When working at height, access towers provide a safer and more stable alternative to ladders. These towers are designed to support workers and their equipment securely, but it’s important to recognise they still come with risks. Understanding how to use access towers safely is of the highest importance for preventing accidents and injuries on the job.
What are access towers?
Access towers, also known as scaffold towers, are temporary structures that provide a stable platform for workers to perform tasks at height. Unlike traditional scaffolding, access towers are mobile and can be easily assembled, dismantled and moved around a job site. They can be used for a variety of tasks, including:
- Painting and decorating
- Mechanical and electrical installations
- HVAC installations
- Ductwork
How are access towers different from scaffolding?
While access towers and traditional scaffolding serve similar purposes, they have some key differences. Access towers are designed to be mobile. They have wheels that allow them to be moved easily around a job site. In contrast, traditional scaffolding is fixed in place and must be dismantled and reassembled if it needs to be moved. Traditional scaffolding is often attached to the building or structure being worked on for stability. Access towers are freestanding and do not need to be secured to a structure, making them more versatile for various tasks and locations.
The different types of access towers:
Mobile access towers are equipped with wheels, allowing them to easily move from one location to another. They are ideal for tasks that require frequent repositioning, such as painting large areas or performing maintenance work in multiple locations.
Stairwell towers are designed to provide safe access in stairwells and other confined spaces. They have a narrow base that can fit on stair treads, and their height can be adjusted to match the varying levels of stairs. These towers are essential for tasks like painting stairwells or installing lighting fixtures in staircases.
Narrow access towers are ideal for use in tight spaces where standard-width towers would not fit. They are perfect for tasks in confined areas, such as hallways, narrow corridors or between buildings. Despite their narrow profile, they still provide a stable and secure platform for workers.
The dangers of working with access towers
While access towers offer a safer alternative to ladders, they still come with their own set of hazards. It's important to be aware of these dangers and take steps to mitigate them:
HAZARDS
- Falling off. One of the most common hazards when working with access towers is the risk of falling off the platform. This can occur if the tower is not properly assembled, if guardrails are not in place or if the worker is not using appropriate fall protection equipment.
- Tower toppling. An access tower can become unstable and topple over if it is not set up on a level surface, or if it is overloaded or moved while workers or materials are still on it.
- Poor assembly. Incorrect assembly of the access tower can lead to structural weaknesses, increasing the risk of collapse or falling components.
- Slips and trips. The work platform or access points of the tower can become slippery due to weather conditions, spills or debris, leading to slips and trips.
AVOIDING ACCIDENTS
To ensure safety when using access towers, follow these guidelines:
Proper training
Ensure that all workers who will be assembling, dismantling or using access towers are properly trained in their safe use. This includes understanding how to correctly set up and secure the tower, how to safely climb and work from it, and how to recognise and mitigate potential hazards.
Inspection
Before use, thoroughly inspect the access tower for any signs of damage or wear. Check that all components are in good condition and that the tower is assembled correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Level ground
Set up the tower on a stable, level surface. Use adjustable base plates or screw jacks to level the tower if the ground is uneven. Avoid using the tower on soft or unstable ground that could shift under its weight.
Stabilisation
Use stabilisers or outriggers to increase the base width of the tower and provide additional stability. Ensure that the wheels are locked in place to prevent accidental movement.
Load limits
Do not exceed the maximum load capacity of the tower. This includes the weight of workers, tools and materials. Overloading the tower can cause it to become unstable and increase the risk of collapse.
Guardrails and toeboards
Always use guardrails and toe boards on the work platform to prevent falls. Guardrails should be installed on all sides of the platform, and toe boards should be used to prevent tools or materials from falling off the edge.
Weather conditions
Be mindful of weather conditions that could affect the safety of the access tower. High winds can cause the tower to sway or topple, while rain can make the platform slippery. Avoid using the tower in adverse weather conditions.
No movement with workers on tower
Never move the access tower while workers or materials are on it. Dismantle the tower or remove all personnel and equipment before repositioning it.
Regular maintenance
Perform regular maintenance on the access tower to ensure all parts are functioning correctly. Replace any damaged or worn components immediately.
For safe access tower hire, speak to Paragon today
At Paragon Tool Hire, we prioritise your safety when working at height. Our range of access towers is designed to provide stable and secure platforms for a variety of tasks. Whether you need a mobile access tower, a stairwell tower or a narrow access tower, we have the right equipment for your needs.
Our team of experts can provide training and guidance on the safe use of access towers, ensuring that you and your workers are protected from potential hazards. We also offer regular maintenance and inspection services to keep your equipment in top condition. For safe access tower hire, please speak to our friendly team today. Call us on 01280 822282. We look forward to hearing from you.