Masonry Magazine March 2001 Page. 21
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ADJUSTABLE SCAFFOLDING
Adjustable scaffolding has been around for many years. Gary Kappeler of Kappeler Masonry in Waterloo, Ontario (Canada) said, "Adjustable scaffolding has been a great asset to our company, and has made our projects more competitive."
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MAST-CLIMBING SCAFFOLDING
Contractors in Europe were also creating new concepts for scaffolding, but their objectives were different. A MCAA industry tour in the middle 70's was studying projects in the Netherlands and in Paris, France on a huge project, where they viewed their first mast-climbing platforms. At that time, due to smaller load capacities, this form of scaffolding was used by glaziers, caulkers, pointers those crafts that did not require heavy material loads. However, it was unique and very efficient for the task at hand.
A climbing mast work platform is similar to the adjustable scaffold, but has some very important differences. Most adjustable scaffolds have a cable that needs to be cranked to raise the platform. A mast climber, with a touch of a button or the opening of a hydraulic valve, adjusts the platform level. It can be moved in minutes and set for the next working area. In addition, mast climbers can be erected in a short period of time and have great flexibility. A mast climber is moved around the building in steps, and work is completed from top to bottom before the next step is taken. Material is brought to the bricklayer by a hydraulic hoist that travels up at 70 feet per minute. The worker has a number of ways to access the platform, one is by a ladder system that is built as the platform climbs, or by a man basket that can hold two workers and their tools (see photos 8 & 9). The work platforms offer a wide deck, making the work environment a safe and productive area. Hydro Mobil (formerly Avant Garde Engineering) has indicated that the highest project to date was the demolition of a chimney at 550 feet.
It is interesting to note that in 1987, an inventor by the name of Jean St. Germain, got 40 mason contractors in the Quebec area to invest $350,000 dollars in his version of the scaffold. Jean's son was a mason contractor so they worked together on this new design. They secured patents and in the same year formed a company. The original firm has gone through several restructurings but has continued to grow after forming Avant-Garde Engineering in 1944. Recently renamed Hydro Mobil, it is the 6th growing company in all of Canada.
All mast climbers have increased their load capacities and modified the means by which the platforms are raised. Gas, diesel or electricity are now available along with new helical technology. The mast climbers are fast becoming a major factor in the mason contracting industry. Although much of the scaffold that is manufactured today is designed to increase the productivity of the mason, much of the innovation that has been made to increase the speed of the mason has also created benefits in reducing repetitive motion injuries of the mason. As OSHA's attempts to implement their ergonomic standards that could gravely impact the masonry industry continue, it is the adjusting type scaffolding which requires far less bending and lifting aiding in the masonry industry's long term compliance to any future government regulation in the area of ergonomics.
Regardless of the benefits to reducing future repetitive motion injuries, most mason contractors seek the most cost-effective scaffold that is most beneficial on each job that affords the greatest production levels. Clearly, there is