Acrow props are one of the most essential pieces of building equipment. Despite their rudimentary design, they fulfill an imperative safety function on any building site! However, to ensure they do their job properly, certain safety measures must be followed.
Here are some of those vital measures:
- Proper installation
Choosing the right location is paramount, as their stability and sturdiness are dependent on where they are located. When using the best Acrow props for sale Sydney has the ceiling, ground, and wall must be checked for the following:
- They must be completely level to ensure proper weight distribution;
- The base plate must have additional support (you can use sole boards for this function);
- It must be in a solid, stable condition to provide a sturdy installation platform.
The load’s upper surface should also be evaluated to ensure that it can handle the weight and won’t collapse under pressure. What’s more, you must use correct vertical positioning with the equipment standing upright and have a near-perfect vertical line (within 1.5 degrees!).
- Load bearing
A qualified professional should undertake any load-bearing checks before the model is used. Usually, architects or structural engineers will perform any load-bearing calculations before use. The extra weight of equipment and workers must also be accounted for when checking for any potential load weight that needs support.
Using timber or any other substitute material to fill gaps between Acrow props is incredibly unsafe and should be avoided at all costs. Furthermore, they must fully support any overhead loads before any beams, walls or other supporting materials can be removed. Ideally, the walls will not have multiple openings being worked on concurrently – it is best to only remove one wall section at a time.
- Inspection & maintenance
Once they are properly installed, they have to be regularly checked throughout the project to ensure they haven’t loosened or shifted. This essential building technology can shift slightly once a wall is removed or opened, so it’s vital to continue to check the positioning after any large process is completed.
Ideally, all supportive materials will be checked at the beginning and completion of each shift, as well as at any particular task’s commencement and completion. What’s more, it’s a very good idea to have a professional third party evaluate them to ensure they are being used safely and that you’re not putting all safety liability on your team
It’s important to be fully aware of any load alterations as the project continues. Keep an eye on any extra weight being added to ensure that it is not exceeding the architect or engineer’s structural maximums.
- Always wear safety gear
Finally, you should always wear the proper safety equipment when working with Acrow props. Gloves, goggles, and hard hats are essential when installing and using this equipment. What’s more, you should never attach cables, lighting, or any other materials to the equipment, as they could get caught on something and move them out of position.
It is essential that only trained professionals use this equipment. They are one of the most essential structural support technologies available, but it is imperative that professionals with experience use the equipment, just as they would with any piece of building technology. So, if you are in the building industry and are just learning how to use this vital technology, it is imperative that you educate yourself and take the time to learn from a trained professional with plenty of experience in their installation, use, and deconstruction!
