How To Erect Scaffold Towers Safely - By: Jackie De Burca

Using scaffold towers as part of your home improvement construction project means that for your safety it is a good idea to be aware of the health and safety recommendations. Treat your home as a workplace when using scaffold towers. Before you undertake work on scaffolding towers carry out an assessment in accordance to The Work at Height Regulations 2005. In the workplace this assessment is to confirm that there is no alternative to working at height and that the most suitable equipment has been selected for the job in hand, the same should apply to your home construction project.

Scaffold towers are, when used correctly, a safe means of gaining access to work which is being done at height. They are used widely throughout the UK. Where incidents can occur is when there has been inappropriate erection or the misuse of the scaffold towers, also known as access towers. Numerous accidents occur because of these reasons but with the correct health and safety practices these are being lowered and can be prevented.

When erecting scaffold towers you need to be aware that aluminium and the thin-wall steel towers are relatively light and can overturn easily with incorrect use. All parts must be in their correct place to ensure the required core strength. If sections are left out there is a good chance that the towers can collapse.

There are two approved methods which are recommended by the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association, which have been developed in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive. However all manufacturers also have the duty to provide the instruction manual which explains the erection sequence and this should include any bracing requirements. The same applies to any organisations which hire the towers to you.

The first approved method is an advance guard rail system, which makes use of guard rail units which are specifically designed for the job. These guard rail units are locked in place form the level below and moved up onto the platform level. They provide collective fall prevention and are put in place before the operator accesses the platform in order to fit the permanent guard rails. It is the progressive erection of guard rails from the protected areas at the lower level which makes sure that the operator will not be exposed to the risk of falling from an un-guarded platform.

The second approved method of erection is the “through the trap” method. It involves the operator taking up a working position in the trap door of the platform. From this position you can add or remove the components which are acting as guard rails on the level above the platform. This method is designed to make sure that the operator does not stand on an un-guarded platform, yet can install the components to a particular level while you are positioned within the trap door of that level.

Before use the scaffolding towers you should inspect the access towers well to see that they are in a safe working condition. Naturally you or any other person using the scaffold towers should not be under the influence of any state altering medication or other substances.

Take the time to plan your work well as this will help you keep safe when using scaffold towers.

About the Author

Jackie de Burca is co-owner of CWA Europe and writes articles for Towers & Sanders Ltd., a leading UK manufacturer and supplier of quality access equipment such as scaffold towers, access towers and aluminum scaffolding towers. The products have passed all the required safety standards in Great Britain and the middleman is cut out in order to provide customers maximum value.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Jackie-De-Burca/61178

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