The Scaffold Tower: An Important Resource for Both Tradesmen and DIYers
Have you ever tried to wash windows or paint trim on a building’s second storey? If so, it’s certain that this experience has taught you that it isn’t an easy task, especially if you’re using a ladder. In fact, it’s not safe, and may lead to an accident or injury. So, what’s the alternative? A scaffold tower often can be the right choice. Many homeowners and tradesmen have used them successfully to perform all sorts of maintenance and DIY tasks. Interested? Well, there are several important points you should clearly understand before using or buying one of these useful items. In this post, we’ll explain what you need to know about employing scaffold towers in both a safe and successful way. Read on to learn more.
The Scaffold Tower: Key Features
If you’ve decided to shop for a scaffold tower, then there’s plenty to consider. It’s important to be well informed about them, because this will ensure that you acquire one that has all the features you need. When considering scaffold towers, be sure that the one you choose allows you to work in complete safety. An unsafe or improperly deployed tower inevitably will lead to serious problems and possibly even injuries. One consideration is to ensure that scaffold towers have a stable base, which allows users to work at height in a safe and secure manner. Most quality scaffold towers come with safety features, such as outriggers or stabiliser bars, which ensure precise deployment. While not necessary, it’s a good idea to choose a tower with colour-coded components, since this will facilitate correct assembly. Here’s more information about scaffold towers.
More About the Scaffold Tower
Although scaffold towers are widely employed in trade and industrial applications, many DIYers and domestic users find them quite useful as well. In any work at height scenario, all alternatives should be explored to determine whether it’s absolutely necessary to deploy a tower. If this is the case, then the next step is choosing the most appropriate size and type. Scaffold towers, when they’re used properly, provide what can be the best alternative for working at height. Remember that when accidents occur, very often they’re caused by user error, rather than defects in the tower, such as faulty assembly or misuse. Most accidents and injuries related to scaffold towers are preventable, if the right safety and health practices are followed. Scaffolding towers can be made from steel or aluminium. Aluminium towers often are preferred because they’re light in weight. So it’s especially important to ensure that an aluminium tower is assembled correctly because this lends the maximum amount of strength to the structure. If necessary, review the guidelines and publications that come from both the Health and Safety Executive and the tower’s manufacturer. An instruction manual for the tower should be kept on site and such a manual should include both bracing requirements, as well as the assembly sequence.
Further Highlights of the Scaffold Tower
Even if the tower is hired, it must conform to all relevant rules and procedures. This is particularly true for the assembly method. One feature to look for on quality scaffold towers is a guard rail system specifically designed for that particular model. It’s important never to substitute parts, such as guard rails, from other models of towers on the one you’re currently assembling or using unless specified and compatable. Guard rails should be locked in place from the seated position on a platform. This assembly process makes sure that workers never stand on an unprotected platform, which means they’re protected from falls and accidents, yet can safely install the tower’s necessary components. Once the tower is assembled, a thorough safety inspection should be performed before using it.
Types of Scaffold Tower
Independent scaffold towers are fitted with base plates. Such a structure is usually stabilised by attaching it to a nearby wall. These towers are useful for working on a specific area of a wall or structure. Mobile scaffold towers, however, are more versatile. These towers are fitted with castors on the legs and so are easy to move and reposition as needed. Unlike the independent tower, this type doesn’t need to be disassembled, moved and then reassembled. This means that a great deal of time is saved. Mobile scaffold towers also are known as multi-purpose scaffolding, rolling scaffolding, portable scaffolding, and wheeled scaffolding. Scaffold towers made from glass fibre are also necessary when working around electrical sources, since they won’t generate a spark or conduct a current.Interestingly, in Asia, bamboo is a popular material for scaffolding. It has the added benefit of being biodegradable and inexpensive.
When using a scaffold tower, it’s important to choose the right one and assemble it properly.
