WO2015041622A2

WO2015041622A2 - Innovation in constructional scaffolding system

Info

Publication number: WO2015041622A2
Application number: PCT/TR2014/000399
Authority: WO
Inventors: Murat Emin AYTAÇOĞLU
Original assignee: Aytaçoğlu Murat Emin
Priority date: 2013-09-11
Filing date: 2014-09-09
Publication date: 2015-03-26
Also published as: WO2015041622A3

Abstract

This invention is about an innovation in the constructional scaffolding system that enables practical mounting and demounting and usage convenience in construction sites by ensuring the job safety, occupational health, and compliance with the working regulations.

Description

INSTRUCTIONS

INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTIONAL SCAFFOLDING SYSTEM

STATE OF THE ART:

In today's state of the art, i.e. in the known state of the technique, the portable scaffolding systems are used in the complementary construction work that is applied to the facade of buildings (such as applying plaster, painting, insulation, facade maintenance work etc.) in order to provide a comfortable working environment. The drawbacks experienced in the working techniques and usage of these scaffolding systems are as follows.

In the known state of the technique, the constructional scaffolding systems are produced with smaller parts to ensure easy mounting, demounting, and transportation. The parts of the scaffolding are tightened with screws when they are mounted to each other. However, today's scaffolding systems cannot cover the needs that are stated in the general working regulations in terms of occupational health, job risks and working conditions at a certain height. Falling from heights is among the most-frequently observed occupational accidents that end up with death in our country.

The most negative obvious effect of working at a certain height in a person is dizziness. In case of dizziness, a person working at a high platform like constructional scaffolding cannot stand in balance on the wooden pieces that are put randomly, and falls down resulting in an unwanted occupational accident.

When the reasons of the falling down are examined, dizziness, collapse of the scaffolding, breakdown of the wooden pieces in the scaffolding, collapses occurring during the mounting and demounting of the scaffolding, etc. are in the forefront.

^ Since there are no precautions to prevent the falling of the scaffolding systems that are used today, and auditing is not performed, accidents usually result in deaths or serious injuries.

Present scaffolding systems are usually designed in such a width and length that an employee can walk comfortably, the platform on which the employees step on and work usually consists of two big wooden beams that are mounted with latches.

The platforms that are produced from wooden beams used in construction sites for mounting, demounting and transportation, decay and become deformed in time due to weather conditions like rain, sun, cold and heat. In addition, these wooden platforms are used in other construction areas as well which is against the job safety regulations. The wooden platform breaks due to its flexibility and breakability properties and cause to fall downs of the employees and loads.

Since there are no protective precautions about working in high places in present constructional scaffolding systems, employees working at high places are under great risk.

The present constructional scaffolding systems used in today's business world are usually produced from pipes, and the flexibility reaction of the pipe is more when compared with the square-shaped material. When these pipes are placed or thrown on the ground in a harsh manner during mounting or demounting, it is inevitable that the pipes stretch and bend which is normally expected to be in a straight line. The pipes that are bent in their physical structures cannot carry the load in multi-storey construction sites and cause to the collapse of the scaffolding system.

According to the occupational health and job safety regulations, it is compulsory for the employees working at high places to wear safety belts; however due to the present structure of the scaffolding systems and the working conditions, the employees do not wear them regularly. The reason for this is that the safety belt is fastened to any part in the scaffolding system and limits the movements of the employees, and therefore not preferred by them. This is against the occupational health and job safety regulations.

No matter how hard the employer tries to make it compulsory for the employees to wear safety belts, s/he cannot control all the areas at the working sites and therefore employees do not use the safety belts during working. Taking off the safety belts during work cause to serious injuries and deaths, and therefore occupational accidents cannot be prevented.

In present scaffolding systems, in transportation of materials to upper floors, or in leveling down of a material during the demounting of the scaffolding system, idlers are placed to the upper part of the scaffolding system and a rope is sent down through it to be tied to the load to be carried up/down, and an^" employee holds the other end of the rope to pull the load up/down or sometimes the other end of the rope is tied to an engine to do the same thing.

During this process, an excessive load is laid on the upper part of the scaffolding system where the idlers are placed and the system collapses easily posing a great and important danger. The idlers on the upper part of the scaffolding system experience excessive load and are bent towards the body of the scaffolding system thereby causing a great reduction in the endurance of the system and posing a grave danger in the next construction site.

In the scaffolding systems that are placed on the construction sites in the city centers in confined areas, the warning signals that warn people against falling objects/materials, and the warning tapes that surround the construction sites to protect people under the scaffolding system are tied to some random objects placed in areas other than the scaffolding system.

The warning tapes are usually tied to the nearest possible place since it is not easy to find a proper place in the areas like city centers where there are confined space and in this case, the safety precautions do not ensure a full protection. In the present scaffolding systems, in case of a possible danger, the employees working on the platform warn other employees by shouting at them since there are no other ways to communicate the immediate danger to them. The audibility of a warning in the form of a shout changes according to the noise and sound level of the environment.

In the state of the art scaffolding systems, a net is placed on the outer part of the system to prevent materials like plaster, paint, sand etc. from falling down and damaging the environment. The nets used in the multi-storey scaffolding systems are tied to various parts of the scaffolding, and by so-doing, the side slip of the net is prevented.

However, these nets cause a pressure with the power of the wind in tall multi-storey construction sites and cause the net to come off at a certain point, and when one of the connections goes loose, the other connections receive excessive load and the net comes off as a whole. When the whole net comes off, it either pulls the whole scaffolding system downwards or damages the environment.

The staircase that enable the passage between the floors in the scaffolding system in the state of the art, i.e. in today's known technique, are produced from the same material, pipe. Since it is extremely difficult to step properly on the pipe because of its round shape, it does not provide a safe step for the employee and the feet of the employee may easily slip, therefore the risk of employees falling down increase.

In the present technique, the passage to another part of the scaffolding system is provided with wooden beams that are stretched to the other part. This technique poses a great risk especially in multi-storey construction sites.

In the present technique, usually wooden pieces are placed under the legs of the scaffolding system to correct the imbalances stemming from the ground. The legs of the scaffolding system being not in a sound contact with the ground affects the balance of the scaffolding system in a negative way. Especially in concrete ground, the legs of the scaffolding system cannot hold the ground sufficiently and have a risk of slipping.

In the present scaffolding systems, if the ground has inclination, the legs of the scaffolding system are supported with wooden pieces and the scaffolding is corrected. In such a situation, usually the scaffolding system is not in a sound balance and cause occupational accidents.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE SYSTEM INVENTED

The system invented is a constructional scaffolding system that covers all the needs stated above and eliminates all the drawbacks bringing additional advantages.

The invention, i.e. the constructional scaffolding system, is designed in such a structure that covers the requirements of the occupational health and job safety regulations, and all the safety precautions are taken. The safety belt which is one of the prominent properties of the system, provides that the employee connects the safety belt at the entrance area to the scaffolding and ensures that the employee goes to all areas and to all floors within the scaffolding without disconnecting the safety belt.

In the use of the invented system, the protective safety belt works in a rail system and thus the movement limitations of the employee are eliminated. With the safety belt in the rail system, the employee may easily move to any direction, to the sides, or upwards, downwards; and still the safety belt in the rail system will stay functional with continuous protection for the employee.

The material of the body which forms the system is produced from profiles in a square shape instead of a pipe that is flexible to all directions and thus the robustness of the system is ensured.

In the invented system, instead of wooden platform with the profile-supported platform metal sheet, the accidents stemming from the breakdown of the wooden pieces will be prevented.

In case the invented system is in multi-storey structure, the cross-connection elements produced from pipe is replaced by lighter and stretchable steel ropes to prevent the swinging to- and-fro the sides and provide a safer working environment.

The invented system has foldable arms on the feet of the frame to tie the safety tape and this will enable the safe installing of the system in narrow places even in intercity areas without harming the environment.

There is a warning siren button in the invented system to be used in case of an emergency and it ensures that a possible danger in the scaffolding is conveyed to the other employees working in the same area without delay and the situation is cared for.

In the invented scaffolding system, the bottom of the step used for the passage to the floors is expanded with jagged metal sheet and the risk of slipping of the step is minimized.

In the invented scaffolding system, the net which is in the rolled shape is pulled from one floor to the other floor from the roll that is in the sufficient size that enables the passage up/downstairs to separate the floors. By doing so, the danger of falling objects from the work site is prevented.

In the invented frame system there is an elevator that is attached to the frame body and that carries the materials. It facilitates the transfer of materials up and down in the construction area. The elevator can be attached to any side of the system and therefore it facilitates the usage.

In the invented scaffolding system there are stairs with banisters and this makes it safer to pass from one frame to another frame at the corners of the construction sites.

The invented scaffolding system is ensured that it steps on the concrete ground in a robust manner thus providing that the scaffolding system is in balance. With the water gauge placed and fixed on the legs of the invented scaffolding system, it is ensured that the system in installed properly.

INTRODUCTION OF THE INVENTED SYSTEM

The working method of the invented system is shaped and the description of it is as follows:

Figure 1 : General view of the first floor of the scaffolding system with stairs.

Figure 2: General view of the scaffolding system completed in full.

Figure 3: Close view of the pin and pin beds of the scaffolding system.

Figure 4: Close view of the guy rope and the rope bed.

Figure 5: Close view of the safety belt and the rail system.

Figure 6: General view of the scaffolding system installed without side passageway line.

The reference numbers, names, and short descriptions of the parts that constitute the invented system are as follows:

1) Vertical feet: The vertical feet that provides the straight posture of the scaffolding.

2) Pin beds: The pin beds enable the connection of the horizontal body, corner passageway path, and the banister to the vertical feet.

3) Pin: This is the pin that enables the joining of two separate parts by being positioned on the pin beds.

4) Horizontal legs: The horizontal legs of the scaffolding system.

5) The guy rope: The ropes that prevent the swinging of the scaffolding system to-and- fro the sides with cross connections.

6) Rope beds: These are the beds in which the guy rope is tightened and tied.

7) Adjustable flexible legs: These legs are adjusted according to the shape of the ground and the height of the construction. Since the adjustable flexible legs are placed on a juncture, they take the shape of the ground and provide full contact with the ground.

8) Leg juncture: The leg junctures that enable the flexibility of the adjustable legs according to the inclination of the ground. ) Leg screw: The leg screw that enables the adjusting of the scaffolding system according to the structure of the ground.

0) Water gauge: It enables the continuous straight and proper installation of the scaffolding system and is placed on the lower vertical feet in fixed position.

1) Stairs: The steps that make the downstairs/upstairs passage possible. The steps are fortified with step metal sheet to prevent slipping of the feet of the employees.

2) Lower base: The base is in a structure that prevents the slipping of the feet of the employees working on the scaffolding system.

3) Safety belt: The belt used by the employees working on the scaffolding system. The safety belt is rolled in on the back of the employee and is released when the employee walks in vertical movements on the scaffolding system.

4) The rail: The rail that goes continuously through the whole of the scaffolding system within the roller.

5) The Roller: It is placed on the edges of the safety belt and can move within the rails without any problems with the help of a bearing.

6) The bearing: It is placed on the edges of the roller and enables that the roller moves with ease within the rail.

7) Side passage line: The side passage line enables a safe passage to the corners in case the scaffolding system meets a corner on the working site.

8) Banister: The banister prevents the employee working on the scaffolding from falling down.

9) Net: The net prevents the falling objects from the inner side of the scaffolding system.

0) Net roller: The net roller is fixed on the horizontal feet on a winder and works when desired.

1) Warning button: The warning button that makes the siren/light work in case of an emergency and informs about a possible danger in the scaffolding system- The light system is in red and green colors, when the red light button is pressed the emergency situation is activated, and when the green light button is pressed, the normal situation is understood.

2) Safety tape arms: The safety tape arms on which the warning texts are placed. These arms determine the safety distance of the scaffolding system when they are opened in full range. They are placed on the scaffolding system.

3) Feet base metal sheet: The feet base metal sheet is placed on the steps and prevents the slipping of the feet. 24) Elevator: The elevator can be installed in any possible place within the work site. It is used to carry the materials that are needed upstairs or downstairs.

25) Cable lug: Cable lug enables the connection of a material and device within the scaffolding system.

26) Passage bed: The passage bed ensures that the vertical feet are placed on top of each other.

THE WORKING PRINCIPLE OF THE INVENTED SYSTEM

It is ensured that the vertical legs (1), and adjustable legs on the ground (7) are placed facing the ground, the fixed pins (3) are placed on the pin-beds (2) on the horizontal legs (4) and thus the first floor of the scaffolding room is installed to apply the plaster, paint, and insulation etc. to the facade of a high-rise building. The vertical legs (1) are placed on the abutment bed (26) on the first floor and this process is continued until the scaffolding system reaches the desired floor number.

If the area where the scaffolding is installed is an inclined area, then the joints (8) of the scaffolding are ensured that they contact the ground in such an inclination that will cover the missing angle thus preventing the scaffolding system from possible slipping.

In order to ensure the balance in inclined surfaces, when the first floor in installed, the leg screws (9) are tightened or loosened according to the level shown on the water gauge (10) on the vertical legs (1). After this balancing process, the balance will not be lost as the scaffolding floors rise.

As the scaffolding floors rise, the steel guy rope (5) is stretched from one corner of the scaffolding to the other corner and is placed in the rope beds (6) so as it crosses the system in order to eliminate the possible inclinations to one side. This process is applied to all floors of the system and ensures that the possible inclinations are prevented.

The base floor (12) is fixed on the horizontal beds (4) with the pins (3) in the scaffolding floors installed during the mounting to the building/structure and thus, the base floor on which the employees will work is formed. Since the base floor (12) is in a double- piece structure, if a staircase (11) is to be placed on the area where the other piece will normally be placed, the up and down movement of the employees is ensured. Since the base floors of the stairs (11) are supported with the base metal sheet (23), the upward and downward movements are facilitated and are safe.

The personnel to work on the construction scaffolding will place the roller (15) which is placed on the edge of the safety belt (13) to the rail (14) in the entrance of the scaffolding system and will, work easily in the upstairs and downstairs of the scaffolding system with the help of the roller (15) and with its bearing (16). The safety belt (13) ensures a very important protection since it holds the employee on the rails (14) in case of a fall- down. Since the rail system (14) is placed in all floors within the scaffolding system, the employee can only take the safety belt (13) out of the rails (14) at the predefined points.

The side passages (17) on the scaffolding system on the corners of the buildings are fixed to the pin-beds (2) with the pins (3) from one scaffolding side to another side and thus a controlled passage between two scaffolding s is ensured. The banisters (18) placed on the proper height within the scaffolding floors protect the employees from possible dangers.

It is necessary that a safety tape that defines the dangerous distance is stretched on the area where the scaffolding is installed. The safety tape is stretched to the safety tape arms (22) placed after these' arms (22) placed on the vertical legs (1) of the scaffolding are unfolded. The distance of the safety tape arms (22) is the same as the proper protection area.

There is a net (19) in the scaffolding system to prevent the falling down of the employees and falling objects causing to other accidents. This net is fixed on the horizontal legs (4) and can also be fixed to the upper horizontal legs (4) when they are opened upon desire. Since the net (19) is connected to the net roller (20), when the use is over, the net (19) can be retracted to the net roller (20) and is kept safe for the next use.

The warning buttons (21) that are placed in the scaffolding floors give audio and visual warnings and attracts the attention of the employees working on the scaffolding or in other areas. The warning lights within the scaffolding are green when there is a work in the scaffolding, and the light is red when the warning button (21) is pressed.

It is ensured that the load and materials that must be carried to the floors on the construction site are placed on the elevator (24). The elevator (24) is controlled from outside and the load is transferred. Since the carrier body of the elevator (24) is independent from the scaffolding system, the load of the materials will not cause an extra burden for the scaffolding system.

An employee working on the scaffolding system will tie the materials to the cable lug (25) and receive support from it to work with ease.

CONSEQUENTLY;

The invented system is a scaffolding system that ensured that the employees work in accordance with the occupational health and job safety regulations and with protective measures taken in situations where the work requires that the employees work on high-rise construction sites.

Claims

THE REQUIREMENTS

1) The system is an innovation in the construction work and is in accordance with the occupational health and job safety regulations, and its specifications are as follows; it has vertical legs (1), pin beds (2), pins (3), horizontal legs (4), guy rope (5), rope beds (6), adjustable flexible legs (7), leg joints (8), leg screws (9), water gauge (10), staircase (steps) (11), the base floor (12), safety belt (13), rail (14), roller (15), bearing (16), safe passage line (17), banister (17), net (19), net roller (10), warning button (21), safety tape arms (22).

2) The system is an innovation in the construction work and its specifications are as follows; it is equipped with leg screws (9) that are moved up and down with the help of a screw pitch that ensure that the scaffolding system is installed in a straight line in the construction area with its adjustable legs in inclined surfaces.

3) The invented system has an innovation in the construction work and includes the leg joints (8) that ensure that the scaffolding is held tight and straight during installation.

4) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the guy ropes (5) that prevent the scaffolding from bending towards sides.

5) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the rope beds (6) in which the guy rope (5) is tied preventing the bending of the scaffolding to the sides.

6) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the water gauge (10) that is placed in the bottom part of the scaffolding and ensures that the scaffolding is installed properly and parallel to the ground.

7) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the feet base metal sheet (23) placed on the steps that is used in passing between the floors.

8) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the base part (12) that prevents the slipping of the employees.

9) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the safety belt (13) that prevents the employees from falling down. [P. 14]

10) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the roller (15) working in the rail (14) and placed on the edge of the safety belt (13).

11) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the bearing (16) that moves with ease with the roller (15) in the rail (14).

12) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the side passage line (17) that enables the passage from one corner to another corner on the scaffolding.

13) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the net (19) that prevents the objects from falling down from the scaffolding.

14) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the net roller (20) that rolls the net (19). 15) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the safety tape arms (22) that define the safe area around the construction.

16) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the abutment bed (26) that enables the locking of the two vertical legs (1) that forms the scaffolding floors.

17) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the elevator (24) that is mounted on the outer side of the scaffolding and is used in carrying the materials up/down on the scaffolding. This is mounted on the pin-beds (4) with the pins (3).

18) The invented system is an innovation in the construction work and includes the cable lug (25) that is in a fixed position on the horizontal legs (4) and is used for fixing tools within the scaffolding working area.

(DRAWINGS)