Scaffold Appreciation
Mobile Towers
Tower Scaffolds
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Used by painters and
others who need to do
lightweight work from a
structure that can be
readily moved from place
to place
Can be made from
normal tube and fitting
Can be lightweight
aluminium proprietory
systems (more common)
Foundation
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Should only be used on firm ground
Mobile towers should only be used on hard level
surfaces
Castors should be fitted with brakes and locked
into standards
Castors should not be less than 125mm in
diameter
The maximum permitted load should be
stamped onto castors
Stability
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Totally dependent on the height to least
base ratio
Aluminium towers have a higher centre of
gravity and are less stable
When exposed to wind loading it is better
to tie the tower to the structure
If this is not possible ground anchors or
kentlidge must be considered
Working Platforms
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Platforms must be fully boarded and at
least 600mm wide
If used for materials they must be 800mm
wide
Must be fixed by cleats to prevent tipping
Any hatches should be closed when the
platform is not in use
Loads should be evenly distributed
Access
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The tower must have a safe means of access
and egress
Access should be by internal ladder and trapdoor
Access should never be by means of an external
ladder
Climbing the horizontal members should not be
permitted
Rungs no more than 300mm apart and stiles no
more than 480mm apart
Use of Towers
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A ladder or trestle must never be placed on top
of a tower to extend height. This will cause
instability
Mobile towers should have their castors turned
outwards with the brakes locked on during use
Mobile towers should be moved only by pushing
or pulling the base, never dragged from the top
All materials and tools should be removed before
movement
Height Limitations
Mobile Towers
 Internal 3.5:1
 External 3:1
 The height is measured to the platform
level
 Recommended maximum height for
mobile towers is 9.6m and static 12m
Stabilisers
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Stabilisers may have
pad feet or outriggers
with castors
They add to the least
base dimension
General Advice
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Vertical members are usually secured by spigot
joints. It si imperative that these are properly
seated and the locking pins engaged
All components must be inspected before and
checked for damage, cracks, broken welds or
any defect that may affect the tower
Where cross members and diagonal bracing are
connected by latching hooks and triggers, these
should be inspected to ensure that they are
working correctly prior to use