Understanding Toe Board Scaffolding Components: Enhancing Safety on Construction Sites

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Understanding Toe Board Scaffolding Components: Enhancing Safety on Construction Sites

From engineers to architects and construction crews, scaffolding is widely used. Even though regular inspections and maintenance are carried out to ensure that all elements of the scaffold tower are safe to use, it is important to understand the role that toe board scaffolding components play in ensuring the safety of workers when working from heights. In this article, we at Disc-O-Scaff will explore how toe boards are used as a vital safety tool.

Toe Board Scaffolding Prevents Unnecessary Accidents

Toe boards are essential safety features on scaffolding, acting as protective barriers that prevent workers, tools, and materials from falling dangerously to the ground. Given the weight and number of workers as well as equipment support by scaffold platforms, the risk of materials being accidentally knocked over is high. To safeguard workers and pedestrians below, toe board scaffolding components are considered a mandatory requirement when working at elevated heights.

Keeping Workers Safe at All Times

Together with hook-on boards and trap doors, toe boards play a crucial role in scaffolding systems, ensuring that workers are protected from accidental slips. Should the worker’s foot slip forward, the toe board acts as a barrier preventing it from extending beyond the edge and significantly reducing the risk of injury or fatality.

Secure Safety Attachments

It is important to understand that every scaffold component is specifically engineered to provide workers with the means to access various parts of a build on a construction site safely and securely. Toe boards should ideally be used together with handrails whenever there is a possibility of tools or objects falling from the scaffold platform, as they provide an extra layer of protection. Available in varying lengths and widths, toe boards feature side panels that are securely fitted on the working platforms, with the panels facing inwards. 

Assembly of Fall Protection

Often referred to as kick plates or edge protection, toe boards must be placed in an upright position along the full length of the scaffold platform or the landings of access towers. Where there are ladder access points, ensure that the openings are protected against possible falls. 

In situations where an adjacent building structure cannot provide adequate fall protection, internal toe boards may be necessary if the gap between the structures poses a risk of equipment or workers falling. A thorough site assessment should be undertaken to identify areas where internal toe boards are required.

Versatile Scaffolding and Formwork Solutions

At Disc-O-Scaff, we take worker safety seriously and ensure that our toe board scaffolding and other components are engineered and manufactured using only SABS-approved materials and in accordance with scaffolding safety standards. Whether you require Kwikstage for major construction or Selflock scaffold towers for smaller builds and maintenance work, contact us and we will ensure that you have all the components needed for working at heights safely.

A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Scaffolding Components and Their Use

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A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Scaffolding Components and Their Use

A couple of planks and a pair of trestles are generally enough for a DIY wallpapering, painting, or plastering job and the freedom to work when you have some spare time. However, professional builders must adhere strictly to promised completion schedules. Only a well-designed, carefully assembled scaffold tower can provide the safety and convenience they rely on when working at height. For them, understanding the various scaffolding components and their uses is essential to optimise safety, efficiency, and productivity.

In the following sections, we will focus on the most frequently used scaffolding parts and their uses. For this exercise, we will refer to the components of Southern Africa’s most popular scaffolding system, Kwikstage.

The Four Primary Kwikstage Scaffolding Components

While the system has many additional components, the following are the minimum scaffolding parts needed to erect a basic tower:

  • Standards: Also known as uprights, these are the vertical tubular parts that bear the weight of the entire structure. Groups of four “V” pressings at 50cm intervals provide the attachment points for other scaffolding parts.
  • Ledgers: These essential Kwikstage scaffolding parts slot into the “V” pressings to provide the horizontal connections between the upright standards. A reinforced version is available for use in loading areas.
  • Base Jacks: As the name suggests, these scaffolding components are located at the base of the scaffold, where they are inserted into the standard tubes, acting like feet to support the entire structure.
  • Hook-On Boards: These robust steel boards hook onto the ledgers to create a stable working platform and complete the fundamental structure of a Kwikstage scaffold tower.

Some Additional Kwikstage Scaffolding Components

Kwikstage is a modular system that allows the degree of flexibility essential to mould its structure to that of any building, regardless of the environmental circumstances. Furthermore, it is designed for ease of use, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly, plus convenient transportation and storage. Here are some other valuable scaffolding parts available for the Kwikstage system:

  • Toe Boards: These steel boards are a safety feature to prevent loose objects from falling and endangering those below. They are securely attached to the standards with toe board clips.
  • Diagonal Braces: These braces can provide additional diagonal support where necessary.
  • Cantilever Brackets: When ground-level support is suspect or unavailable, cantilever brackets extend horizontally from a building to support the work platform, an ideal solution when working over water.

Scaffolding Components in South Africa

Trap doors, staircases, handrails, stillages, and hook-on ladders made from SABS-approved materials add to Kwikstage’s versatility. Contact us at Disc-O-Scaff for more information about these and other scaffolding parts to ensure your construction projects’ safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Advances in the Development of Formwork for Concrete

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Advances in the Development of Formwork for Concrete

The precursor of modern concrete was invented in around 1300 BC by Middle Eastern builders who used it to coat the outer surfaces of their clay buildings to reinforce their walls. Six centuries later, an improved mix was used to create solid floors and line underground cisterns. However, it was the Romans who later introduced the use of column formwork for concrete moulding, a step that also shaped the future of construction.

Alternatively known as shuttering, the design and uses of formwork continue to evolve as technological advances present new possibilities, offering innovative solutions that enhance the overall efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness of modern construction projects.

That said, the modern product bears little resemblance to the reeds and fibre used by Rome’s builders to shape the Colosseum, Pantheon, and St Peter’s Basilica or the wooden boards still favoured by many smaller building companies.

Types of Formwork for Concrete 

The following sections will help construction professionals understand the nature and purpose of formwork systems used today:

  • Modular Systems: This type of concrete formwork consists of prefabricated parts that can be securely interlocked to form various shapes. Modular formwork is designed to be easily assembled and dismantled, significantly reducing setup times and cutting labour costs. Modular formwork is versatile and can be adapted for a wide range of projects, from large-scale commercial builds to more modest residential projects.
  • Self-Climbing Systems: For construction companies regularly working on high-rise buildings and other tall structures, self-climbing or sliding formwork is a game-changer. This innovative shuttering system is designed to automatically raise itself to the next required level without the aid of a crane. Hence, the system saves the cost of crane hire and eliminates the risk to workers when performing these adjustments manually at height. In addition, the self-climbing mechanism ensures the formwork remains securely attached to the structure, further enhancing on-site safety.
  • Integrated Systems: These systems combine formwork for concrete with other construction elements like insulating materials or reinforcing bars and are valued for their ability to streamline construction processes. Integrated formwork can reduce the number of steps in the construction process, improving efficiency and reducing the incidence of errors. For example, insulated concrete forms (ICFs) serve as formwork while simultaneously inserting the thermal insulation materials used to construct energy-efficient buildings.

Purchasing Top Quality Formwork for Concrete

We at Disc-O-Scaff are a leading manufacturer and supplier of scaffolding and steel concrete formwork to construction companies in Southern Africa. Our products are made exclusively with SABS-approved materials to guarantee safety and durability. Contact us if you need column formwork or want to learn more about the use and purpose of formwork systems.

Scaffolding for Sale: How to Choose the Right Scaffolding for Your Project

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Scaffolding for Sale: How to Choose the Right Scaffolding for Your Project

Safety considerations and compliance with prevailing industry standards are vital when deciding which of the various types of scaffolding for sale will be best for a particular project. Although all are designed to facilitate working at height, there are no one-size-fits-all options. However, some scaffolding products are more versatile than others.

While alternative products exist, two types are the most popular in South Africa: Kwikstage and Selflock. The following comparison of their features, benefits, and best-fit applications should simplify the task of choosing the one that will best suit your proposed project.

The Facts About Kwikstage Scaffolding for Sale

Of these two types of scaffolding, Kwikstage is the system most widely used in South Africa for the following reasons:

  • It’s a Modular System: Designed for ease of assembly and dismantling, the modular Kwikstage system includes vertical standards, horizontal ledgers, transoms and diagonal braces, couplers, and connectors. Additional components like toe boards, handrails, stillages, and interlocking wedge fittings ensure the safety of workers and passersby.
  • It’s Flexible: Kwikstage scaffolding is easily configured to suit various facades and differing heights and includes brackets to form cantilever scaffolding where ground-level support is unavailable or impractical.
  • It’s Durable: Made from SABS-approved materials, Kwikstage is corrosion-resistant and designed for heavy-duty use.

Ease of use, multiple safety features, longevity, and adaptability make the Kwikstage system the best choice for most outdoor construction projects, simple or complex, from high-rise buildings and churches to cooling towers to bridges.  

The Facts About Selflock Scaffolding for Sale

While experienced scaffolders quickly assemble Kwikstage, builders who must rely on unskilled workers often prefer Selflock because:

  • It Has a Quick Locking Mechanism: The scaffolding components can be locked in place quickly without special tools, making Selflock a user-friendly choice.
  • It’s Compact: Selflock has fewer components than Kwikstage, so it’s easier to handle on-site and to transport and store.
  • It Requires Only One Person to Assemble: The selection of interlocking frames is the key to this product’s success, enabling rapid assembly and disassembly by a single, inexperienced individual with minimal training.
  • It’s Economical: Selflock is a cost-effective choice for small building projects with a limited budget.

When viewed together, the above features provide the ideal option for small- to medium-sized projects with limited need for scaffolding. Selfock is perfect for light construction tasks like painting, plastering, and electrical work.

Scaffolding for Sale in South Africa

At Disc-O-Scaff, we manufacture Kwikstage and Selflock systems and are the supplier of choice to many leading South African construction companies. Contact us for expert help choosing the best types of scaffolding for your projects.

The Nature, Purpose, and Typical Uses of Cantilever Scaffolding

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The Nature, Purpose, and Typical Uses of Cantilever Scaffolding

A cantilever is a rigid structural element supported by another structure only at one end and often with no visible means of support across the remainder of its length. The diving board is a classic example. In other cases, like wall brackets and cantilever scaffolding, the supporting elements may extend for a significant portion or even the entire length of the projecting component.

This specialised form of scaffolding is supported by a series of cantilever beams anchored to a building under construction or renovation. While traditional scaffolding depends on the ground or an alternative stable surface for support, cantilevered platforms project outwards from a building, providing workers access to sites that are impossible to reach with standard scaffolding.

Examples of Cantilever Scaffolding in Action

The uses for this type of scaffolding are somewhat limited compared to the more conventional products. Nevertheless, it can be invaluable in construction scenarios such as the following:

  • Working Around Obstacles: Sometimes, access to a construction site may be obstructed by a road, a footpath, or some other structure that prevents a builder from using a ground-based scaffold tower. Using a cantilevered scaffolding platform enables construction workers to bypass such obstacles and perform their tasks safely.
  • Working on High-Rise Buildings and Facades: While these can often be reached with traditional scaffolding, it is a costly, time-consuming, and labour-intensive option. By contrast, a cantilever platform can be set up from within a building, enabling safe access to external elements like facades.
  • Bridge and Viaduct Construction and Maintenance: When building or repairing these structures, ground support is, at best, complicated and expensive, but when they extend over water, a cantilevered work platform is invariably the only practical solution.
  • Shipbuilding and Repairs: Scaffolding is also used in shipyards. Conventional scaffold towers are impractical when work must be carried out on a ship’s hull while it is afloat. Cantilevered or suspended platforms are the only viable options.

Advantages of Cantilever Scaffolding

Cantilevered platforms offer the following key benefits:

  • Minimal Space Requirement: Its independent support frees up space below for other activities in densely packed urban situations.
  • Cost-Effective: As it requires fewer components, it’s cheaper and quicker to erect and cuts labour costs.
  • Flexible: Kwikstage scaffolding features cantilever brackets that can be adjusted to fit the unique contours of a structure.
  • Safety: Cantilvering provides exception stability in situations where alternative options can’t.

Cantilever Scaffolding in Gauteng

Disc-O-Scaff is a leading Johannesburg-based supplier of high-quality modular scaffolding systems with many years of experience. We invite you to contact us for more details about our Kwikstage and Selflock products, which are manufactured exclusively from SABS-approved materials.

All You Need to Know About Top Quality Scaffolding for Sale in Cape Town

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All You Need to Know About Top Quality Scaffolding for Sale in Cape Town

Possibly the oldest evidence of scaffolding was unearthed in France, where, more than 17 000 years ago, paleolithic humans drilled holes in the wall of caves to support poles to provide a platform from which they could paint artwork on the ceilings. Since then, scaffolds have been used worldwide to support artisans when working at height. Today, one can find modern steel scaffolding for sale in Cape Town and every major city across the globe.

In South Africa, one manufacturer and supplier has earned the status of an industry leader for the quality of its products and its undertaking to deliver them wherever needed. A Johannesburg-based company and Cape Town scaffolding supplier offers two high-quality options.

Types of Scaffolding for Sale in Cape Town

The needs of a major construction company working on projects like high-rise apartment blocks, cathedrals, and bridges are very different from those of the smaller builders, painters, and decorators who must often operate indoors rather than outdoors. At Disc-O-Scaff, we have a solution for each, as shown in the following scaffolding purchase guide:

  • Kwikstage: This product is renowned for its strength and the speed with which it can be assembled, reducing the number of skilled scaffolders required. As a result, Kwikstage has become the most widely used type of scaffolding by large construction companies in Southern Africa.

    Its popularity is partly due to the wide range of components that make it an exceptionally versatile product that can be readily adapted for multiple applications. In addition, features like toe boards, handrails, and stillages ensure the safety of construction workers and passersby. Furthermore, Kwikstage scaffolding for sale in Cape Town can be used to construct temporary stages and stands for music festivals and sporting events.
  • Selflock: The appeal of this product is that it can be assembled and dismantled by anyone, saving the cost of hiring a trained scaffolder. Selfock scaffolding requires far fewer components than Kwikstage due to its hook-on boards and ladders and the innovative interlocking frames of various sizes that simplify the assembly of scaffolding towers.

    The exceptional ease with which it can be erected and dismantled makes Selflock scaffolding the perfect choice for smaller building companies, plumbers, electricians, painters, and decorators.

Disc-O-Scaff Delivers Scaffolding for Sale in Cape Town

All materials used by Disc-O-Scaff, the leading Cape Town scaffolding supplier to manufacture Kwikstage and Selflock components, have been approved by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), ensuring their durability and longevity. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Johannesburg office for more information or to order the best scaffolding in Cape Town.

Kwikstage Scaffolding for Sale in South Africa

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Kwikstage Scaffolding for Sale in South Africa

A simple form of scaffold can be created by supporting a pair of stout wooden planks on trestles. This setup would likely be adequate for basic indoor tasks like wallpapering, plastering, painting a room, or fitting a decorative cornice. However, balancing planks on trestles is not the most stable arrangement, and dismantling and reassembling it each time one needs to work on a new area is a bit of a hassle. By contrast, Kwikstage scaffolding for sale offers builders a safer, more durable, and more flexible option.

The comparison is not entirely valid as the Kwikstage product is designed primarily for outdoor use on construction sites, where, incidentally, it has become the most widely used type of commercially produced scaffolding in Southern Africa.

Some Compelling Features of Kwikstage Scaffolding for Sale

There are several good reasons for the widespread appeal of this product, but the primary benefits of Kwikstage scaffolding are as follows:

  • High-Quality Kwikstage Scaffolding is Easy to Assemble: Each scaffolding part has been designed to lock securely with a wide range of other parts, allowing for rapid assembly and disassembly. Consequently, fewer trained scaffolders are required on a project than when using a conventional scaffold, significantly reducing labour costs.
  • Superior Strength: The product is known throughout Southern Africa as among the most durable scaffolding systems. The best locally made Kwikstage scaffolding is manufactured exclusively from SABS-approved materials, ensuring its exceptional durability and longevity.
  • Versatility: The comprehensive range of Kwikstage components, which includes cantilever brackets, enables the product to follow even the most complex building facades with unrivalled accuracy.
  • Safety: In addition to the inherent strength of the steel standards, ledgers, diagonal braces, and couplers, the components of Kwikstage scaffolding for sale include toe boards, trap doors, hook-on ladders, staircases, handrails, and stillages. Together, these items ensure the safety of construction workers while ensuring that passers-by are protected from injury due to falling objects.
  • Convenience: Castor wheels simplify the repositioning of towers when necessary, while pallets offer easy access and a handy on-site or off-site storage and transportation option.

Sourcing Kwikstage Scaffolding for Sale in Johannesburg

Disc-O-Scaff is a leading manufacturer and supplier of durable scaffolding systems and formwork with a client list that includes some of the nation’s foremost construction companies. That said, we also cater to the needs of the smaller independent builders, who generally don’t have sufficient turnover to justify hiring professional scaffolders. For them, we offer the simpler but effective alternative of Selflock scaffolding.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for more details about high-quality Kwikstage scaffolding or any other of our products you may require.

The Benefits of Prefabricated Concrete Shuttering

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The Benefits of Prefabricated Concrete Shuttering

Also known as formwork, concrete shuttering is essential for moulding freshly poured concrete into the often complex shapes typical of modern construction. That said, the origins of formwork can be traced to when the Romans built the Colosseum, Pantheon, and the Arch of Constantine. While they used fabric and fibres to form their moulds, other materials have since proved more effective. These include timber, plywood and, most recently, steel.

The owners of smaller building companies are often reluctant to meet the initial cost of modern prefabricated steel shuttering, preferring to make their own from timber or plywood. However, by doing so, they are forsaking a highly cost-effective, long-term solution for short-term savings. In the next section, we will compare the merits of this DIY solution with those inherent in modern prefabricated formwork:

Plywood vs Steel Concrete Shuttering

The primary function of formwork is to maintain the shape of freshly poured concrete structures while they harden, so how does a construction company decide which type is best? The following comparisons should help simplify the decision:

  • Time-Saving: Prefabricated shuttering is delivered ready for use, significantly reducing the time spent on measuring, cutting, assembling, and fitting plywood or timber formwork. In construction, time is money, so every hour saved is cash in the bank.
  • Precision and Quality: Commercially manufactured steel shuttering is produced in a controlled factory environment with stringent quality control to ensure precise measurements and high-quality finishes beyond the scope of the hand-crafted alternative.
  • Durability and Reusability: When maintained with care, the superior durability of prefabricated steel concrete shuttering should be good for a hundred uses or more without loss of integrity. By contrast, warping and swelling from contact with water degrades wooden formwork after a few uses, leading to higher material costs in the long term.
  • Labour Efficiency: Unlike the labour-intensive assembly and dismantling of wooden formwork and the associated cost, the ease with which one can manage these actions when employing steel shuttering eliminates the need for suitably skilled labourers, thus reducing costs.
  • Environmental Impact: Construction is one of the world’s least sustainable industries, and, in many countries, companies face heavy fines for non-compliance with green requirements. Because it is reusable, prefabricated steel concrete shuttering is considered a more sustainable option than wooden formwork.
  • Logistics and Storage: Due to its modular design and durability, steel formwork is easy to transport and store. By contrast, wooden shuttering requires more space and careful handling to prevent damage.

Concrete Shuttering in South Africa

We at Disc-O-Scaff are an acknowledged leader in the manufacture of steel scaffolding and formwork. We invite you to contact us for more details about our products, which are made exclusively with SABS-approved materials.

A Comparison of Residential and Commercial Formwork in Construction

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A Comparison of Residential and Commercial Formwork in Construction

The role of formwork in construction is to serve as a temporary mould to shape concrete. However, its use in commercial and domestic projects differs significantly. Formwork has been used since Roman times. Structures like the Pont du Gard in France and the Library of Celsus in Turkey are proof of its efficiency. 

The following paragraphs explain the differences in the use of formwork in residential and commercial construction and the unique challenges and solutions of each.

The Challenges of Residential Construction

Although residential projects are typically smaller and less complex than commercial ones, they still present challenges, such as:

  • Cost Constraints: Budgets for small projects are usually tight, calling for cost-effective formwork solutions that won’t compromise quality or safety.
  • Customisation: Curved walls, intricate cornices, and other complex design elements are frequent features of residential buildings, creating a need for equally complex formwork in construction projects.

The Solutions: Formwork has evolved since Roman builders used fabric and reeds. Residential builders now have the following options to overcome their routine challenges:

  • Modular Formwork: The availability of modular formwork that can be easily assembled into multiple shapes has dramatically reduced operating costs for the small builder by increasing speed and efficiency.
  • Prefabricated Panels: Circular and rectangular shuttering composed of prefabricated bespoke panels are ideal for the ornate columns often required in residential buildings.

The Challenges of Commercial Construction

The markedly larger dimensions of commercial buildings pose the following challenges when using formwork in construction projects:

  • Scale and Load: Structures like office blocks and shopping malls must support much higher loads than the average home. Consequently, all formwork must be sufficiently robust to cope with the added pressure without compromising structural integrity.
  • Speed and Efficiency: Time is frequently a crucial factor for companies engaged in commercial construction. They often face stiff financial penalties for failing to meet agreed milestones and completion dates, so their formwork must enable rapid construction.
  • Height and Complexity: Commercial buildings frequently combine complex designs with high-rise architecture. Hence, the formwork used must cater to these requirements safely and efficiently.

The Solutions: The designers and manufacturers of modern formwork have developed the following options to circumvent the above challenges:

  • Advanced Systems: New developments in the industry include tunnel, jump, and climbing formwork to handle high-rise commercial construction projects safely and efficiently and help companies avoid costly delays.
  • Automation: Automated and self-climbing formwork cuts labour costs and significantly reduces construction times.

Sourcing Quality Formwork

If you use formwork in construction, you need quality, safety, efficiency, and versatility. These are the hallmarks of all steel scaffolding and shuttering products at Disc-O-Scaff. Please get in touch if you would like to learn more.

Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Steel Formwork

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Recommended Strategies For Maintaining Steel Formwork

Steel formwork for moulding concrete structures has revolutionised construction, but proper maintenance is essential to ensure its performance and longevity. Also known as shuttering, the concept of using various materials to maintain the shape of freshly poured concrete until it hardens can be attributed to the builders of Ancient Rome, who used short-lived, disposable materials like reeds and fibre.

Optimising the Lifespan of Steel Formwork

Today, steel shuttering offers a more long-term solution if suitably cared for. Adopting the following strategies will optimise its lifespan and ensure its performance:

  • Regular Cleaning: A wire brush or high-pressure water jet should be used to remove concrete residue and rust immediately after each use to avoid a build-up of debris that could cause corrosion.
  • Inspection: Metal formwork should be inspected before and after use for signs of wear and tear, like cracks and buckling, and any damaged components should be repaired or replaced. 
  • Anti-Corrosion Measures: Repeated exposure to moisture and chemicals can cause steel to corrode. Applying a protective coating like an epoxy paint or galvanisation will prevent rust formation and extend its lifespan.
  • Proper Storage: Even when not in use, steel shuttering can deteriorate. It should be stored on a raised platform to prevent contact with the ground, where it could absorb water, and covered with a tarpaulin to protect it from the weather.
  • Lubrication: Regular oiling is essential to ensure that the moving parts of steel formwork, like hinges and connectors, continue to move freely. In addition, the regular use of a suitable lubricant will help to reduce the frictional force that can lead to short-term wear and tear.
  • Using a Release Agent: Concrete can sometimes stick to the surface of formwork, resulting in surface damage when removed. Applying a release agent like castor oil or petroleum jelly thinned with kerosene will prevent this. Commercial products are also available for this purpose.
  • Scheduled Maintenance: It will help to establish a routine maintenance schedule to ensure all the above measures are carried out systematically. Keeping a detailed written record of all maintenance activities will help you monitor the condition of your steel formwork and schedule any necessary interventions.
  • Awareness Training: Maintaining steel shuttering should be a team effort, so all those who use it must be thoroughly trained in its care. Well-informed workers are more likely to observe the strategies that will ensure its longevity and efficiency.

Purchasing High-quality Steel Formwork

We at Disc-O-Scaff are a leading South African manufacturer and supplier of scaffolding and formwork. Our SABS-approved materials guarantee longevity and performance. We invite you to contact us for more information about these world-class products.