Many recent innovations in construction methods for commercial buildings have helped improve efficiency and safety. Precast elevator and stair shafts, in particular, are a great example of an innovation that is helping construction teams accelerate the pace of construction while also improving safety.
Eliminate Scaffolding
Since elevator and stair shafts must be built before any other part of a structure, the traditional construction methods rely on the use of temporary scaffolding. Scaffolding, while necessary for many construction jobs, comes with an inherent risk of injury. Scaffold-related accidents cause approximately 4,500 injuries and 50 deaths every year, according to OSHA.Scaffolding also takes time to assemble and tear down, slowing down the construction schedule.
Precast building materials are manufactured to precise specifications offsite and delivered ready for installation. County Prestress & Precast Elevator Shafts and Stair Shafts include a precast roof cap, which eliminates the dangerous task of constructing a cap out of wood trusses, wallboard, and mud, or forming and installing a cast-in-place roof cap. Installation of a precast shaft requires a small crew and the use of a crane, completely eliminating the need for scaffolding for shaft installation.
Additionally, County Prestress & Precast can integrate installation safety platforms directly into the hoist-way of elevator shafts upon request. These platforms provide access to the highest stop for the electrician without the use of scaffolding.
Boost Construction Site Organization
Using precast building materials can lead to cleaner construction sites. Eliminating on-site fabrication helps minimize dust, debris, and waste and promotes a more organized job site. With less construction debris on the site, machinery operators have fewer obstacles to navigate around, resulting in a safer job site.
Improve First Responder Access
Stair shafts serve as critical access points for first responders after a building is completed, but they can also provide safer and faster access to higher floors of a building during construction. Once a precast stair shaft has been assembled, metal stairs or precast stairs can be immediately lowered into the shaft. When delivery of precast shafts is coordinated with the installation of stairs, the construction site can have a completely functional stair shaft in a matter of days, eliminating the need for temporary ladders and stairs and providing safer access for tradesmen, inspectors, and first responders during construction.
Contact a sales representative to use County Prestress & Precast Elevator and Stair Shafts for your next project.
