Access Tower Regulations
Access towers are widely used and there are hundreds of accidents involving them every year. Access Tower Regulations are designed to reduce the number and severity of accidents. Here we list the most common regulations.
As it is impossible to cover all safety issues here, consult your rental outlet or local regulator for further guidance.
Legal requirements may vary according to territory. In the USA, reference should be made to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) for guidance. In the United Kingdom, the appropriate legislation is known as the Work at Height Regulations 2005. PASMA (the Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association) is the first point of enquiry for all access tower regulations. In other countries, please be sure that the appropriate local regulations are known, understood and adhered to. In the first instance it may be useful to ask your hire outlet for details of your regulatory authority.
Erection
The hire or sales outlet will provide instructions which give advice on the erection sequence and bracing requirements. It is a requirement that the personnel erecting the tower are competent and correctly trained.
Stability
Erect the tower on firm level ground and ensure that it is properly supported. Do not use loose building materials to bear the tower’s weight. As a general rule, the height of the platform should not exceed three times the minimum base dimension, but always check the recommended safe height to base ratio in the construction guide.
The stability of the access tower will be affected by external sheeting or exposure to strong winds.
Uneven loading with heavy equipment or materials is to be avoided.
Care must be exercised when using a tower to hoist heavy materials or support waste-chutes.
Care must be exercised for operations involving heavy or outsized equipment.
Climbing from the outside and use as a support for ladders is discouraged.
In all these cases there is likely to be a need for additional support, or limiting the tower height.
For good stability, always ensure that the scaffold is vertical and the wheel brakes are correctly applied.
Access
Safe access up to the work platform is essential. Except in ladder-frame products, do not climb up the end frames of the tower unless an appropriate ladder is securely attached to the inside.
Fall Protection
Regulations generally mandate the presence of guard rails along platforms which are 2m or more in height. The use of toe boards is also required. Other fall protection measures are also specified – check the regulations in your locality for details.
Re-Positioning
Before re-positioning an access tower, look for electrical power lines and any other obstructions. Move the tower by applying force to the base. Avoid moving the tower when people or equipment remain on board. Extra caution is required in windy conditions.
Unauthorized Access
Use barriers to prevent public access. Do not leave materials or equipment on the platforms. Remove or cover ladders to prevent unauthorized access.
Inspection And Repair
Tower scaffolds must be inspected by a competent person before they are first used, after each significant alteration to their structure and if any event that is likely to affect stability may have occurred. All repairs must be carried out before use recommences. Inspection (and remedy) is required at least every seven days. |
