The traditional procedure for constructing towers was very complex and for the average do-it-yourself decorator or self employed handyman, setting up a scaffolding structure had been way too much trouble. It required specialist personnel(or perhaps a group of people depending on the scale of the project) that were proficient in scaffolding erection. These people would work to erect the tower structure and despite workers following these (outdated) rules several very serious injuries occurred, hence it's no surprise that scaffolding safety bodies were put in place to enforce new rules for scaffold tower construction.
Today, scaffold tower systems are widely used by both amateurs and professionals as a way to gain access to areas that require an elevated working platform and are in use throughout the world. Before employing an access tower as part of a do-it-yourself renovation or maintenance job, it's crucial to know the safety guidelines and follow the recommendations. You would also be wise to treat the job in hand as if it was a place of work.
The Work at Height regulations 2005 states that an evaluation of the methods to be used should be completed to be sure there is not any alternative to working at height or more suitable equipment. This is especially true if working in an industrial area where cherry pickers are sometimes available and could provide a much safer alternative to scaffolding. This simple evaluation should be completed for any job requiring an elevated working platform.
Following the evaluation, if a scaffold tower is deemed to be the best equipment for the job, one must learn how to tackle erecting the tower system safely.
You should if possible use one other person besides yourself (especially for anyone building a large system) or maybe a team of people depending on the size of the project.
One or two persons should be assigned to do the building
Another who will inspect and make sure the right tools will be ready to use when required
All of your crew ought to use safety harnesses.
Absolutely no corroded components should be used to assemble the tower system.
Any locking components of the scaffold system will have to be examined and checked for possible malfunction before they are added to the structure.
Casters must be inspected and examined for damage and brakes tested for efficiency.
There are two main licensed methods which are commended by the prefabricated aluminium scaffolding manufacturers association (PASM) but probably the most trusted is the 3T (through the trapdoor) method. This involves positioning of trapdoor platforms at every 2m using 2, 3 or 4 rung frames in the base dependent upon completed height. This means that you can clamber through the trapdoor and also sit on the working platform to finish guard railing at each stage of erection. This method guarantees that you are constantly protected against falls whilst the tower construction is in progress. If you have hired or purchased your own equipment almost all manufacturers have a duty to produce instruction manuals which details the erection sequence and this should include bracing requirements to ensure the end result is a stable safe platform.
Recent improvements in scaffold tower design has generated a tremendous increase in the number of consumers and if manufacturer's directions are followed diligently, a high quality modern day tower system or combo step ladder is by far the most secure option for operating at heights.
Today, scaffold tower systems are widely used by both amateurs and professionals as a way to gain access to areas that require an elevated working platform and are in use throughout the world. Before employing an access tower as part of a do-it-yourself renovation or maintenance job, it's crucial to know the safety guidelines and follow the recommendations. You would also be wise to treat the job in hand as if it was a place of work.
The Work at Height regulations 2005 states that an evaluation of the methods to be used should be completed to be sure there is not any alternative to working at height or more suitable equipment. This is especially true if working in an industrial area where cherry pickers are sometimes available and could provide a much safer alternative to scaffolding. This simple evaluation should be completed for any job requiring an elevated working platform.
Following the evaluation, if a scaffold tower is deemed to be the best equipment for the job, one must learn how to tackle erecting the tower system safely.
There are two main licensed methods which are commended by the prefabricated aluminium scaffolding manufacturers association (PASM) but probably the most trusted is the 3T (through the trapdoor) method. This involves positioning of trapdoor platforms at every 2m using 2, 3 or 4 rung frames in the base dependent upon completed height. This means that you can clamber through the trapdoor and also sit on the working platform to finish guard railing at each stage of erection. This method guarantees that you are constantly protected against falls whilst the tower construction is in progress. If you have hired or purchased your own equipment almost all manufacturers have a duty to produce instruction manuals which details the erection sequence and this should include bracing requirements to ensure the end result is a stable safe platform.
Recent improvements in scaffold tower design has generated a tremendous increase in the number of consumers and if manufacturer's directions are followed diligently, a high quality modern day tower system or combo step ladder is by far the most secure option for operating at heights.