Scaffold Alert by Chen Yu-Sheng and Liao Mei-Chih

Working at height poses a major and often catastrophic risk of falling and while the invention of aluminum scaffold has since minimized this risk, it is not foolproof as far as potentially deadly fall is concerned. As it turns out, the scaffold itself could be a risk itself due a variety of factors, including improper setup, overloading and sudden gust of winds. But what if, workers could be warned of impending dangers brought about by the aforementioned factors? Well, such is what Scaffold Alert is designed to do. The Scaffold Alert is a beacon of sort that attaches to the scaffold’s vertical pipes and safeguard scaffold users through a two-step approach.

Scaffold Alert by Chen Yu-Sheng and Liao Mei-Chih

First, through prevention by ensuring the structure is levelled as it is being built and second, by actively monitor the loading, vibration and wind, and sends out audible and visual alert if abnormalities are detected. There’s even an app which workers can get the alert and direct on the evacuation. Each device is packed sensors and circuity to enable it to monitor the aforementioned and it is powered by Piezoelectric Technology, negating the need for additional power source. Theoretically, it is self-powered, which affords the flexibility of deployment even the device is way off the nearest power outlet.

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Scaffold Alert by Chen Yu-Sheng and Liao Mei-Chih

On paper, Scaffold Alert sounds like a perfect safety device, but in reality, a collapse can happen in split seconds and thus, I seriously doubt alerting of an imminent danger will be enough to safeguard lives. And then there’s the problem of false alarm that could cause loss of work time (if you ever do fire drills, you will know how much time it can takes to get a frenzy crowd organized) and that’s not to mention the cost of implement a device on each vertical support. In addition, the app is a pretty bad idea, considering that some worksites have already imposed ban on mobile phones to eliminate distraction to the workers.

Scaffold Alert by Chen Yu-Sheng and Liao Mei-Chih

Even if the app is not in the picture, it is still not the best solution. Prevention like regular safety checks to certify the scaffold is safe for use would be a better bet. Though we can’t deny that a sensing device to detect instability could be of some help. As for the sudden gust, often experienced in tight city environment, only careful engineering calculations that take into account of the potential wind load and the subsequent reinforcement required implemented, could help avert possible instability or wind load issues. All those, plus workers wearing the appropriate personal protection equipment, including helmet, body harness and et cetera, could help minimize the damage sustained in the worst case scenario.

The Scaffold Alert is a good attempt in addressing the risk of scaffold collapsing, but as said, it is probably not a foolproof solution.

via Yanko Design