Safely Erecting a Scaffolding Tower
Posted on January 3, 2010 by Samuel Cheeseman
A scaffolding tower is a form of independent scaffolding and provides an alternative to installing a complete scaffold system. You can purchase a good quality cheap scaffolding tower from many suppliers which will be suitable for use in DIY or other small construction projects. When used properly by workers with the correct training these structures are very safe. On the other hand if the correct safety procedures are not followed or the structure is used by a reckless or inexperienced operator then accidents are likely to occur. It is important to make sure that these towers are erected in the correct manner by following the manufacturer’s instructions so that they will be safe to use. Any company such as Scaffolding Towers of America which offers towers for sale or is involved in tower hire, has to provide you with these details from the manufacturer. All good quality towers such as those in the Boss scaffolding tower range will come complete with a detailed assembly procedure.
Create a Safe Area for the Tower
Before beginning the assembly of scaffolding towers it will be necessary to ensure that any area where a tower will be located is safe. The ground must be stable, level and capable of supporting the considerable weight that is about to be placed upon it. A tower should never be constructed in an area which has power lines overhead. The safety of other people should also be considered along with the safety of those involved in using the scaffolding tower. The area around the base of a tower should be blocked off using barriers to ensure that nobody strays to close to the structure. Adequate space needs to be left in case any objects fall from the tower. Wherever it is possible to do so work should be completed during quiet periods when members of the public are less likely to be in the vicinity. If the structure needs to be left unattended overnight or at any other time then access ladders should be removed from stair tower scaffolding so that children do not attempt to climb them.
All the components of the tower scaffolding should be checked for damage before they are assembled. This is particularly important when using an aluminium scaffolding tower. The tubes used in these structures are not as resistant to dents as steel ones may be so an aluminium scaffold tower could be more likely to collapse when supporting heavy weights if individual components are damaged. Where a mobile scaffolding tower is being used the brakes should also be checked along with the wheels or castors to ensure that the tower will remain stationary. Mobile scaffold towers should never be moved while anyone is using them.
Methods of Assembly
The Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association have outlined two safe methods for assembling these structures which will apply to both steel and aluminium scaffolding towers in the UK. The first method uses temporary guard rails which can be fixed into position from the platform below the one where they are needed. When these protective rails are in place the operator can climb the up to fix the permanent guard rails safely. This technique ensures that the operator will never need to work from a platform which is unguarded.
The second method of construction involves the operator working from a position in the trap door of a platform. From here he can safely fit guard rails to the platform above the one he is currently positioned on. The trap door of the unguarded level provides protection to the operator while he secures the guard rails and therefore prevents him from needing to position himself on an unguarded platform. Whatever method of construction you are using care should be taken when assembling a lightweight alloy scaffold tower as it can topple over if the correct procedures are not used.
These explanations are brief and are only intended to highlight the methods of assembly which may be used. The installation instructions from a manufacturer such as Boss tower scaffolding will be specific to the tower you are working with and should be followed very carefully. They will detail the method of assembly which needs to be employed along with how it is to be performed with your tower specifically. A DIY scaffolding tower should never be assembled by one person alone. A second operator should always be present to provide assistance and in case anything should go wrong.
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