5 Tips for Ensuring Safety when Working with Towers On-site

Working with with any form of access equipment on construction sites can be inherently risky, and this is especially true when working with mobile access towers. Access towers are a staple on UK construction sites, providing a platform for workers to reach tasks that require height. Despite their popularity, these structures demand careful attention and adherence to safety protocols to mitigate the risks associated with their use and ensure the well-being of workers on-site.

Here are 5 tips to ensure safety when working with towers on-site:

1. PROPER TRAINING

Before getting started with working on access towers, it is essential that you have received the adequate training on their operation. The Working at Height Regulations (WAHR) require that the assembly of mobile access towers is only undertaken by, or under the supervision of trained personnel. This training should not only cover the technical aspects of the towers construction, but also the safety protocols and procedures. For example, proper assembly, dismantling, working best practices, and safety concerns to look out for. Any towers you use should conform the EN 1004-1:2020 standards for all mobile access towers materials, dimensions, design loads, safety, and performance requirements. The WAHR (2005) also outline all health and safety requirements including the specifics for guardrails, toe-boards, and barriers.

2. CONDUCT THOROUGH RISK ASSESSMENTS

Before starting any work, it is essential to conduct a thorough risk assessment of the site. This will help to identify any potential hazards, including unstable ground, overhead hazards, nearby workers, and weather or working conditions. By conducting a thorough risk assessment, you can then take the appropriate measures to mitigate them and keep yourself and your colleagues safe.

3. REGULAR INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

Regular inspection and maintenance of tower components are critical for up-keeping safety and structural integrity. This begins when you first receive your tower, as whether purchased or hired it should arrive with all correct components for its erection. These towers rely on all parts being in place to provide adequate strength, as they can collapse if sections are left out. A copy of the manufacturer’s instruction manual must be used when building towers, making use of kit list, and checking all components for size, quality, damage, compatibility, and contamination. Any components that are damaged must be isolated, tagged and reported.

?

The working at height regulations highlight:

• Inspection is to be carried out by a Competent Person , after assembly, before use, completing a written report before going off duty.
• Re-inspection and reporting should occur as often as is necessary to ensure safety or within every 7 days.
• A tower does not need to be reinspected if it has been moved up to 4m maximum, with all stabilisers in the correct position. (This is reduced if the stabilisers have been altered or moved to 2m).
• Any record of the inspection should be kept on site until the work is completed and then in the office for a further 3 months.

4. UTILISE THE CORRECT PPE

Wearing the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) is a non-negotiable when working on any UK construction site. When using towers specifically, this will include wearing a safety helmet, high visibility clothing, gloves, and sturdy footwear with slip resistance soles. Utilising proper PPE will act as crucial barrier between you and potential hazards, reducing the likelihood of injury in the event of an accident.

5. EDUCATION ON BEST PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Be sure to read and educate yourself on PASMA’s top safety tips to make you know the best practices installing, using, and dismantling. These guidelines include frequently asked questions regarding the safe use of mobiles towers. The Health and Safety Executive also provides further guidance on mobiles access towers, highlighting stability, precautions, and mobility procedures.

We reached out to PASMA representative Patrick Douglas, who highlighted the importance of tower safety on-site:

“Working at height kills more people in the workplace than any other work activity. This is why whoever is carrying out any work at height tasks must be competent. The most recognised way to prove this when using mobile access towers or low-level units is to do a PASMA course.

PASMA offer a wide range of courses from working at height novice, low level, Tower for users, Towers for managers, cantilever towers, tower on stairs, bridging towers, Linked towers, large deck, and access tower specialist courses tailored for all working at height scenarios.

When building any mobile access tower system you must ensure that you always use the current manufacturers instruction manual, ensure you use the kit list and make sure you have all the correct components. The manual then needs to be followed step by step. If you are unsure of anything with regards to using a tower, contact the manufacturer for advice.”

SUMMARY

Working with mobile access towers on construction sites demands significant attention to safety protocols and adhere to regulations. While these structures offer vital height access, ensuring the well-being of workers requires comprehensive training, thorough risk assessments, and the constant use of PPE. Familiarising yourself and your workers with best practice guidelines and conducting regular inspections and maintenance are important in mitigating the risks associated with tower use.

Check out our HiViz Series of PASMA compliant and EN1004-1:2020 certified mobile access towers, designed to provide a range of safe, flexible, access solutions when working at a height.

Be sure to follow the THX LinkedIn Page and subscribe to our Insights Newsletter for the latest THX News , Insights and Products.