Scaffolding

Scaffolding is a treatise on the design and erection of scaffolds, gantries, and stagings, by A. G. H. Thatcher. The preface says scaffolding up to quite recent years has been considered by builders and others concerned, with the exception of the actual workmen, to be a matter of small importance and consequently unworthy of study. The preface refers to recent legislation, among them the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1897, and the Factory and Workshop Act, 1901.

The text says each box is fitted with a bow for chain hook, or lugs for chain slings, has a capacity of about 3 cubic feet, is made of steel plates, and may be round or square on plan. Baskets are described as having a capacity of about 1 cubic foot, with three qualities of cane used in their construction: Mackerel back, recognised by its peculiar markings, Short Nature, and Squeaky. The text says a fresh-cut surface should be firm, shining, and somewhat translucent, and that a dull, chalky, or woolly appearance is a sign of bad timber.