Safety do's and don'ts of tower erecting
MTH stocks a range of tower scaffold for hire and lists below some tips, do's and don'ts, when using or erecting a tower.
Make sure the tower is resting on firm, level ground with the locked castors or base plates properly supported.
Never use bricks or building blocks to take the weight of any part of the tower.
Always check the safe working height by referring to the instruction manual. Towers should never be erected to heights above those recommended by the manufacturer.
Always install stabilisers or outriggers when advised to do so in the instruction manual. Remember, the stability of any tower is easily affected. Unless the tower has been specifically designed for such use, activities such as those listed below should never be carried out:
- sheeting or exposure to strong winds;
- loading with heavy equipment; and
- using the tower to hoist materials or support rubbish chutes.
Using the tower there must be a safe way to get to and from the work platform. This must be on the inside of the tower by an appropriately designed built-in ladder.
It is not safe to climb up the rungs on the end frames unless the rungs have been specifically designed for the purpose of getting to and from the working platform – these have rung spacings of between 230 and 300 mm and an anti-slip surface. If you are in doubt, consult the instruction manual.
Falls must be prevented where there is a risk that a fall could result in personal injury. The working platform must be provided with suitable edge protection and toe boards. Guard rails should be at least 950 mm high and an intermediate guard rail should be provided so the unprotected gap does not exceed 470 mm.
Never use a tower:- as a support for ladders, trestles or other access equipment;
- in weather conditions which are likely to make it unstable;
- with broken or missing parts;
- with incompatible components.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require an assessment to be undertaken before starting any work at height.
If the assessment confirms that there is no alternative to working at height, then suitable work equipment should be selected, taking into account the nature of the work.
Mobile access towers are widely used and can provide an effective and safe means of gaining access to work at height. However, inappropriate erection and misuse of towers are the cause of numerous accidents each year. Aluminium and thin-wall steel towers are light and can easily overturn if used incorrectly.
Towers rely on all parts being in place to ensure adequate strength. They can collapse if sections are left out. Before selecting or specifying a tower, you must be satisfied that it is the most suitable item of equipment for the job.
Contact MTH or phone 0800 1300 399.
