SCF/General/TBT-SCF-005

Mobile Tower Scaffolds

Scaffolding › General › Mobile Tower Scaffolds

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Mobile tower scaffolds are lightweight aluminium structures on castors used for short-duration work at heights up to 12 metres.
The tower must be erected following the manufacturer's instruction manual by persons trained in the specific system being used.
The maximum safe platform height depends on whether the tower is used indoors or outdoors due to wind loading differences.
Outriggers or stabilisers must be fitted when the tower exceeds the height at which the base dimensions alone provide stability.
All four castors must be locked before anyone climbs the tower — a rolling tower throws workers from the platform.
The platform must be fully boarded with guardrails, mid-rails, and toe boards at every working level and intermediate level.
The tower must not be moved while anyone is on the platform unless it is specifically designed for mobile use while occupied.
Access must be via the internal ladder system — climbing the outside of the tower frame is prohibited and extremely dangerous.
The base must be on firm, level ground — soft ground, slopes, and uneven surfaces cause the tower to topple.
Daily inspections must confirm the tower is complete, stable, and the correct configuration for the working height required.

Overturn	Mobile towers are tall and narrow — unlocked castors, wind, or uneven ground cause them to topple over with workers on top.
Correct assembly	Towers erected without following the manufacturer's instructions lack structural integrity and can collapse during use.
Climbing the outside	External climbing changes the tower's centre of gravity, causing it to tip — internal access only is a critical rule.

Don't

Erect the tower following the manufacturer's instructions by trained personnel only.
Lock all four castors firmly before anyone climbs onto or uses the tower.
Fit outriggers or stabilisers when the tower height requires them for stability.
Ensure the platform is fully boarded with guardrails and toe boards at all levels.
Access the tower using the internal ladder — never climb the outside frame.
Set up on firm, level ground — assess the surface before positioning the tower.
Check the tower height against the maximum for indoor or outdoor use.
Inspect the tower daily for completeness, stability, and correct configuration.
Clear all workers from the platform before moving the tower to a new position.
Ensure the base dimensions are correct for the platform height being used.

DON'T erect the tower without following the manufacturer's instructions exactly.
DON'T climb a tower without checking that all four castors are locked first.
DON'T exceed the height at which outriggers are required without fitting them.
DON'T use a tower with missing boards, guardrails, or toe boards at any level.
DON'T climb the outside of the tower frame — use the internal ladder always.
DON'T position the tower on soft, sloping, or uneven ground without levelling.
DON'T exceed the maximum height for indoor or outdoor use as specified.
DON'T use a tower that has not been inspected and confirmed complete that day.
DON'T move the tower while anyone remains on the platform.
DON'T use a base configuration that is too narrow for the working height.

See also: Scaffold Safety Awareness | Ladder Safety

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