When using equipment to work at height, it is essential to follow safety guidelines to avoid injury or danger to life. A scaffold tower, when used correctly, can be extremely useful for prolonged periods of work at height. They are easy to assemble and mobile enough to apply where needed.
Equipment for work at height allows access to areas that would otherwise be difficult to reach, but you must be well-versed in the current legislation to ensure the safety of everybody on site.
Here are some basic do’s and don’ts to follow:
Do’s
The Work At Height Regulations are there to reduce the risk of injury when using any equipment for work at height, including scaffold towers. Consider the following best practice suggestions:
Carry out a comprehensive risk assessment prior to use. This should be done by someone with the relevant training and aims to identify any issues or potential hazards in the area.
Be educated in safety procedures – everyone working on or near the equipment should be aware of the safety requirements. There are safety standards to follow like wearing a hard hat, safety shoes, and high-vis clothing.
Erect the scaffold tower on a firm, level surface to ensure its integrity is not compromised when in use.
Any person who uses the tower must have read the manual to be aware of the safety requirements and correct usage of the equipment.
Don’ts
Don’t stand on a platform that does not have guard rails, toeboards, or any other collective means of protection. A platform without edge protection is not only illegal, it also significantly increases the risk of a fall.
Don’t use a tower in adverse weather conditions. Heavy rain and high winds can put lives in danger when working at height.
Don’t attempt to create a makeshift platform for working at height. Access platforms should always be made with the correct boards and components.
Don’t drop, throw, or tip materials off the tower, particularly when high up. Falling objects and materials pose a significant risk to the safety of those on the ground below.
If you need a safe, high-quality scaffold tower for your worksite, please feel free to browse our range at Ability International. We offer fantastic benefits when you order from us, and we can also provide a broad range of training for you and your staff to ensure safety when using the equipment.
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