Tower Inspection Procedures Flashcards

What should be checked about outriggers and stabilisers during an inspection?

Answer: That they are correctly deployed, secured, and making proper contact with the ground via base plates

Outriggers and stabilisers must be deployed as specified in the manufacturer's instructions, securely locked into position, and resting on firm ground via base plates. They must not be partially deployed or used on soft ground without adequate sole boards.

If a tower scaffold has been left erected overnight, what inspection is required before morning use?

Answer: A pre-use visual inspection must be carried out to check for weather damage, vandalism, or unauthorised alteration

A pre-use check must be conducted before each shift or period of use. Overnight, the tower may have been affected by wind, rain, frost, vandalism, or unauthorised modification. A competent person should visually inspect it before use commences.

What is the purpose of checking that platform wind locks are engaged during an inspection?

Answer: To prevent the platforms from being lifted or dislodged by wind, which could cause falls

Platform wind locks (also called deck locks or board locks) prevent the lightweight aluminium platforms from being lifted by wind. An unsecured platform could be dislodged in a gust, causing a person standing on it to fall.

During an inspection, how should the safe working load (SWL) of the tower be verified?

Answer: By checking the manufacturer's plate and instruction manual and ensuring the current loading does not exceed the stated SWL

The safe working load must be checked against the manufacturer's specification on the identification plate and in the instruction manual. The total load on the platform (persons, tools, materials) must not exceed this limit.

What should be done if an inspection finds that the tower exceeds the manufacturer's maximum height?

Answer: The tower must be immediately taken out of service and reduced to within the permitted height

Exceeding the manufacturer's maximum height compromises the tower's structural design, base-to-height ratio, and stability. The tower must be immediately taken out of service and reduced to the correct height by a competent person.

What additional inspection consideration applies to a tower scaffold erected near overhead power lines?

Answer: The distance from the power lines must be checked and must comply with HSE guidance (minimum safe distances), and the tower must not be moved into the danger zone

HSE Guidance Note GS6 recommends maintaining safe distances from overhead power lines. For lines up to 33kV, the minimum clearance is 3 metres (though more is preferable). For higher voltages, greater distances apply. Contact with or proximity to power lines can be fatal.