Working with Mobile Scaffolds - Safety is non-negotiable

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Chapter : Scaffold Safety 

Working with Mobile Scaffolds

Towers should be erected by trained and competent people. There are a number of organisations that provide training for the safe erection and use of tower scaffolds.

The incidents that occur are mainly caused by: 👇

• Dangerous methods of erection or dismantling – where a safe system is not being followed;
• Defects in the erected scaffold – where the tower structure is incorrectly assembled or where a platform guardrail is missing;
• Misuse of the scaffold – where a ladder is used on a tower causing it to overturn or when a person falls while the tower is being moved.

Erection and dismantling 👇

The manufacturer, supplier or hirer has a duty to provide an instruction manual explaining the erection sequence, including any bracing requirements.

Towers should be erected following a safe method of work, either using:

• Advance guard rail system – where temporary guard rail units are locked in place from the level below and moved up to the platform level. They are in place before the operator accesses the platform to fit the permanent guard rails.
• ‘Through-the-trap’ (3T) – involves the operator taking up a working position in the trap door of the platform, from where they can add or remove the components which act as the guard rails on the level above the platform. It is designed to ensure that the operator does not stand on an unguarded platform.

Stability👇

To maintain tower stability you must 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; stabilisers or outriggers are installed when required by the instruction manual; and
• That a tower is never erected to a height above that recommended by the manufacturer.

Precautions and Inspection👇

Tower scaffolds must comply with the standard of required for all types of scaffolds, e.g. double guardrails, toeboards, bracing and access ladder. When the tower is purchased or hired it should arrive with all the necessary components to prevent falls and ensure stability.

Towers rely on all parts being in place to ensure adequate strength. They can collapse if sections are left out. All towers must be inspected following assembly and then at suitable regular intervals by a competent person. In addition, if the tower is used for construction work and a person could fall 2 metres or more from the working platform, then it must be inspected following assembly and then every 7 days. Stop work if the inspection shows it is not safe to continue, and put right any faults. The result of an inspection should be recorded and kept until the next inspection is recorded.

Using and Moving 👇

Make sure everyone involved is aware of, and follows, these simple rules:

👉Using

Never use a tower: 👎

• In strong winds;
• As a support for ladders, trestles or other access equipment;
• With broken or missing parts; or
• With incompatible components.

👉Moving

When moving a tower you should always: 👍

• Reduce the height to a maximum of 4m;
• Check that there are no power lines or other obstructions overhead;
• Check that the ground is firm, level and free from potholes; and
• Push or pull using manual effort from the base only.

Safety is non-negotiable, especially when working with mobile scaffolds. Here are some quick and effective tips to ensure safety on the site:

• Don't Move a Loaded Scaffold: Always ensure no one is on the scaffold before moving it. Stability is key!
• Secure All Sections: Make sure every section of the scaffold is pinned and secured correctly to prevent accidental collapses.
• Handle Heavy Equipment Safely: Instead of carrying heavy loads manually, hoist them up to maintain balance and reduce strain.
• Authorized Access Only: Install clear signage to ensure that only trained and authorized personnel use the scaffold.
• Use Safety Barriers: Surround the scaffold with portable barriers and safety lamps to alert and protect workers.
• Unload After Use: Always remove loads once you're done to avoid unnecessary weight on the structure.
• Check Guardrails and Toeboards: Ensure all open sides have guardrails and toeboards securely in place to prevent falls.
•  Minimal Scaffold Load: Keep tools and supplies to a minimum when the scaffold is in use to maintain stability.
• Inspect for Defects: Regularly check for any physical defects before climbing onto the scaffold.
• Ensure a Stable Surface: Set up the scaffold on a hard, level surface, away from edges or drop-offs.

Adhering to these guidelines not only ensures compliance with safety standards but also significantly reduces the risk of accidents.

Quick tips for the safe use of mobile scaffolds

1. Never move the scaffold while someones statnding on it.
2. Ensure all sections are appropriately pinned and secured 
3. Got heavy equipment? Hoise them up; don't carry them up by hand.
4. Install a sign that says only authorized staff are allowed to use the mobile scaffold.
5. Place portable barriers and safety lamps around the scaffold while in use.
6. Remove the loads afetr you're done using the scaffold.
7. Ensure toeboards and guardrails are frimly fixed on all open sides,
8. Keep scaffold loads to a minimum by removing tools and supplies when the scaffolds note in use.
9. Check up on physical defects before getting on the access ladder.
10. Is the scaffold on a hard level surface? Good. You'd want it nowwhere near a slab edge or a step-down.too.  

Never move a tower while people or materials are on the tower, or in windy conditions.