for any deformation or bending, and ensure that the pins can be smoothly inserted and self-locked. If there is any jamming, use sandpaper to polish the corroded parts and apply anti rust oil (once a month).
Check the welding joint of the disc for cracks or detachment. If any looseness is found, mark and replace it immediately to avoid breakage under stress.
Cleaning the surface of components: After each dismantling, promptly remove the attached concrete and mud, rinse with a high-pressure water gun, and air dry to prevent corrosion of the steel pipe after the residue solidifies.
Weekly specialized maintenance
Maintain the adjustable base and support screws: clean the soil and rust on the screws, apply lithium based grease (once every two weeks), ensure smooth adjustment function, and avoid jamming due to rust.
Check the scaffold board: Check for cracks and decay on the wooden scaffold board, and check for secure buckles on the steel scaffold board. Replace any damaged ones immediately to prevent slipping during use.
Monthly comprehensive maintenance
Measure the verticality of the pole: Use a level to check. If the deviation exceeds L/200 (L is the length of the pole), it needs to be corrected or replaced with an adjustable base.
Statistical loss rate: Scrap deformed and irreparable components (such as severely bent horizontal bars and broken diagonal bars), and ensure that new parts match the original specifications when supplementing (such as consistent spacing between buckles and plug size).
2、 Medium frequency usage scenarios (such as decoration frames for phased construction and support frames used 5-14 times a month)
Usage characteristics: The usage interval is long, and the components are prone to accumulate dust and rust due to idle use, especially in rainy or humid environments, which increases the risk of corrosion.
Key points of maintenance and upkeep:
Check before each use
Key inspection of surface corrosion of steel pipes: Measure the wall thickness with a vernier caliper. If the corrosion depth exceeds 1/10 of the original wall thickness (such as the original wall thickness of 3.5mm for a 48mm steel pipe, which is ≤ 3.15mm after corrosion), it needs to be scrapped.
Test the strength of the connection node: Gently tap the pin with a hammer. If there is looseness or abnormal noise, re tap and fix it to ensure that the exposed length of the pin is ≥ 10mm and the buckle is tightly fastened.
Maintain once every two weeks
Moisture and rust prevention treatment: When idle, store the components in a centralized manner, place a moisture-proof board at the bottom (≥ 30cm above the ground), cover with waterproof cloth, and avoid direct contact with water on the ground surface.
Cleaning and lubrication: Use a brush to clean areas such as disc holes and plugs that are prone to dust accumulation. Apply anti rust oil to the adjustable support screw every two weeks to prevent oxidation.
Comprehensive maintenance every quarter
Check the diagonal brace and scissor brace: Check for any deformation and ensure the angle is maintained between 45 ° -60 °. If the angle deviation is too large, adjust and reinstall to ensure the stability of the frame.
Verify the bearing capacity of the wooden scaffold board: Conduct a load-bearing test on the wooden scaffold board (load 1.5 times the design load and let it stand for 1 hour). If there is significant bending (deflection>L/200), replace it immediately.
3、 Low frequency usage scenarios (such as emergency backup racks, temporary racks used ≤ 4 times a month)
Usage characteristics: Long term idle, the main risk is corrosion and deformation caused by improper storage environment, as well as sticking of connectors due to long-term disuse.
Key points of maintenance and upkeep:
Pre processing before storage
Thoroughly clean and rust proof: After dismantling, rinse all components and parts clean. After drying, apply rust proof paint (red lead primer+topcoat) to the surface of the steel pipe, especially to the welding parts, to prevent rust from spreading.
Classified storage: Stack components separately according to their types (upright, horizontal, diagonal, base, etc.), hang signs indicating specifications and next inspection date, and avoid mixing or misuse.
Monthly spot check and maintenance
Regular ventilation and moisture prevention: Open the storage area cover, ventilate for 1-2 days, reduce air humidity (maintain relative humidity ≤ 60%), and avoid mold growth.
Random inspection of structural components: 10% of the uprights and crossbars are randomly selected for trial assembly every quarter to check if the connections are smooth. If there is a stuck plug, it should be repaired with a steel file and lubricated with talcum powder.
Comprehensive testing before activation
Simulated erection test: Select typical locations to erect 3-5 span structures, check overall stability (such as horizontal bar levelness and vertical pole verticality), test the installation strength of wall connecting components and diagonal bars, and confirm that there are no errors before putting them into use.
Replace aging components: For adjustable supports stored for more than 6 months, check if the screw is corroded or stuck. If it cannot be adjusted, replace it directly to avoid affecting the height adjustment of the frame.
4、 General maintenance principles
Environmental adaptation: In coastal areas (high salt spray) or chemical sites, the maintenance cycle needs to be shortened (such as changing to every 3 days for high-frequency scenarios), and galvanized components should be used to enhance corrosion resistance.
Record traceability: Establish and maintain a ledger to record the problems encountered during each inspection, the types and quantities of components replaced, in order to facilitate the calculation of lifespan and the development of procurement plans.
Seasonal maintenance: Focus on checking the drainage system before the rainy season (such as whether there is water accumulation on the scaffold foundation), and clean up snow and freezing before winter to prevent components from cracking due to freeze-thaw cycles.
By developing targeted maintenance plans based on usage frequency, the service life of scaffolding can be extended while ensuring its safety during use, avoiding the risk of collapse caused by improper maintenance.
