Procedure for erection and use of mobile tower scaffolds (Revision 1 – 5 th April 2011) Toolbox talk

HAZARDS AND RISKS Falls from height and falling objects Overturning the scaffold Scaffold collapse Trapping hands in components Contact with live electrical conductors

PERSONS AUTHORISED TO ASSEMBLE AND DISMANTLE MOBILE TOWER SCAFFOLDS Scaffolds must only be assembled and dismantled by staff who have a current PASMA certificate. Note: PASMA certificates are only valid for 5 years PERSONS ACCESSING MOBILE TOWER SCAFFOLDS WHO DO NOT HOLD A CURRENT PASMA CERTIFICATE There may be occasions when staff who have not attended a PASMA course need to use a tower scaffold for access (e.g. some grounds staff trimming ivy on the sides of buildings etc). In these cases staff must be given a toolbox talk on the following sections of this procedure: Hazards and risks Persons authorised to assemble and dismantle mobile tower access scaffolds. Persons accessing mobile tower scaffolds who do not hold a current PASMA certificate PPE required Use of the mobile access tower scaffold These persons are not permitted to assemble, dismantle or move the scaffold.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED Hardhat (to be worn by those assembling and dismantling the scaffold and anyone working below the scaffold when in use). Gloves (to be worn by those assembling and dismantling the scaffold). Steel toe caped safety boots (to be worn by those assembling and dismantling the scaffold).

LOCATION OF MOBILE TOWER SCAFFOLDS The scaffold must be located on stable ground with the locked castors or base plates properly supported. Never use bricks or building blocks to take the weight of any part of the tower. Cordon off the area below the scaffold if it is being used where there are pedestrians nearby.

ASSEMBLING AND DISMANTLING MOBILE TOWER SCAFFOLDS Two people are required for assembling and dismantling mobile tower scaffolds. The 3T (Through The Trapdoor) method must be used when assembling or dismantling the scaffold. A copy of the user guide must be kept with the scaffold for use when it is being assembled. The quantity schedule contained in the user guide must be referred to when building the scaffold as this states the exact number of components required when building the scaffold to a specific height (including number of trapdoor decks required and whether stabilisers will be required). 

ASSEMBLING AND DISMANTLING MOBILE TOWER SCAFFOLDS (continued) Check that components are not damaged: Tubing must not be used if it has an indentation greater than 5mm. All components designed to lock into place (locking claws etc) do so. Trapdoor hinges and latches work correctly. For the Boss scaffold the inspection guidance poster provides more detailed information on the component checks which should be carried out.

ASSEMBLING AND DISMANTLING MOBILE TOWER SCAFFOLDS (continued) The scaffold must be built with a platform installed every 2 metres (this will require a temporary deck at the lowest rung during the assembly of the scaffold). Never climb onto a deck until it is fully guardrailed. All working platforms must have a top guardrail, intermediate guardrail and toeboard installed on each side. Guardrails and horizontal braces must be fitted correctly. Adjustable legs should only be used for levelling and not to gain extra height. 

THE 3T (THROUGH THE TRAPDOOR) METHOD The first 3 minutes of the following video show the 3T method (ignore the part about the advanced guardrail system as we don’t have this) library/boss-aluminium-access-tower-system/ library/boss-aluminium-access-tower-system/

THE 3T METHOD (continued) For dismantling the tower reverse the procedure

USE OF THE MOBILE TOWER SCAFFOLD Ensure that castors are in the locked position. Always climb the tower from the inside. As the scaffold is made from a conductive material, it must not be used near any overhead power cables. The scaffold must not be used near any live conductors where there is risk of contact with the live conductor. Use battery operated equipment wherever possible, do not use 240V equipment. Scaffolds should not be left unattended for long periods (e.g. overnight) in areas which are not secure. Never exceed the platform height by using ladders, boxes or other devices. Never use the platform in weather conditions which are likely to make it unstable. Never climb onto the railings.

USE OF THE MOBILE TOWER SCAFFOLD (continued) The scaffold is designed to be used as a working platform (i.e. for people and tools). It is not designed for loading with heavy equipment. It should also be noted that any sheet materials taken onto the platform can act as a sail in windy conditions making the platform unstable. The maximum safe working load of the platform should never be exceeded. For the Boss scaffold the maximum weight (users, tools and any materials) which the working platform can take is 275kg. Any equipment which has to be lifted onto the scaffold must be lifted using a reliable lifting material (e.g. strong rope), employing a reliable knot. Lifting should be done within the footprint of the scaffold (i.e. through trapdoors). Never throw materials or tools from the platform always pass them down to another person. Scaffolds must not be used as a means of access to other structures (i.e. do not climb off of the top of the scaffold onto anything else).

MOVING THE MOBILE TOWER SCAFFOLD Never move the work platform while there are people or equipment on it. When moving a tower reduce the height to a maximum of 4 m. Never move scaffolds in windy conditions. Check the route is firm, level and free from potholes. Check that there are no power lines or other obstructions overhead. Push or pull using manual effort from the base only – never use powered vehicles. Always move the platform lengthwise or diagonally to ensure maximum stability Check that the tower is upright and level using a spirit level once moved to the new location. Ensure that castors are in the locked position once the scaffold has been moved.

REQUIREMENTS FOR INSPECTION The following is a requirement of the Work at Height Regulations 2005: If the working platform is 2 m or more in height, it must be inspected: after assembly in any position; after any event liable to have affected its stability; and at intervals not exceeding seven days. If the working platform is less than 2 m in height, the tower must be inspected: after assembly in any position; after any event liable to have affected its stability; and At suitable intervals depending on frequency and conditions of use. A new inspection and report is not required every time a mobile tower is moved to a new location in the same area. However, if guard rails or other components have to be removed to enable the tower to be moved past an obstruction, then a pre-use check should be undertaken by a trained and competent user to make sure the tower has been reinstated correctly. Inspections must be recorded on a scaffold inspection form.