PASMA Tower Assembly Methods 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended method for assembling a mobile aluminium tower scaffold?
- Advance guard rail method (AGR) (Correct answer)
- Traditional method from a ladder
- Freestanding climb method
- Rope and pulley method
Correct answer: Advance guard rail method (AGR)
The advance guard rail (AGR) method, also known as 3T (Through The Trap), is the recommended method as it ensures the operative is always protected by guard rails during assembly. This is endorsed by PASMA and meets the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Question 2: What must be checked before starting to assemble a tower scaffold?
- The ground conditions and levelness of the surface (Correct answer)
- The colour of the tower components
- Whether it is a bank holiday
- The brand of hard hat being worn
Correct answer: The ground conditions and levelness of the surface
Before assembly, the ground must be inspected to ensure it is firm, level, and capable of supporting the tower and any imposed loads. Soft or uneven ground can cause instability and collapse.
Question 3: When using the 3T (Through The Trap) method, at what point are guard rails installed?
- After the platform is fully loaded with materials
- Before the operative climbs to the next platform level (Correct answer)
- Only at the very top of the completed tower
- Guard rails are not required with the 3T method
Correct answer: Before the operative climbs to the next platform level
In the 3T method, temporary guard rails are installed from the level below before the operative climbs through the trapdoor to the next level. This ensures fall protection is always in place.
Question 4: What is the minimum number of people required to safely assemble a standard mobile tower scaffold?
- One person working alone
- Two people (Correct answer)
- Four people
- Six people
Correct answer: Two people
PASMA recommends a minimum of two people for safe tower assembly — one to pass components and one to assemble at height. Working alone increases the risk of dropped components and unassisted falls.
Question 5: What should be done with all tower components before assembly begins?
- They should be painted to prevent rust
- They should be visually inspected for damage, corrosion, and defects (Correct answer)
- They should be weighed individually
- They should be left in direct sunlight for sterilisation
Correct answer: They should be visually inspected for damage, corrosion, and defects
All components must be visually inspected before use. Damaged, bent, corroded, or defective parts must not be used as they compromise the structural integrity of the tower. This is a requirement under PUWER 1998.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT a recognised tower scaffold assembly method?
- Advance guard rail (AGR)
- 3T (Through The Trap)
- Cantilever projection method (Correct answer)
- Traditional method
Correct answer: Cantilever projection method
The cantilever projection method is not a recognised tower scaffold assembly technique. The recognised methods are AGR, 3T, and the traditional method, though the traditional method is less favoured due to the period of unprotected working.
PASMA Tower Assembly Methods 1
What is the recommended method for assembling a mobile aluminium tower scaffold?