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<strong>MOBILE</strong> <strong>TOWER</strong><br />
<strong>SCAFFOLDS</strong><br />
Introduction<br />
Mobile tower scaffolds provide a very useful and efficient working platform for numerous tasks when<br />
used properly. When misused, they provide a means of serious injury to users and to other<br />
employees.<br />
Main points<br />
• Plan use of mobile tower scaffolds. Ensure safe working loads (SWL’s) are sufficient, that<br />
manufacturers’ guidelines are complied with, and that a competent person is available to<br />
erect, adjust and dismantle<br />
• Check all mobile tower scaffolds prior to use. Check general condition - check<br />
brakes/locking devices are working, check free rotation of wheels, check all bracings are in<br />
place, check for suitable access/egress and for suitable platform.<br />
• Where height exceeds 3 metres - guard-rails, mid-rails and/or toe-boards must be fitted<br />
(note this is a minimum requirement – recommended that they be fitted regardless of<br />
height).<br />
Discussion points<br />
• Check manufacturers guide for base to height ratio. General rule is that the height should<br />
not exceed three times the narrowest base width eg where the narrowest base width equals<br />
1.5 metres, height should not exceed 4.5 metres. (Note - this can be extended by the use of<br />
outriggers)<br />
• Mobile tower scaffolds should only be used on level, firm surfaces. If the surface is soft or<br />
not level, then they shouldn’t be used. They should only be used where adequate support is<br />
provided<br />
• Wheels should be locked whenever the tower is in use<br />
• Only integral ladders should be used – on no account rest ladders against outside, or use<br />
ladders off the mobile tower platforms<br />
• Ensure all persons and materials are removed from mobile tower scaffolds prior to moving.<br />
Move by pushing at the base, avoid potholes/uneven surfaces, and beware of overhead<br />
obstructions – especially power lines!<br />
• Mobile tower platforms should be fully boarded out where practicable<br />
• Consider tying the tower to structures where applicable.<br />
<strong>MOBILE</strong> <strong>TOWER</strong> <strong>SCAFFOLDS</strong> ARE AN ASSET<br />
– NOT A SHORTCUT, NO JOB IS SO URGENT THAT IT CAN’T BE DONE SAFELY<br />
Questions and Answers<br />
What should you check a mobile tower scaffold for prior to use?<br />
• General condition of the mobile tower scaffold<br />
• Brakes/locking devices are working<br />
• Wheels are rotating freely<br />
• All bracings are in place<br />
• There is suitable access/egress<br />
• There is a suitable platform<br />
• Guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards have been fitted (required over 3 metres but generally<br />
recommended regardless of height).<br />
P.T.O
<strong>MOBILE</strong> <strong>TOWER</strong><br />
<strong>SCAFFOLDS</strong><br />
What manufacturer’s guidelines must you check before using a mobile tower scaffold?<br />
• The <strong>Safe</strong> Working Load<br />
• The guide for base to height ratio.<br />
When is it okay to transport materials or personnel on a mobile tower scaffold?<br />
It is never okay to transport materials and especially personnel on a mobile tower scaffold – they are<br />
not to be used as a shortcut or as a form of transport.<br />
Related Topics:<br />
1. Ladder Use<br />
2. Working at Heights<br />
3. Working Platforms<br />
4. Duties of Persons Selling or Supplying Plant<br />
5. Mobile Elevated Work Platforms<br />
6. <strong>Safe</strong> Access<br />
7. Scaffolding<br />
8. Plant and Equipment
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