A scaffold tower is an excellent way to work safely at height. Compared to a ladder, a scaffold tower provides you with extra space to work, plus greater stability and security.
Large scaffold towers require a bit more care than your average ladder. Here are some scaffold tower maintenance tips to help you keep your tower in good condition...
Using & Moving Your Scaffold Tower
Due to their height and breadth, scaffold towers can be quite dangerous if used incorrectly. When using and moving your scaffold tower, follow these best practices from the Health and Safety Executive to maximise the tower's lifespan:
Never use a tower...
- in strong winds
- as a support for other ladders, trestles or access equipment
- with broken or missing parts
- with incompatible components
When moving a tower, you should always...
- reduce the height to a maximum of 4m
- check for powerlines or obstructions overhead
- check that the ground and path is firm, level, and free from potholes
- push or pull from the base only
And most importantly: never move a scaffold tower while people or materials are on the tower!
Inspecting Your Scaffold Tower
A scaffold tower should only ever be used if it is in good condition. One of the best ways to maintain your scaffold tower is through regular inspections by a competent person to ensure that it is safe for use.
All scaffold towers must comply with the HSE's requirements for scaffolds. Always inspect your scaffold tower after assembly, and then at regular intervals.
READ MORE: How to Inspect a Scaffold Tower
Storing Your Scaffold Tower
Unfortunately, storing a scaffold tower is not as simple as folding it up and chucking it in the shed until you need it again!
If you store your scaffold tower incorrectly, you risk damaging or weakening the tower, making it unsafe for use. Here are some scaffold tower storage tips:
- Don't stack the equipment too high. It can become unstable and potentially fall.
- Always dry the scaffold tower components before storing them. If they're wet for extended periods of time, they may rust or decay, which can weaken the tower.
- Store components under a cover. This will reduce the risk of exposure to mildew and rust.
- Add blocking to your tubing. This helps to stop the tubing from rolling around and becoming damaged.
Need more advice?
At Ladders UK Direct, we offer a wide range of scaffold towers for DIY and professional use. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our products!
Buy Scaffold Towers
READ MORE: How to Erect a Scaffold Tower
