In Hong Kong, bamboo is often used as scaffolding for construction of new buildings around the city.
In Hong Kong, bamboo is often used as scaffolding for construction of new buildings around the city.
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Contractors choose to use bamboo because it is both hollow and strong.
Contractors choose to use bamboo because it is both hollow and strong.
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They say it is lighter, cheaper and more flexible than its metal alternative.
They say it is lighter, cheaper and more flexible than its metal alternative.
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The poles are used to create large multi-story grids and are joined together using simple knots and nylon strips.
The poles are used to create large multi-story grids and are joined together using simple knots and nylon strips.
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Bamboo is technically considered to be part of the grass family.
Bamboo is technically considered to be part of the grass family.
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Workers need their hands to be free during the bamboo building process, so that they can cut poles and tie knots.
Workers need their hands to be free during the bamboo building process, so that they can cut poles and tie knots.
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A technique known as 'riding the bamboo' involves keeping an ankle wrapped around the pole at all times -- allowing workers to keep their hands free while remaining safe.
A technique known as 'riding the bamboo' involves keeping an ankle wrapped around the pole at all times -- allowing workers to keep their hands free while remaining safe.
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The use of this ancient Chinese technique on such high structures is actually banned in mainland China, with concerns over the bamboo deteriorating.
The use of this ancient Chinese technique on such high structures is actually banned in mainland China, with concerns over the bamboo deteriorating.
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But in Hong Kong, bamboo scaffolding is considered to be a strong and reliable material. It is passed down to the next generation at bamboo scaffolding schools run by Hong Kong's Construction Industry Council.
But in Hong Kong, bamboo scaffolding is considered to be a strong and reliable material. It is passed down to the next generation at bamboo scaffolding schools run by Hong Kong's Construction Industry Council.
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Aside from these basic safety techniques, workers are protected only by simple modern day devices such as a harnesses and helmets.
Aside from these basic safety techniques, workers are protected only by simple modern day devices such as a harnesses and helmets.
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