The following is a list of common scaffold tower components which need to be inspected prior to use. If you require training we have a mobile scaffold tower training course that will explain in more details what each of these components are and do as well as going over safety guidelines and advice:
Castor – Castors are fitted with braking devices which should always be locked unless you are moving the tower. Castors come in different sizes and loading capacities. They shouldn’t be used on soft ground.
Base Plate – Base plates are attached to the adjustable leg and are used when the tower is not going to be moved, if the tower is on uneven ground or when the tower is being assembled on a staircase.
Adjustable leg – Adjustable legs are used to level the tower. Often they are threaded and have a collar which allows for adjustment. They are used with base plates or castors and must never be used to gain extra height at the top of the tower.
Frames – Frames give the structure to the tower. They come in two standard widths: double width and single width. They connect to each other by spigots and locking mechanisms. Frames are available in different heights and can be combined in various ways to give greater flexibility of overall height. The rung spacing is sometimes different on certain types of tower. Care must be taken when building the tower to ensure that the rungs form sufficient height at platform level to create an acceptable guardrail. During a PASMA Training Course, information will be discussed regarding rung spacing.
Brace – As well as frames, the other component which gives structure to the tower is the brace. They are horizontal and diagonal. You can generally tell which are which because they can be colour-coded – if not, you can tell because the horizontal brace will always be the same length as the platform and the diagonal will obviously be slightly longer. They are fitted with locking hooks to attach to the frame’s rung or vertical side. Bracing patterns vary from tower to tower so it is important to consult the manufacturer’s instruction manual. A PASMA training course will stress the importance of referring to the instruction manual.
Platform – An aluminium frame with two hooks at each end and a slip resistant deck comprises the platform which will give operatives a safe work area. There are generally two types: fixed and trapdoor – trapdoor platforms must always be used on single width towers. A safe working load will be visible on the side of the platform. The SWL must not be exceeded.
Toeboard – Designed to ensure tools and equipment are not accidentally kicked off the platform.
Stabiliser – Stabilisers increase the effective base area of the tower to enable you to build the tower higher. They should be fitted to the tower at the earliest opportunity and installed as per the instruction manual.