Scaffold towers, also referred to as access towers or tower scaffolds, are used when there is a lot of work that needs to be done at a height. This is due to the fact that-
- Scaffold towers have large working platforms.
- They have ample space on the platforms for multiple people and can carry the necessary tools.
- As compared to ladders, scaffold towers provide safe access.
- Scaffold towers are self-supporting
- They eliminate the risk of slipping from the tower as they are fitted with guardrails.
In a nutshell, scaffold towers are easy to assemble, highly versatile, light in weight, easily transportable, and highly durable. As its usage is varied, we need to understand for what purposes scaffold towers are used and how they are used. Let’s proceed to explain this in more detail.
Where are the scaffold towers used?
Scaffold towers are of different types based on their usage.
- Staircase scaffold tower/ ringlock scaffold tower
When painting and decorating stairways and tiny access passageways, staircase scaffold towers are used. They are an easy-to-erect work platform that allows secure access to those high and difficult-to-reach spots.
Keep in check-
- Staircase access must meet various geometry and maximum load standards that are specified.
- Staircase access must be tailored to the number of users as well as the loads assessed.
- The chosen staircase tower complies with health and safety standards.
- Cantilever scaffold tower
It has step-through frames that provide a multi-level walk-through structure. These towers are employed where the loads to be carried are high and there is a need for maximum operational area. With these towers, one can access large objects around sloped roofs, bridges, and outhouses.
Keep in check-
- The land on which the access tower will be built can sustain the tower when it is in operation.
- Avoid using additional ladders, steps, or boxes for additional working height.
- The access should not be lifted or suspended.
- Advanced guardrail scaffold tower
These towers are an excellent alternative for working on the exteriors of commercial buildings. They may be used by three employees at once and are exceedingly simple to construct and disassemble. They are completely compatible with all of the most recent health and safety laws for working at heights and offer some of the best access options on the market today.
Keep in check-
- Horizontal forces should be avoided as they can make a tower unstable.
- The rolling scaffold tower should be moved manually from the base.
- One-man scaffold tower
These towers have been employed in a broad range of tasks that require access to inaccessible regions. They are very safe to use since they include strong supports to keep the tower in place. Their wheeled shape makes them simple to move about a site, and the full procedure may be accomplished by a single operator.
Keep in check-
- The manual is to be followed while erecting the tower.
- Avoid exceeding the working load limits.
- The standard scaffold tower
These towers are used to accomplish simple jobs like painting, repairing, cleaning, etc. They can also be used for tasks like drylining, plastering, overhead electrics, and decorating. These towers are available as rolling scaffold towers and non-rolling scaffold towers.
Prefer rolling scaffold towers where you need to reposition your tower and non-rolling scaffold towers in cases where the mobility of the tower is restricted or is of no use.
Keep in check-
- When constructing or dismantling a tower, never stand on an unsecured platform.
- Avoid the use of standard towers in areas that are obstructed by power lines.
How to use scaffold towers?
When the question “how” arises in scaffolding, it’s all linked to the safety measures you need to keep under check. The safety measures while handling scaffold towers are mentioned below.
- Fall protection
All scaffold towers taller than four feet must have some type of fall safety. Personal fall arrest devices, safety nets, and guardrails are the three forms of fall protection that may be employed on scaffolds.
- Unstable base
Scaffolds must be supported by a solid foundation. The ground should be flat and sturdy enough to sustain the scaffold and the employees. If you’re working with rolling scaffold towers, ensure they’re locked in place before you begin. Never support the scaffold with boxes, barrels, or other unstable things.
- Unstable scaffold
The scaffold tower’s four legs must be on stable footing. The bracing should be tightly attached as well. To reach a high place on a scaffold, never stand on a chair, stool, or other entity. This may lead to the scaffold collapsing.
- Overloading
The scaffold tower should not be utilized to sustain any more weight than it was designed to support. A scaffold’s maximum load comprises the weight of the workers, materials, and equipment.
- Improper use
Scaffolding must be utilized correctly. Do not attempt to scale the guardrails. Avoid standing on the cross braces. Do not lean against the scaffolding. Do not utilize the scaffold for anything other than what it was designed for.
- Training
All scaffold workers must be properly trained. If you’re going to utilize a scaffold, be sure you know how to use it properly. If you have any questions, contact your supervisor. Building a scaffold tower includes the use of manuals and proper fittings. So make sure the staff is capable of doing so.
Summing up
The scaffold towers‘ versatility comes with challenges. They are to be selected according to their intended use. Hence, we hope that the above article has provided you with a good filter for selection and tips on handling them safely.
Scaffold supply provides you with the best aluminum scaffold towers according to your intended use. We have a range of rolling scaffold towers and non-rolling scaffold towers for each type of tower. Our scaffold towers for sale will not only enhance your work but will also ensure safety.
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