The Ultimate Guide to Scaffold Towers
- Lisa Marie Hindle
- Apr 23
- 9 min read
Updated: May 2
With our birthday on the horizon we are already looking at new tools! So we bring this blog to you - all about the safe use of scaffold towers and the opportunities they bring. How exciting!
As with everything we do, detail is important and this includes access equipment. The regulations for scaffold towers aka mobile access towers are very strict to keep workers safe and prevent avoidable accidents & injury.
Scaffold towers are an essential piece of kit in any construction firm’s inventory, providing a sturdy platform for workers to perform various tasks at height.
A good understanding of the regulations is essential for anyone who uses, assembles, inspects and maintains scaffold towers.
When using scaffold towers you must -
Check the structural integrity and safety of the scaffold towers.
Provide guidelines for safe assembly, usage and disassembly.
Minimise the risk of falls and other accidents.
Protect the workers and bystanders in the area of the scaffold tower.
Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to severe consequences, including workplace injuries, death, legal penalties and increased insurance costs.
Falls from height are the leading cause of work-related fatal accidents, so it’s clear that regulations are essential for maintaining a safe workplace for all.
Here is an overview of the main regulations that govern the design, manufacture, use & maintenance of scaffold towers.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005:
The biggest piece of legislation governing the use of scaffold towers is the Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR). These regulations apply to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. Key points of the WAHR include:
Risk Assessment: Employers must assess the risks involved in any work at height and take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks.
Planning and Supervision: All work at height must be properly planned and supervised by a competent person.
Training: Workers must receive appropriate training to make sure they can safely perform work at height.
Equipment Selection: The right equipment must be chosen for the task, and it must be properly maintained and inspected.
The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER):
PUWER places duties on people and companies who own, operate or have control over work equipment. For scaffold towers, PUWER requires:
Suitability: Equipment must be suitable for its intended use.
Maintenance: Equipment must be maintained in a safe condition.
Inspection: Regular inspections must be carried out to make sure the equipment remains safe to use.
Training: Users must receive appropriate training in the use of the equipment.
BS EN 1004: Mobile Access and Working Towers:
BS EN 1004 is a European standard that specifies the requirements for the design and manufacture of mobile access and working towers made of prefabricated elements. Compliance with this standard means that scaffold towers are safe, stable and capable of supporting loads. Key features of BS EN 1004 include:
Materials: Towers must be constructed from durable materials that can withstand the expected loads and environmental conditions.
Stability: Towers must be designed to be stable under all intended conditions of use.
Load Capacity: Towers must be capable of supporting the maximum intended load without risk of collapse, for the tower at UIL this is 200kg.
Erecting Scaffold Towers:
The safe erection of scaffold towers is made up of several key steps -
Site Assessment: You must conduct a thorough site assessment to identify any potential hazards, such as uneven ground or overhead obstacles.
Base Preparation: Check that the base of the tower is level and stable, and use adjustable base plates or stabilisers/outriggers if necessary.
Component Inspection: Check all parts for damage or wear & tear before assembly.
Following Instructions: Assemble the tower according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring all connections are safe and secure.
Using Scaffold Towers Safely
When using scaffold towers, it’s important to follow these safety guidelines -
Load Management: Do not exceed the maximum load capacity (200kg for UIL's tower) of the tower; distribute loads evenly & avoid dynamic loads such as moving or jumping (hopping, skipping, break-dancing, etc.....);
Access and Egress: Use only the designated access points (eg hatches) for climbing the tower and never climb the outside frame.
Guardrails and Toe Boards: Make sure that guardrails and toe boards are in place to prevent falls or knocking equipment off and injuring people ir damaging property below.
Weather Conditions: Be aware of weather conditions that could affect the stability of the tower, such as high winds or ice.
Dismantling Scaffold Towers:
Dismantling scaffold towers should be done just as carefully to avoid accidents -
Reverse Assembly: Follow the assembly instructions in reverse order to dismantle the tower.
Component Handling: Handle components carefully to prevent damage.
Safe Storage: Store parts in a safe and organised manner to prevent future damage or loss.
Training Programs:
Training programs are designed to equip workers with the knowledge and skills needed to use scaffold towers and other access equipment safely. Alm workers at UIL have completed the Working at Height and Confined Spaces CPD. A typical training programme will cover:
Regulatory Requirements: Understanding the legal obligations related to scaffold tower use.
Safe Practices: Best practices for erecting, using and dismantling scaffold towers.
Emergency Procedures: How to respond to accidents or emergencies involving scaffold towers.
3T method training is a safe system for installing rowers
Competence Assessment:
Alongside training, it’s important to regularly assess the competence of workers who use scaffold towers. This can be achieved through:
Refresher Training: Routine training sessions to reinforce safety practices.
On-the-Job Assessments: Supervisors should observe workers and provide feedback on their performance.
Certification: Workers should be certified as competent to use scaffold towers, and this certification should be renewed periodically.
Building a Safe DIY Scaffold Tower:
While ladders are popular choices for working at height, often they are unsuitable for specific projects, especially for any significant duration. If this is the case, a scaffold tower may be better suited to your needs.
Traditionally, scaffolding is built, designed, and assembled by expert manufacturers. Typically used in commercial or industrial settings, they are designed to support heavy-duty tasks and withstand challenging conditions. The manufacturing process often involves rigorous testing and quality assurance to ensure the scaffold can endure regular use in demanding environments.
In comparison, smaller scaffold towers are pre-fabricated, modular systems designed for self assembly. They come with clear instructions and are generally simpler in design than professional scaffolds.
The Key Features of a lightweight Scaffold Tower
Scaffold towers are typically made up of key components, each designed to ensure the tower is useful. This section will explain the key features of a scaffold tower, guiding you through what you need to know.
Lightweight Materials:
Scaffold towers are typically built of lightweight materials, making them easier to both assemble and erect. While these materials may not weigh a lot, they are still strong enough to support the weight of the user and materials up to 200kg.
Compact Design:
Lightweight scaffold towers are designed to be compact, and easily put away when not in use. This makes them simple to store, even in small properties. Furthermore, the portability of these systems allows for convenient transportation and storage in vehicles or sheds, making them a versatile solution for home and mobile uses.
Adjustable Height Options:
Scaffold towers are designed to be adjustable in height, meaning you have a versatile solution that can be used for many projects. Mobile scaffold towers are, therefore, a worthwhile investment.
Many components make a scaffold tower function, which you will come across during the assembly. This section will explain what the different parts are used for, from the guardrails to the scaffold platforms, helping you fully understand their function before assembly.
Platforms:
As with any type of scaffolding, scaffold towers require platforms for the user to stand on as they carry out work. On a DIY scaffold tower, the platform can be adjusted in height, allowing the user to make sure it is the perfect height for their next project.
Guardrails:
Working at height can be dangerous, making it important to prevent falls. Guardrails are specifically designed for this purpose, protecting people as they work on scaffold platforms. Guardrails are typically horizontal railings or bars, providing a physical and strong barrier between the platform and its edge.
Base Stabilisers:
As we all know, triangles make things stronger. These components are used to enhance the stability and safety of a scaffold tower, by spreading the weight of the tower evenly. Stabilisers AKA outriggers, will help to prevent the tower from sinking into the ground, becoming unstable, or causing damage to the surfaces underfoot.
Ladder Sections and Frame Structure:
One of the most important parts of scaffold towers is the ability to travel between different levels. To reach height, the frame will require ladders fitted to the frame structure. The number of ladders attached will generally depend on the overall height of the scaffold tower.
Why choose to use Scaffold Towers?
Scaffold towers are just one option when it comes to reaching height, however, they are certainly a worthwhile solution. Below, you can discover why you might want to use a scaffold, as opposed to a ladder.
Improved Stability and Safety
Scaffolds provide a much more stable platform for working on than ladders, as ladders are often prone to tipping over. This makes them safer for cleaning, maintenance and construction projects, where a stable workspace is a must.
Reduced Risk of Accidents
While ladders are handy to have, their use can often result in accidents, particularly if work requires leaning and stretching. Towers, thankfully, can instead provide an even platform that allows the user to comfortably work.
How to Build Your Scaffold Tower:
We purchased our scaffold tower from
and it is designed to be easy to assemble. Follow our step-by-step guide to assembling a scaffold tower below.
Prepare the Workspace
The most important thing to do, before any scaffold tower assembly can begin, is to make sure the workspace is kept clear. You should also avoid soft ground, as the scaffold tower may sink or become unbalanced more easily. This will help you ensure your scaffold tower remains stable, safe, and secure.
Assemble the Base
It’s important to take care and not to rush when constructing the scaffold tower’s base, as this is responsible for supporting the weight of the structure. Always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and secure the base using bolts and pins.
Secure Platforms and Guardrails
Make sure the platforms and guardrails are solidly fitted into the platform. The scaffold platform needs to be level and stable to be suitable for use, so make sure to carry out tests (eg using a spirit level) to ensure that it is entirely secure.
Safety Tips
Working at height requires some safety precautions. This section will cover the essential safety tips, helping to make sure your scaffold tower is always kept safe for use.
Inspect for Damage
Before assembling the mobile scaffold tower, it’s important to inspect the components for damage and rusting. Start by laying out all the parts in a well-lit, spacious area so you can see each piece. A damaged or incomplete scaffold tower is not only unsafe but also increases the likelihood of accidents during assembly or use.
Wear Safety Gear
When working at height, there is still a chance you can fall. Wearing safety gear can keep you protected from harm, as well as protected from accidents when working with machinery and tools. Your safety gear should include helmets, for example, as this will protect your head.
Ensure Stability
The stability of a scaffold tower is important when working, as it can prevent serious accidents. If you’re assembling your scaffold tower or about to use it, it’s important to make sure it is entirely stable.
Maintenance and Storage Guidance
One of the most important parts of using a scaffold tower is to ensure it works properly. Read on to learn more about the maintenance and storage of scaffold towers.
Cleaning
When carrying out work using a scaffold tower, often the structure will become dirty or stained from use. Without proper cleaning, the scaffold tower will likely become more dangerous for the user. Mud and paint, for example, can create slippery surfaces that increase the risk of falls.
Disassembly
Most scaffold towers are easy to disassemble, so make sure to take them apart when they aren’t in use. This can ensure their longevity. By disassembling the tower when not in use, you minimise the risk of damage from exposure to the elements. Furthermore, disassembling the tower reduces the risk of accidental damage from impacts or collisions.
Dry and Safe Storage
As most DIY scaffold towers have metal components, make sure to keep them safe and dry when not in use. Storing them outside and unprotected, for example, can often lead to rust, which reduces the overall longevity of a structure.
Please do to get in touch with us at Upcycle Interiors Ltd if you have any projects where a scaffold tower or other access equipment may be required
You can contact us on 01305 584459 or fill in our contact form here.
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