PASMA Safe Use of Platforms 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct procedure for moving a mobile tower scaffold?
- Push from the top to get better leverage
- Reduce height if necessary, remove all persons and loose materials, release brakes, push at base level, and reapply brakes at the new location (Correct answer)
- Drag it with a vehicle
- Only move it when occupied so someone can steer from above
Correct answer: Reduce height if necessary, remove all persons and loose materials, release brakes, push at base level, and reapply brakes at the new location
Before moving: check the route is clear, reduce height if exceeding the manufacturer's moving limit, ensure no persons or loose materials are on the platform, release brakes. Push from the base (not the top). Watch for overhead hazards. Relock brakes at destination.
Question 2: What is the maximum wind force at which a tower scaffold should be moved?
- Any wind speed is acceptable for moving towers
- Towers should not be moved in wind conditions above Beaufort Force 4 (17 mph) (Correct answer)
- Force 8 (gale force) is the limit
- Wind does not affect moving a tower because it is on wheels
Correct answer: Towers should not be moved in wind conditions above Beaufort Force 4 (17 mph)
PASMA recommends that towers should not be moved in winds exceeding Beaufort Force 4 (17 mph). During movement, the tower is particularly vulnerable because brakes are released and the tower is in motion, making it harder to control.
Question 3: Can a tower scaffold be used as a means of permanent access (e.g., to a roof)?
- Yes, tower scaffolds can serve as permanent access points
- No — tower scaffolds are temporary work platforms, not designed as permanent access structures (Correct answer)
- Yes, but only if fitted with a handrail on the outside
- Yes, if it is inspected daily
Correct answer: No — tower scaffolds are temporary work platforms, not designed as permanent access structures
Tower scaffolds are designed as temporary mobile work platforms, not permanent access structures. They do not meet the requirements for permanent access (e.g., fixed stairways, access ladders with back guards). Permanent access needs should be met with purpose-designed structures.
Question 4: What should an operative check before loading materials onto the tower platform?
- That the materials are the correct colour
- That the total weight of materials plus persons will not exceed the platform's safe working load (Correct answer)
- That the materials are dry
- That there is a receipt for the materials
Correct answer: That the total weight of materials plus persons will not exceed the platform's safe working load
The total weight of all persons, tools, materials, and equipment on the platform must not exceed the manufacturer's safe working load. The operative should estimate the total load and compare it against the SWL stated on the manufacturer's plate.
Question 5: What is the danger of using a tower scaffold during a thunderstorm?
- There is no additional danger during thunderstorms
- The metal tower acts as a lightning conductor, and wind and rain create additional hazards including electrocution risk (Correct answer)
- Thunderstorms improve grounding of the tower
- Only the noise is a concern
Correct answer: The metal tower acts as a lightning conductor, and wind and rain create additional hazards including electrocution risk
Metal tower scaffolds can attract lightning strikes, posing a serious electrocution risk to anyone on or near the tower. Additionally, high winds, driving rain, and reduced visibility during storms create multiple additional hazards. Work must cease immediately.
Question 6: What should be done with the area below the tower scaffold during use?
- It can be used for storage of heavy equipment
- The drop zone should be kept clear of people and barricaded if there is a risk of falling objects (Correct answer)
- Vehicles should park underneath for shade
- No management of the area below is needed
Correct answer: The drop zone should be kept clear of people and barricaded if there is a risk of falling objects
The area below and around the tower (the drop zone) must be kept clear of pedestrians and controlled to prevent access. If objects could fall from the platform (despite toeboards), physical barriers and warning signs must be used to protect people below.
PASMA Safe Use of Platforms 4
What is the correct procedure for moving a mobile tower scaffold?