General Safety Notes
The following Safety Notes apply to mobile tower frame scaffolding supplied by A+ Scaffold. It is recommended that these Safety Notes be available to users of the scaffold and read in conjunction with:
- Assembly instructions for the mobile tower frame scaffold system;
- Local Statutory Acts and Regulations, as applicable.
SAFETY NOTES
- Ensure the scaffold is erected in accordance with the assembly instructions. Persons erecting altering or dismantling a scaffold must hold the relevant scaffolding certificate of competency if:
1) the scaffold is over 4m in height.
2). the potential fall height from the scaffold through a penetration or over the edge of a floor is more than 4m in height
- Do not use damaged, incorrect or incompatible components. Always inspect the scaffold before use.
- Ensure that all the components required to build the scaffold are together and are of the same make. Do not mix and match components from other systems.
- Ensure that there is a safe working area for the scaffold.
- Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment during all activities related to construction, use and dismantling of the scaffold.
- Ensure the scaffold is erected on a solid and unobstructed base. Use sole plates where necessary.
- When erecting and using, ensure the scaffold is level and in contact with the ground by adjusting the leg & castor assembly and outriggers. Mobile scaffolds should not be used on ground slopes greater than 5 degrees.
- Do not erect the scaffold closer than 4.6m to electrical power lines unless permission has been given by the electrical supply authority responsible for the power lines.
- Ensure that outriggers are in position to maintain a height to minimum base width ratio of 3:1. Height of towers with base width less than 1.2m should not exceed twice least base dimension.
- All platforms over 2m in height must have toe-boards, guardrails fitted.
- Ensure the scaffold is complete and that the castor wheels are locked before using the scaffold.
- Do not climb up the rungs on the outside. Always climb scaffolds from the inside, via ladders.
- Do not exceed the specified Safe Working Load of the scaffold, typically 225kg per bay.
- Do not use boxes, steps or ladders on top of the work platform to gain extra height.
- Do not move the scaffold with persons or materials upon it. Before moving the scaffold ensure that it is clear of obstructions at overhead and at ground level (for example, pot-holes, ducts, pipework, power lines etc).
- To move the scaffold, only apply force by pushing at or near the base and ensure that the tower remains stable during movement -typically vertical.
- Protect the scaffold from corrosive substances such as hydrochloric (muriatic) acid and potash. They are highly corrosive to steel components and can seriously affect the strength of the equipment.
- Always tie in the tower to a rigid structure in strong wind conditions, especially between buildings when wind speeds exceed 45 km/h.
- Do not push or lever against the scaffold in use. Such (horizontal) forces can cause instability of freestanding towers. Take care when a drill is being used and tie in if required.
- Do not use sheeting encapsulation around the tower unless designed accordingly by a competent person.
- Do not lift materials or equipment outside the base area of the tower unless designed accordingly by a competent person.
- Ensure the scaffold is secure and access to unauthorised persons is prevented when left unattended.
- Where scaffolds are left incomplete affix a Warning sign and guard off the scaffold from entry by unauthorised persons.
PLATFORM WORKING LOADS
The Maximum working load limit per tower is Light Duty (225kg)
BASIC MAINTENANCE RULES
- Take good care of the scaffold. The equipment should be kept clean, especially joints and moving parts. Components should fit together easily without the use of force.
- All working parts should be lightly lubricated with light machine oil.
- Do not let parts fall to the ground. Such abuse may damage the equipment and reduce its load capacity or render it unserviceable.
- Never modify the scaffold components without authorization from the manufacturer.
- In the event of damage, A+ scaffold equipment must only be replaced by A+ scaffold.
Read and understand these SAFETY NOTES before assembling the scaffolding. Do not permit anyone to use the scaffold who does not understand the material in this page.