Tower scaffolds

CFR 1910.29—Manually propelled mobile ladder stands and scaffolds (towers) [Walking-Working Surfaces]... 

Mobile scaffold towers may be constructed of basic scaffold components or made from light alloy tube. The tower is built up by slotting the sections together until the required height is reached. A scaffold tower is shown in Fig. 1.22. 

Access to the working platform of a scaffold tower should be by a ladder securely fastened vertically to the inside of the tower. Ladders must never be leaned against a tower, since this might push the tower over. 

Describe how you would use a mobile scaffold tower to re-lamp all the light fittings in a supermarket. Use bullet points to give a step-by-step account of re-lamping the first two fittings. 

A scaffold tower could interfere with the safe swinging of a load by the crane. 

Prefabricated mobile scaffold towers Mobile scaffold towers are frequently used throughout industry. It is essential that the workers are trained in their use since recent research has revealed that 75% of lightweight mobile tower scaffolding is erected, used, moved or dismantled in an unsafe manner. 

The recommended height to base ratio varies from 3 1 to 3.5 1, with a base not less than 1 m, dependent on whether the tower is to be used outside or inside the building. The ratio is lower for outside use due to possible wind effects. The ratios quoted should be treated as a guide and the manufacturer s instruction should always be consulted. Mobile scaffold towers should be inspected regularly as outlined later in this chapter. 

Ladders securely tied should be situated as close as possible to the working area on the roof and extend 1 m above the roof level. Where the height to the roof exceeds 9 m, it is normally a requirement that a scaffold tower with ladders be provided such that the height between intermediate platforms does not exceed 9 m. 

ANSI A92.1 1977, Mobile Ladder Stands and Scaffolds (Towers) Manually Propelled ANSI 01.1a 1979, Woodworking Machinery, Safety Requirements for... 

Scaffold towers are available commercially in forms comparatively easy to construct. They may also be erected from traditional steel tubing and couplers. In either form, competent and trained personnel are required to ensure that all necessary components are present and in the right place. Many accidents have occurred because of poor erection standards a further common cause is overturning. 

Mobile scaffold towers should never be moved while people are still on the platform. This is a significant cause of accidents. 

When work cannot be carried out safely from part of a permanent structure or building, working platforms can be used. These include scaffolds, towers and power-operated mobile work platforms. Where these measures are not practicable, safety nets or harnesses (properly anchored) may be used. The hierarchy of fall protection measures is set out clearly within the Construction (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1996. 

Tower scaffolding should be subject to planned maintenance. Only authorised personnel should erect, modify or dismantle scaffolding. Towers should not be specified for use in the vicinity of overhead power lines. Specification for use of tower scaffolds must take into account the site ground conditions expected, height restrictions and obstructions. Work must be tendered for taking into account the relevant Standards. 

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