HOW TO ERECT SCAFFOLD TOWERS SAFELY
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 scaffold 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.
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.
Two approved methods of erecting scaffold towers.
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.
Check before use
Before use the scaffold
towers you should inspect the 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.
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