PASMA Environmental Considerations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What environmental factor must be checked before erecting a tower scaffold on grass?
- The type of grass
- Whether the ground beneath the grass is firm enough to support the tower load without sinking (Correct answer)
- The length of the grass
- Whether the grass has been recently mowed
Correct answer: Whether the ground beneath the grass is firm enough to support the tower load without sinking
Grass conceals the true ground condition. The soil beneath may be soft, waterlogged, or over a void. The ground must be probed and assessed for firmness. Sole boards under base plates may be needed to distribute the load.
Question 2: How does fog affect the safe use of a tower scaffold?
- Fog has no effect
- Fog reduces visibility, makes surfaces wet and slippery, and obscures overhead hazards and approaching vehicles (Correct answer)
- Fog improves safety by reducing wind
- Fog only affects towers above 20 metres
Correct answer: Fog reduces visibility, makes surfaces wet and slippery, and obscures overhead hazards and approaching vehicles
Fog reduces visibility at height, making it difficult to see hazards, communicate with ground level, and judge distances. Moisture from fog makes surfaces slippery. Approaching vehicles may not see the tower. Additional lighting and high-visibility measures may be needed.
Question 3: What is the risk of positioning a tower scaffold near trees?
- No risk from trees
- Falling branches, obscured visibility, tree roots creating uneven ground, and the tower becoming entangled in branches (Correct answer)
- Trees provide useful wind protection
- Trees stabilise the tower through root systems
Correct answer: Falling branches, obscured visibility, tree roots creating uneven ground, and the tower becoming entangled in branches
Trees can drop branches (especially in wind), obscure visibility of the tower from vehicle operators, create uneven ground through root systems, and branches can snag on components during movement. Dead trees or branches pose a particular falling hazard.
Question 4: What environmental check is needed before using a tower scaffold near water?
- No checks needed near water
- Risk of the tower sliding into water, drowning risk if operatives fall, and the ground near water may be soft or waterlogged (Correct answer)
- Water improves stability
- Only check if the water is deep
Correct answer: Risk of the tower sliding into water, drowning risk if operatives fall, and the ground near water may be soft or waterlogged
Near water: the ground is often soft and waterlogged, increasing the risk of the tower sinking or sliding. If an operative falls into water, drowning is a risk. Life jackets, rescue equipment, and a water rescue plan must be in place. The bank may also be unstable.
Question 5: What is the 'wind chill' effect and why is it relevant to tower scaffold use?
- Wind chill is irrelevant to scaffold use
- Wind chill makes air temperature feel colder, reducing manual dexterity, increasing fatigue, and raising the risk of hypothermia in exposed operatives at height (Correct answer)
- Wind chill only affects wooden structures
- Wind chill improves concentration
Correct answer: Wind chill makes air temperature feel colder, reducing manual dexterity, increasing fatigue, and raising the risk of hypothermia in exposed operatives at height
Wind chill combines wind speed and temperature to create a lower 'feels like' temperature. At height, operatives are exposed with no shelter. Reduced dexterity from cold hands increases the risk of dropping tools or losing grip. Hypothermia can impair judgement.
Question 6: How should the environmental impact of tower scaffold use on ecologically sensitive sites be managed?
- Environmental impact is not a concern for scaffolding
- Ground protection measures should be used to prevent damage to habitats, and work should avoid nesting seasons or protected species areas (Correct answer)
- Only concrete surfaces should be used
- The tower should be painted green for camouflage
Correct answer: Ground protection measures should be used to prevent damage to habitats, and work should avoid nesting seasons or protected species areas
On ecologically sensitive sites, ground protection (boards, mats) prevents damage to vegetation and habitats. Work near nesting birds (protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) may be restricted during breeding season (March-August). An ecological survey may be required.
PASMA Environmental Considerations 2
What environmental factor must be checked before erecting a tower scaffold on grass?