PASMA Safe Use of Platforms 5

Question 1

What type of activities should NOT be performed from a tower scaffold platform?

Accepted Answer

Hot work (welding, cutting) without a specific risk assessment and fire precautions, or pulling heavy loads that could overturn the tower

Answer

Hot work creates fire risks (aluminium towers conduct heat, platforms can ignite). Pulling heavy loads or applying significant horizontal forces can overturn the tower. These activities require specific risk assessments, additional precautions, or alternative access equipment.

Question 2

What is the importance of distributing the load evenly across the platform?

Accepted Answer

Uneven loading shifts the centre of gravity to one side, increasing the overturning moment and reducing stability on that side

Answer

Concentrated loads on one side of the platform shift the centre of gravity towards that edge, increasing the overturning moment on that side. Materials should be spread evenly across the platform to maintain a balanced, centred centre of gravity.

Question 3

What is the role of the 'ground person' when a tower scaffold is in use?

Accepted Answer

To control access to the tower, keep the area clear, pass up materials, and be ready to summon help in an emergency

Answer

The ground person (banksman) controls access to the tower base, maintains the exclusion zone, passes materials up as needed, monitors weather conditions, and is prepared to raise the alarm and summon emergency assistance if an incident occurs.

Question 4

Can a tower scaffold be used as a loading platform for hoisting materials to a higher level?

Accepted Answer

No — unless specifically designed for it, using a tower as a loading bay exceeds its design intent and risks overloading and instability

Answer

Standard tower scaffolds are not designed to withstand the dynamic loads from hoisting operations. The swinging and impact loads from hoisted materials can exceed the platform's capacity and the dynamic forces can cause the tower to overturn.

Question 5

What should an operative do if unauthorised modifications have been made to a tower scaffold?

Accepted Answer

Do not use the tower, report the modifications, and have a competent person assess and rectify the situation

Answer

Unauthorised modifications (removed braces, added platforms, unofficial ties) may compromise the tower's structural integrity. The tower must not be used until a competent person has assessed the modifications and either approved or reversed them.

PASMA Practice Test

PASMA Practice Test

PASMA Safe Use of Platforms 5