Job Description
Scaffold builders have very challenging jobs. They have to build and breakdown scaffolds and install ladders and walkways. They also have to clean and prepare construction sites and ensure that safety measures are taken into account.
Scaffold Builder Duties and Responsibilities
• Confer with clients to determine their scaffolding requirements.
• Provide customers with cost and timeline information.
• Acquire equipment and supplies to perform scaffolding work.
• Design and preplan scaffolding work by taking weight and height into account.
• Oversee and work on the erection of scaffolding.
• Examine, select, and acquire needed materials.
• Build, position, and dismantle wooden structures, including concrete forms and sewer supports.
• Measure boards and timbers by using measuring tapes and squares.
• Saw wood, ply, or timber into required lengths and widths.
• Use hand tools such as hammers, levels, squares, and wrenches to do the job.
• Assemble scaffolding containing handrails and mid-rails.
• Assist construction workers in securing scaffolding to permanent structures.
• Install ladders handrails, walkways, platforms, and gangways.
• Examine blueprints and specifications in order to plan scaffolding tasks.
• Load material onto and from delivery trucks.
• Identify and apply safe usage of equipment and tools.
• Explain and perform crane hand signals.
• Train apprentices and new scaffold builders in performing construction tasks.
• Frame scaffolding in accordance with specifications.
• Maintain and update short-range look-ahead.
• Monitor and report on worked hours and staff-hour budgets.
• Evaluate construction performance against schedules and timelines.
• Plan and coordinate labor requirements for scaffolding projects.
• Put up scaffolding poles and attach horizontal tubes.
• Fix scaffolding if it comes undone.
• Lay planks across scaffolding so as to help workers walk.
• Takedown scaffolding once the job is done, and save reusable materials.
Scaffold Builder Educational Requirements
To work as a scaffold builder, you do not need more than a high school diploma or a GED equivalent. However, previous experience is usually necessary, even if it is through an apprenticeship.
Scaffold Builder Skills and Abilities
Since this is physically taxing work, one must be strong and dexterous. Knowledge of safety procedures and their implementation is very important.
Scaffold builders must work in conjunction with other construction workers. That is why they must possess the ability to work in a team environment. The ability to take and record orders is another area that they must be well-versed in.
In addition, a scaffold builder must possess a good sense of balance, along with a head for height.