PASMA Tower Inspection Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of event would trigger an unscheduled inspection of a tower scaffold?
- A change of shift
- Exposure to severe weather, accidental impact from a vehicle, or any event that could affect stability (Correct answer)
- Arrival of new workers on site
- A visit from the company director
Correct answer: Exposure to severe weather, accidental impact from a vehicle, or any event that could affect stability
Any event that could have compromised the tower's structural integrity or stability requires an immediate inspection before further use. This includes storms, high winds, impacts from vehicles or equipment, seismic activity, or extended periods of non-use.
Question 2: What should be checked about the internal ladder access during an inspection?
- That the ladder rungs are wide enough for two people side by side
- That ladder frames are correctly positioned, rungs are undamaged, and climb path is unobstructed (Correct answer)
- That the ladder is detachable for use elsewhere
- That the ladder is externally mounted
Correct answer: That ladder frames are correctly positioned, rungs are undamaged, and climb path is unobstructed
Internal ladder frames must be in the correct position as per the manufacturer's instructions, with all rungs intact and undamaged. The climb path through trapdoors must be clear of obstructions, and platforms must be in place at each level.
Question 3: During inspection, what is the significance of checking the manufacturer's label or plate on the tower?
- To verify the tower's colour scheme
- To confirm the tower model, maximum height, safe working load, and ensure it matches the instruction manual being followed (Correct answer)
- To check the warranty expiry date
- To verify the country of manufacture
Correct answer: To confirm the tower model, maximum height, safe working load, and ensure it matches the instruction manual being followed
The manufacturer's identification plate provides critical information including the model designation, maximum permissible height, safe working load, and component specifications. This ensures the tower has been erected in accordance with the correct instruction manual.
Question 4: What should an inspector look for when checking the frames of a tower scaffold?
- That they have been recently welded on site
- That they are free from bends, cracks, corrosion, dents, and that all spigots and locking mechanisms are functioning (Correct answer)
- That they are all brand new
- That they are painted in alternating colours
Correct answer: That they are free from bends, cracks, corrosion, dents, and that all spigots and locking mechanisms are functioning
Frames must be inspected for structural damage including bends, cracks, significant corrosion, dents, or deformation. All connection points (spigots, spigot plates) and locking mechanisms (gravity locks, spring clips) must be checked for correct function.
Question 5: How should an inspector check that a tower scaffold is level?
- By eye only
- Using a spirit level placed on the base frames and checking adjustable legs are correctly set (Correct answer)
- By bouncing on the platform to feel for movement
- By measuring with a tape measure from the ground
Correct answer: Using a spirit level placed on the base frames and checking adjustable legs are correctly set
A spirit level should be used on the base frames to verify the tower is level in both directions. Adjustable legs or screw jacks should be checked to ensure they are correctly extended and locked to compensate for any ground unevenness.
Question 6: What is a scaffold tag system and how does it relate to inspections?
- A tagging game played during lunch breaks
- A colour-coded tag or card system attached to the tower indicating its inspection status (safe to use, not safe, under assembly) (Correct answer)
- A barcode system for tracking tower sales
- A system for naming each tower after a colour
Correct answer: A colour-coded tag or card system attached to the tower indicating its inspection status (safe to use, not safe, under assembly)
Scaffold tag systems (such as SCAFFTAG) use colour-coded tags or cards attached to the scaffold to clearly communicate its current status: green (inspected, safe to use), red (do not use), or other colours indicating it is under assembly or modification.
PASMA Tower Inspection Procedures 3
What type of event would trigger an unscheduled inspection of a tower scaffold?