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The Culture of Bamboo ScaffoldingPhotographsBamboo scaffolds in contemporary Hong KongIntroduction
Bamboo scaffolds, which come in all shapes and sizes, can be seen all over Hong Kong. The photographs in this section show some of the most common scaffolds as well as the most extraordinary, and give an idea of the countless purposes they can serve.
We are grateful to Mr Chan Siu-fan for contributing the photographs in this section.
The single-layered scaffold is the most basic form of scaffold. In the old days, workers, such as house painters, simply worked on single-layered scaffolds. However, this is now considered too hazardous, and to meet today’s safety standards, double-layered scaffolds are often used instead. Double-layered scaffolds allow working platforms to be set up between the two frames, providing a sturdy surface for workers to stand on, so that they no longer need to cling precariously to the poles while they work. Today, single-layered scaffold is used mainly for “lighter” work such as providing access for workers and for holding up protective nets to keep back dust and to prevent debris from falling onto the public.
The double-layered scaffold consists of a single outer layer scaffold and an inner layer of posts and ledgers which are erected inside. Between the two layers, short poles are used to support timber plants that form working platforms. Sometimes, when it is impractical to use planks, a platform is formed by tightly bound bamboo poles.
Truss-out scaffolding is used in locations where it is not practical to erect a full scaffold structure from the ground. It is generally used for minor works and relies on the building for support.
Catch fans, covered with galvanized zinc sheets or tarpaulins, are used to prevent debris from falling from height which may endanger the public. In general, there are two types of catch fans. The narrower of the two is five feet wide and is often used in upper floors and erected at 45 degrees, while the wider is more than 10 feet wide and used at lower levels.
In rainy and hilly Hong Kong, there is much slope work to be done. For light work such as weeding or inspecting slopes, single scaffolding suffices, but for heavier work such as applying shotcrete, double scaffolding is needed.
Working platforms provide a stable and safe foothold for workers and space for placing tools and equipment. They are used in many circumstances. One of the most common working platforms is for ceiling work, and these are erected in different ways to suit the height and shape of the structure.
One of the greatest properties of bamboo is its flexibility. The photographs in this section demonstrate that it can be easily bent into different shapes, cut into different lengths and set up in different spaces. Bamboo scaffolds are ideal for temporary situations as it can be put up and dismantled quickly.
Being extremely versatile, bamboo scaffolding can serve many purposes. The photographs here show more examples of it uses.
We are grateful to Mr Chan Siu-fan for contributing the photographs in this section.
Single-layered scaffolds
The single-layered scaffold is the most basic form of scaffold. In the old days, workers, such as house painters, simply worked on single-layered scaffolds. However, this is now considered too hazardous, and to meet today’s safety standards, double-layered scaffolds are often used instead. Double-layered scaffolds allow working platforms to be set up between the two frames, providing a sturdy surface for workers to stand on, so that they no longer need to cling precariously to the poles while they work. Today, single-layered scaffold is used mainly for “lighter” work such as providing access for workers and for holding up protective nets to keep back dust and to prevent debris from falling onto the public.
Double-layered scaffolds
The double-layered scaffold consists of a single outer layer scaffold and an inner layer of posts and ledgers which are erected inside. Between the two layers, short poles are used to support timber plants that form working platforms. Sometimes, when it is impractical to use planks, a platform is formed by tightly bound bamboo poles.
Truss-out scaffolds
Truss-out scaffolding is used in locations where it is not practical to erect a full scaffold structure from the ground. It is generally used for minor works and relies on the building for support.
Catch fans
Catch fans, covered with galvanized zinc sheets or tarpaulins, are used to prevent debris from falling from height which may endanger the public. In general, there are two types of catch fans. The narrower of the two is five feet wide and is often used in upper floors and erected at 45 degrees, while the wider is more than 10 feet wide and used at lower levels.
Scaffolds for slope work
In rainy and hilly Hong Kong, there is much slope work to be done. For light work such as weeding or inspecting slopes, single scaffolding suffices, but for heavier work such as applying shotcrete, double scaffolding is needed.
Working platforms
Working platforms provide a stable and safe foothold for workers and space for placing tools and equipment. They are used in many circumstances. One of the most common working platforms is for ceiling work, and these are erected in different ways to suit the height and shape of the structure.
Special scaffolds
One of the greatest properties of bamboo is its flexibility. The photographs in this section demonstrate that it can be easily bent into different shapes, cut into different lengths and set up in different spaces. Bamboo scaffolds are ideal for temporary situations as it can be put up and dismantled quickly.
Others
Being extremely versatile, bamboo scaffolding can serve many purposes. The photographs here show more examples of it uses.
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