Hi all, I am working as a Safety Incharge. I want to know whether an adjustable U-head jack can be used instead of an adjustable screw base jack at the base and whether it is safe and can be used for scaffolding erection. I have attached an image of the same. Kindly guide me on this. Thank you.
Regards,
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)
Amend(0)
Regards,
From India, Mumbai
Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)
What is shown in the picture is fully unsafe. The adjustable U-head jack is not designed to be used as a base jack. The main function of a U-Head is to hold timber or steel beams securely in place on top of a standard/vertical pipe.
@ Kesava Pillai
Thank you for your interest shown in this thread. Please correct me if I am wrong.
From India
Acknowledge(3)Amend(0)
730@ Kesava Pillai
Thank you for your interest shown in this thread. Please correct me if I am wrong.
From India
Acknowledge(3)Amend(0)
The U-head is specially designed to support and hold the wood runners and steel beams on top of standard or vertical elements. It is not acceptable to use it as the base of the scaffold. The base of the scaffold should be flat and rigid. The U-head jack takes the load when the load is within the U-shape.
Regards.
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(2)
Amend(0)
Regards.
From India, Hyderabad
Acknowledge(2)Amend(0)
A safetyman should have a basic engineering background. Scaffolds are designed to hold weight depending on the intended use. A factor of safety is also applied due to the risk of failure.
Scaffold Standards and Load Bearing
Standards bear the load and rest on the ground. Since only pipes are used as standards, with limited contact area on the ground to support the entire load, the ground surface may easily give way under loading. To address this, base plates are used under standards on concrete, asphalt, or other solid surfaces. Sole boards are also used when the scaffold's base surface is not solid enough.
Regarding the U Head Shown
1. There is limited contact area.
2. The load-bearing capacity of the supporting plate may be questionable, as it could open up under load. Side plates are not designed to bear any load but rather to hold the section in position.
Due to these issues, it is not advisable to use it as shown.
Not only engineers, but nature itself designs every organism with many components, each with its intended use. Can anyone walk upside down on your head? The head is designed for a specific purpose, just as the feet are.
I hope this explanation is satisfactory.
Regards,
Kesava Pillai
From India, Kollam
Acknowledge(6)
Amend(0)
Scaffold Standards and Load Bearing
Standards bear the load and rest on the ground. Since only pipes are used as standards, with limited contact area on the ground to support the entire load, the ground surface may easily give way under loading. To address this, base plates are used under standards on concrete, asphalt, or other solid surfaces. Sole boards are also used when the scaffold's base surface is not solid enough.
Regarding the U Head Shown
1. There is limited contact area.
2. The load-bearing capacity of the supporting plate may be questionable, as it could open up under load. Side plates are not designed to bear any load but rather to hold the section in position.
Due to these issues, it is not advisable to use it as shown.
Not only engineers, but nature itself designs every organism with many components, each with its intended use. Can anyone walk upside down on your head? The head is designed for a specific purpose, just as the feet are.
I hope this explanation is satisfactory.
Regards,
Kesava Pillai
From India, Kollam
Acknowledge(6)+1 more
Amend(0)
Yes it can be used but the case is what is your base if it is a flat surface then it should be flat and if your base is pipe / brick / rectangke shape then u-shape will help you for better grip.
From India, Shimla
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)
From India, Shimla
Acknowledge(1)Amend(0)CiteHR is an AI-augmented HR knowledge and collaboration platform, enabling HR professionals to solve real-world challenges, validate decisions, and stay ahead through collective intelligence and machine-enhanced guidance. Join Our Platform.
Scaffold Safety from SafetyInstructi on_com.zip
Safety in LPG usage.pdf