Scaffold towers are valuable equipment that facilitates working at a height for an extended period. Using a ladder for hours at a stretch is not practical, as it can get uncomfortable, so not recommended. Nonetheless, the use of scaffold towers should be done with care; and if used carelessly, they can expose their users and those in the nearby area to greater physical risk.
Here are the five blunders you or your workers should avoid when using scaffold towers:
Don’t Fall into Temptation to Buy Cheap or Substandard Scaffolding Towers
It is human intention to save money wherever possible; however, you should not compromise the safety of the scaffold tower. Remember, you’re entrusting your workers’ life to it, so don’t go for a budget or inferior product.
You may have to pay a bit more for acquiring quality scaffold supplies, but it is a worthy investment.
Never Use Other Objects to Increase the Height
Climbing up or getting down from a scaffold tower or a ladder can be somewhat laborious. So it can be tempting to use nearby objects, such as a plastic box or chair, to add extra height. Furthermore, even reliable access equipment, such as a robust stepladder, is designed for ground use only and not atop the scaffold tower.
Using these items atop a scaffold tower can put you or your workers in a dangerous position. Thus, it is not prudent to take the risk of putting the lives of your workers in danger.
Don’t Neglect Scaffolding Tower’s Safe Workload
Similar to ladders, scaffold towers have their safe workload, so you need to see that you don’t go beyond it. Never use the scaffold tower to store material or equipment for long periods, as it can slowly deteriorate the platform. If any material or tool falls from the platform, it can expose those below the scaffold tower to injury.
Don’t Use a Scaffold Tower When Strong Winds Are Blowing
Scaffold towers are designed and built to stand against strong winds, but it is not safe to work at height when strong winds are blowing. When the winds become too strong, it’s only prudent to delay your task and resume when the weather gets favourable. The intensity of wind can likely hit you or your workers, shaking the balance, and it could send small objects like branches, stones and gravel flying at you during a critical moment. The most common reason for lethal injury to workers over the last decade was, falls from height, so ensure you keep away from these stats.
Move with Caution On the Top of Scaffold Tower
Though scaffold towers are more sturdy and stable than ladders, never take it for granted that scaffold towers can endure too much thrashing. Intended to support the weight of a standing person who makes careful movements, never expose scaffold tower to any sudden impacts such as dropping anything onto them from any height or jumping on them while climbing up or down.
Final Words
Buy high-quality and durable aluminium scaffolding and scaffold supplies at the best prices only at Turbo Scaffolding. If you have any queries or need help buying the right scaffolding system, call us at Turbo Scaffolding on 02 9725 5233, and our experts will be happy to guide you.
