Kennards Hire says contractors in a variety of trades have been quick to embrace a new, versatile mini scaffold, introduced late last year (2005).

The Universal Scaffold consists of three basic pieces, with the braces attached to the platform.

It packs flat for easy transportation, and can be carried and erected by one man. On a flat surface, it provides a reach height of 3.8 metres.

The unit is very quick and easy to erect, is excellent for doorways, can be used on slopes and stairs, and even serves as a workbench or materials trolley.

It is 750mm wide, with a safe working load of 200kg. Safety rails are provided for regulation heights.

Lockable castors are fitted to the end frames, and can be adjusted in 25mm increments to a maximum of 275mm.

JAI Constructions hired a unit from Kennards to install copper guttering on an extension to a harbour-side Federation house.

“We were working in confined spaces and, being lightweight, portable and very easy to assemble, this scaffolding was ideal,” builder Jeroen Dyk says.

Kennards supplied Condor Commercial Insulation with Universal Scaffolding for a city office refurbishment.

“It is small and compact, and very good for corridors, and getting around corners,” supervisor Igor Kilic says “You can also erect and dismantle it very quickly.”

New Power Electrics hired a unit from Kennards while stripping old electrical cabling from the Bulldogs Leagues Club.

“It was very good for doorways,” site supervisor David Eldridge says.