PASMA Safe Use of Platforms 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What must an operative do if they feel unwell or dizzy while working on a tower scaffold?
- Continue working and take medication later
- Stop work immediately, descend the tower safely, and report to their supervisor (Correct answer)
- Lie down on the platform until they feel better
- Climb higher for fresh air
Correct answer: Stop work immediately, descend the tower safely, and report to their supervisor
Working at height while unwell, dizzy, or fatigued significantly increases the risk of a fall. The operative should stop work immediately, descend carefully while they are still able to, and report to their supervisor. Medical attention may be needed.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure if a tower scaffold is found to be swaying or rocking during use?
- Continue working as some movement is normal
- Stop work immediately, descend, and have the tower inspected by a competent person (Correct answer)
- Add more materials to the platform to weigh it down
- Tie the tower to the nearest tree
Correct answer: Stop work immediately, descend, and have the tower inspected by a competent person
Noticeable swaying or rocking indicates a potential stability problem — loose braces, failed castor brakes, soft ground, or the tower being out of plumb. All operatives must descend immediately and the tower must be inspected and corrected before further use.
Question 3: Can power tools be used on a tower scaffold platform?
- No — power tools are prohibited on all tower scaffolds
- Yes, provided the tool's weight is included in the platform loading, the electrical supply is safe, and the tool does not create excessive vibration or force (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only battery-powered tools
- Only hand tools are permitted at height
Correct answer: Yes, provided the tool's weight is included in the platform loading, the electrical supply is safe, and the tool does not create excessive vibration or force
Power tools can be used if their weight is within the SWL, the electrical supply meets site requirements (110V transformer, RCD protection), and the tool does not generate forces that could destabilise the operative or the tower. Reaction forces from tools must be considered.
Question 4: What is the significance of the 'three points of contact' rule when climbing a tower scaffold?
- It refers to contacting three different people before climbing
- It means maintaining contact with the ladder using two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, at all times during climbing (Correct answer)
- It means touching the tower at three different heights
- It refers to three safety briefings before climbing
Correct answer: It means maintaining contact with the ladder using two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, at all times during climbing
Three points of contact means always having at least two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, in contact with the ladder. This ensures the climber is always securely supported and reduces the risk of losing grip and falling.
Question 5: Why should operatives not climb the outside of a tower scaffold?
- It is allowed but slower
- External climbing applies horizontal forces that can overturn the tower, and a fall would be unprotected with nothing to arrest it (Correct answer)
- External climbing is only prohibited above 5 metres
- It damages the paint on the tower
Correct answer: External climbing applies horizontal forces that can overturn the tower, and a fall would be unprotected with nothing to arrest it
Climbing externally applies horizontal pull forces to the tower (the climber's weight pulling outwards), which can cause overturning. Additionally, if the climber falls, they fall to the ground with no intermediate platforms or guard rails to arrest the fall.
Question 6: What precautions must be taken when using a tower scaffold near overhead obstructions?
- No precautions are needed
- The overhead clearance must be checked to ensure the tower and its occupants will not contact ceiling structures, pipes, cables, or overhead power lines (Correct answer)
- Only a hard hat is needed
- Overhead obstructions improve stability by limiting tower sway
Correct answer: The overhead clearance must be checked to ensure the tower and its occupants will not contact ceiling structures, pipes, cables, or overhead power lines
Overhead obstructions (ceiling beams, pipes, cable trays, overhead cranes, power lines) must be identified and safe clearances maintained. Contact with overhead power lines can be fatal. Head clearance on the platform must allow safe working posture.
PASMA Safe Use of Platforms 3
What must an operative do if they feel unwell or dizzy while working on a tower scaffold?