Scaffolding towers are framed, freestanding structures that provide you with independent, elevated labour platforms throughout the UK. Scaffolding towers securely accommodate people, supplies and equipment for projects which entail working at height for lengthy periods. Towers also are ideal for tasks where a ladder is unsuitable or dangerous.
Scaffolding Towers - An Initial Inspection Can be Vital
Before beginning tower assembly, carry out a careful inspection of all parts, if possible by an individual with PASMA certification. PASMA represents Prefabricated Access Suppliers' and Manufacturers' Association, an entity that helps bring about the secure use of access towers and adherence to standards and regulations. The inspection certifies that all important parts, such as guard rails, are undamaged, present and free from abrasions, blemishes, slices, bends or even rust. Furthermore, all the clips for connecting the components must be present and completely operable. Special consideration should be paid to castors in order to verify that they are damage-free or foreign objects that could slow down movement. All towers should display stickers which designate load bearing capacity and date of most recent inspection. The manufacturer's guidebook for the tower also needs to be present. The tower shouldn't be assembled if it fails any element of this inspection. Any components that fail should be clearly labelled "Unsafe - do not use" and pulled from service.
Scaffolding Towers - Constructing the Tower
The scaffolding tower should always be built according to the manufacturer's requirements and administered by a person with PASMA certification. A crew of no less than three personnel is needed to construct a tower. One person passes the components to two workers who complete the actual developing. You should always construct a tower from the ground up, part by part. Do not attempt to construct modular sections and raise them into position. Utilize the outriggers the moment the tower is high enough. Check the tower for levelness implementing a plumb line or spirit level once the first part is finished and frequently throughout construction. The tower is primed for use only when a PASMA certified member has filled out a "B.T.S. Inspection Checklist for Mobile Access Towers" document.
Scaffolding Towers - A Few More Guidelines
A scaffolding tower shouldn't be altered in any way once it has been developed. The outriggers should remain in position. The tower should lay on a solid, even foundation. The castors, if they exist, must be in the locked position. Whenever creating the tower, personnel should brace it completely so that the frame doesn't twist. Be certain you use the base ratio chosen by the manufacturer, unless the tower is permanently secured to another lasting structure. Free standing towers should not go beyond 9.87 metres (30 feet) except if they are tied in position. Nevertheless, tied towers should not be more lofty than 12 metres (40 feet). As a final point, be sure to offer a safe process for employees to access the tower by means of an internal ladder or stairway. Don't ever allow workers to free climb the construction.
Across the UK, scaffolding towers are secure and efficient structures designed for carrying out work at height, but only if put together properly.
