In this issue, our Case Study article details the removal of the concrete shelf around the perimeter of the rooftop in a 4-story South Boston office building. Significantly, the project had to be done during nighttime hours to avoid interference with normal business activities. Our Masonry 101 article describes two-point suspension scaffolding Abbot used in the Case Study project.
We trust that you will benefit from the information provided in this publication. If you have any comments or questions, or would like an estimate on a masonry repair project, we can be reached at
617-445-0274 or at www.abbotbuilding.com. Sincerely,
Michael Norman, President
Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
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Abbot Removes Concrete Rooftop Shelf in 4-Story South Boston Office Building
Abbot recently removed the concrete shelf around the perimeter of the rooftop at 11 Elkins Street in South Boston. Originally utilized for commercial purposes, the 4-story concrete frame building was converted into offices in the 1990s.
 An investigation determined that the sections of the shelf along the sides and back of the building above the top floor windows had severely deteriorated and were in need of repair. Toward that end, Abbot was contracted to demolish the shelf, finish the area to a smooth profile, and apply a waterproof elastomeric coating to match the color of the building.
Certain situations require that sensitive construction practices be implemented for the convenience of building occupants. In this case, the restoration team elected to conduct the project during nighttime hours so that the noise would not interfere with the tenants' daily business activities. To illuminate the construction area during nighttime hours, floodlights were utilized on the two-point adjustable suspension scaffolding used by Abbot to facilitate the restoration.
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Two-Point Suspension Scaffolding
 As this month's Case Study article, we mention Abbot's use of "two-point adjustable suspension scaffolding" in the Elkins Street project. These scaffolds, also known as "swing-stage" scaffolds, are perhaps the most common type of suspended scaffold. Hung by ropes or cables connected to stirrups at each end of the platform, they play a prominent role in high-rise construction.
Their platforms are suspended by ropes, or other non-rigid means, from an overhead structure. Each cable suspension line is considered to be one point.
Safety First
OSHA provides a number of guidelines to assure the safety of workers and bystanders. Here are a few:
- Platforms on two-point adjustable suspension scaffolds must be no more than 36 inches wide, unless a qualified person has designed them to prevent unstable conditions.
- The platform must be securely fastened to hangers (stirrups) by U-bolts, or by other means that make it capable of supporting its own weight and at least 4 times its maximum intended load.
- Scaffold platforms and walkways must be at least 18 inches wide, unless they are used in areas that the contractor can demonstrate the requirement for a narrower platform. In such cases, the platforms must be as wide as feasible, and fall protection must be provided.
- Platforms 40 feet or less in length, and light metal-type platforms with a rated capacity of 750 pounds or less, must be tested and listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.
- Nothing that could cause a slip, trip or fall (i.e. tools, scrap material, chemicals, snow, ice, etc.) is allowed to accumulate on the platform.
- Customarily, ladders may not be used on scaffolds to increase the height of the working level, except on large-area scaffolds where employees have met safety certain criteria.
- For most activities, there must be no more than a 14-inch gap between the scaffold platform and the structure being worked on.
For a complete list of scaffolding safety guidelines, visit the official OSHA website on the subject.
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Abbot Building Restoration Company, Inc.
28 Allerton Street, Boston, MA 02119
Tel: 617-445-0274 · Fax: 617-445-0277
info@abbotbuilding.com ·
www.abbotbuilding.com
www.facebook.com/abbotbuilding
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Featured Articles
Case Study
Abbot recently removed the concrete shelf around the perimeter of the rooftop in a 4-story South Boston office building.
See full article below
Masonry 101
What is "two-point suspension scaffolding"?
See full article below
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