How to Use a Scaffold Tower Safely
Scaffold tower safety
Working at height can quickly become a significant health and safety risk if workers do not take their safety seriously. Overstretching on ladders is a common cause of accidents or injuries. Although working from a scaffold tower is much safer than working from a ladder, you should be aware of specific risks. Falling from a scaffolding tower is one of the most significant hazards; however, other factors should also be considered when using a tower for your safety. Faulty structures and weather conditions can also contribute to hazards when using a tower.
We have compiled a list of scaffold tower safety tips below to ensure you stay safe when working at height.
Wearing the correct PPE
PPE, or personal protective equipment, keeps you safe when working at height or in other hazardous environments. Having top-quality PPE can make a big difference and may even be life-saving. Never underestimate the importance of wearing PPE.
Many forms of PPE are available; however, not all will be suitable for working from a scaffold tower. Below is a list of items that should be used when working from height:
- Hard hat.
- Fall arrest system.
- Protective eyewear.
- Safety harness.
- Hi-visibility clothing.
- Ear defenders or earplugs.
- Lanyards for tools.
Scaffold tower inspection
When using a scaffold tower, ensure it is fit for purpose by checking for damaged or misplaced components or fastenings before assembling or using it.
This is why regular scaffold tower inspections are essential before use, after use, or when other situations arise that could cause the tower to be altered in any way, or if you suspect there is damage to any aspect of the tower. If this is the case, DO NOT USE the scaffold tower. The risks of using a damaged or faulty tower could be fatal; it is not worth the risk.
A proper tower inspection should cover the frames, braces, platforms, guardrails, castors, stabilisers and connections for signs of damage, wear or incorrect assembly. Follow our scaffold tower inspection guide for a more detailed look at the safety checks and tower components to inspect before working at height.
If parts of your tower are faulty or missing, SOME components but not all can be replaced, or you may want to invest in a brand new scaffold tower.
The Weather
Be wary of the weather! Always be aware of the weather when using a scaffold tower, as it can bring many hazards. As we are all aware, the weather in the UK is somewhat unpredictable. Rain and wind are the main issues when working from a scaffold tower.
- Rain can make the platform and frames slippery.
- Wind can make it hard for you and the tower to remain stable, especially the higher you are working.
- Falling trees and power lines are also another factor in bad weather.
A risk assessment is the ideal way to ensure you have covered all potential hazards, but good old common sense can also help. If the weather is too hazardous to work, don’t risk it; if you are already up and working and the weather turns (as it always does), come down and continue later when it is less risky.
Are scaffold towers safe?
Scaffold towers are safe, but the user needs to ensure:
- A competent person assembles the tower correctly.
- They check the tower and take the correct health and safety precautions before use.
- All users work safely from the tower and do not take risks.
- All users working from the tower have the correct health and safety training.
- Always carry out a risk assessment.
- Always check for overhead obstructions, especially power cables, which can be fatal.
A suitable mobile scaffold tower should provide a stable, secure working platform for the task. Our scaffold tower range offers practical access solutions for working safely at height.
Do you need safety harnesses when working from a scaffold tower?
If you work from a scaffold tower more than 4m above ground level, safety guidelines require users to wear a safety harness at all times. If the scaffold tower has edge-protection guardrails, the requirement for a safety harness is slightly different. If unsure, always refer to your safety manual or an on-site manager. For added safety, you can wear the harness anyway.
Further, scaffold tower safety info
Below are more safety tips for you to be aware of; however, some may not apply to your particular situation, but it’s always helpful to understand and encourage further safety when working from scaffold towers:
- Never assemble the scaffold tower without the correct instructions.
- Ensure all users have received the correct health and safety tower training.
- Inspect that the leg braces on the tower are firmly secured.
- Ensure that any boards, planks or decks that make up the platform are level and secure.
- Remove any items not in use from the scaffold tower to reduce tripping risks.
Please note: We have not accounted for every risk a user could encounter when using a scaffold tower; this is just a generalisation. We recommend always following the manufacturer’s guidelines and seeking help from a professional.
