Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Working at height - mobile access towers

Mobile access towers come in sections that are fitted together to create a platform for working at height. They can be very useful, avoiding the need for scaffolding, but have their limitations. They are usually quite light-weight, and so prone to toppling over. Also, they may not be particularly strong.

Manufacturers of towers have a duty to provide the information necessary to use them safely. This includes how they fit together, maximum height, use of stabilisers. Clearly they should only be used in accordance with these instructions.

Other points to note include:

* Only erect on firm, level ground
* Beware of overhead cables
* Protect against vehicle impact
* Do not put on blocks or bricks
* Make sure caster (wheels) are locked when being built or in use
* Do not attach any sheeting, unless designed for that use (wind can blow tower over)
* Only hoist material from the tower in line with design
* Ensure there is a safe way to get to the top. Some towers are designed to be climbed, others have ladders built in
* Never use a tower as a support for ladders, trestles or other access equipment;
* Do not use in weather conditions likely to make the tower unstable (wind, rain affecting ground)
* Beware of overhead cables when moving the tower - reduce height to below 4 metres
* Do not use powered vehicles to move towers

href=http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis10.pdf>Reference

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