Tower Inspection Procedures Flashcards

What should an inspector check regarding the proximity of the tower to open edges or excavations?

Answer: That the tower is positioned a safe distance from unprotected edges, excavations, or holes and that the ground is not undermined

Towers near edges or excavations are at risk of collapse if the ground fails or if the tower is accidentally pushed over the edge. The inspector must verify safe positioning, adequate edge protection, and that excavations have not undermined the ground beneath the tower.

What documentation should be available on site during a tower scaffold inspection?

Answer: The manufacturer's instruction manual, previous inspection reports, risk assessment, and method statement

The inspector needs access to the manufacturer's instruction manual (to verify correct assembly), previous inspection reports (to check recurring issues), and the risk assessment and method statement (to verify controls are in place).

How should non-conformances found during inspection be categorised?

Answer: They should be rated by severity — critical defects require immediate action, minor defects require planned rectification

Non-conformances should be categorised by severity. Critical defects (missing guard rails, cracked frames, failed brakes) require the tower to be immediately taken out of service. Minor defects (surface corrosion, minor dents) require planned rectification within a defined timeframe.

What should be checked about the area surrounding the base of the tower during an inspection?

Answer: That the area is clear of debris, the exclusion zone is maintained, and warning signs are displayed

The base area must be clear of trip hazards, the exclusion zone (to protect against falling objects) must be maintained and signed, and access routes must be unobstructed. Stored materials should not obstruct the stabilisers or base.

At what point during the assembly process should inspections begin?

Answer: At each stage of assembly to verify correct construction before proceeding to the next level

Good practice requires checks at each stage of assembly — verifying each lift is correctly assembled, braced, and locked before building the next level. This prevents errors from being built upon and avoids costly dismantling to correct mistakes.

What specific inspection is required after a tower scaffold has been moved to a new location?

Answer: A full pre-use inspection including base conditions, levelness, castor locks, and overall stability at the new position

Moving a tower to a new location changes the ground conditions, proximity to hazards, and wind exposure. A full pre-use inspection must verify the new base is adequate, the tower is level and plumb, all brakes are applied, and the tower is stable in its new environment.