Scaffold Safety

Before assembling or Erection of Mobile Access Tower (MAT) please ensure that,

A risk assessment has been done and safety equipment (Ropes etc) and auxiliary tools is available on site for erection and dismantling the tower.
The ground conditions will take the working load as specified.
The location of the tower should be checked to prevent hazards during erection, dismantling, moving and while working on the tower. Ground condition level and slope, obstruction and wind condition should be checked.
Always check that the tower is vertical, use a spirit level to ensure that tower is vertical and is leveled (Check the level in both horizontal direction). Adjust the wheel legs if necessary to keep the tower balance on the ground.
Beware of overhead obstruction-live wires, hanging apparatus (moving parts or machinery or other objects) Permissible load according to scaffold load group is 200kg/m².
Beware of tunneling effect caused by open ended buildings, uncladded buildings and building corners.
A person should be competent or supervised by competent person for working on Aluminum mobile tower and for assembling, dismantling or significantly altering.
Minimum 2-3 persons are required to safely erect and dismantle the tower.
Do not place boxes, ladders etc on the platform to extend the working height.
BS 1139 (HD 1004) requires maximum vertical distance between different platform of 4 mtr. We recommend that you use extra platform while erecting and dismantling the tower.
When lifting materials or components always use reliable lifting materials to ensure there is no possibility of its falling.
Always lift from within the tower base. Components are normally hoisted using a rope.
Never place the working platform on the guardrail frame.
Always keep double height guardrails at each platform levels, never stand on an unguarded platform.
Check that all components are on site and they are in good working order before use. Never mix parts or components from other manufactures. Damaged component should be replaced with the new components.
The tower should always be accessed from the inside using the ladder frame, never climb up from the outside. Ensure that the locking hooks on platform are functioning correctly.
Do not use horizontal or diagonal braces as a rung or step.
Beware of horizontal forces (e.g. When using power tools), which could generate instability or overturning of the tower. Maximum horizontal force 20 kg.
Dont move with people or material on the tower, remove all tools from working platform.
Do not move the assembled tower if over 4 mtr. The wind force should not exceed force 4.
Move the tower by applying force from the base. Ensure that the frame interlock clips are fitted properly.
According to HD 1004 the double width tower must not be exceeded 12 mtr to top platform for indoor use and 8 Mtr platform height (working height 10 Mtr) for outdoor use.
For single width tower maximum working height for both interior and exterior work is 8 Mtr.
If the platform height reaches more than 6 Mtr for single width and 8 mtr for the double width scaffold, then it should be secured against the wall prior to use.
Always tie to a solid structure, while tying the tower attach a tie at 4 mtr interval.
The maximum working load on the Ace Dw is 850 kgs for overall structure (including tower self weight) and 250 kgs evenly distributed on the platform. This must not be exceeded. The safe working load at each level of platform is 360 kg evenly distributed. Therefore, if two platforms are installed side by side, total cumulative load shall not exceed 360kg distributed. Do not overload the scaffolding tower.
Stabilizer should always be fitted and should be on firm contact with the ground.
The tower is not designed to be lifted or suspended as a complete structure.
It is recommended that tower left unattended are always tied in. Always install the trapdoor platform over the Ladder frame (if one is fitted)
When wind exceeds beau fort force 4, cease using the tower,

wind speeds:-

When wind is expected to reach force 6, tie tower to a rigid structure. If wind of 8 or greater is forecast dismantle the tow

Care and Maintenance of the tower

Keep all equipment clean, specially spigots where frames are connected together, please check that spigots are firm in to position and should fit easily into frames. Lubricate with light oil.
All components should be inspected before use to ensure that they are not damaged or broken, particularly the welds.
Any damage to any part particularly tubular member, castors, platform decking must be replaced.
Do not strike or hammer components.
Adjustable leg threads should be cleaned and lightly oiled to keep them free running.
All locking claws should be cleaned and the locking mechanism checked for operation. Lightly oil spring mechanism of the hooks.
Store the components in a safe place and do not throw the components, always lower them to the ground.
If paint gets on the scaffold, it can be removed with turpentine.
Electrical devices (drills, etc.) may only be operated on the scaffold with protection low voltage (48V), with protective isolation (separation transformer).
Work on or in the proximity of unprotected live systems, may not be carried out using the scaffold if there is voltage in the system component.
The system components are not isolated against adjacent live parts.

Dismanting Tower

To dismantle follow the build process but in reverse order, noting the following.
To remove the guardrail frames or braces first unlock the hook at the end away from the trapdoor. Sitting through the trapdoor, unlock the near end hook and remove the brace.
Never stand on unguarded platform
Do not remove diagonal brace and stabilizers prematurely.
Never Drop components when dismantling always lower them to the ground.

Moving MAT

Check that there are no power lines or the obstruction overhead.
Wind speed should not exceed 29 km/hr (force 4)
When moving a tower, reduce the height to a maximum of 4mtr.
Release the caster brakes.
Raise the stabilizer feet only enough to clear obstructions.
Ensure there is no material or personnel on the tower.
Move the tower manually by applying force at the base. Once moved, prepare the tower for use.
Check the route is firm, level and free from potholes.
Check all casters and stabilizers are in firm contact with the ground. Reapply the brake.
Check tower is vertical (spirit level) and adjust legs if required.
Always move the platform lengthwise or diagonally to ensure maximum stability.

Greasing the moving parts

Grease all moving parts (spindle, swivel castor bearing and catches) with commercial oil. For use in the winter, use low viscosity oil. Wipe off excess oil.

Storage

Storage must be in a manner such that damage to the unit is excluded. The scaffold components must be stored so that they are protected against the effects of weather. During transport to or from the storage location, the scaffold components must be secured against slipping and bumping as well as falling down. When loading, the scaffold components should not be thrown.

3 T SAFETY STANDARD – THROUGH THE TRAP

Always install the trapdoor platform over the ladder (if one is fitted). Ensure the trapdoor hinges opens to the outside of the tower (not the center).
Once the platform has been installed, climb using the approved method and sit on the trapdoor opening. While seated, attach horizontal braces to the frame to form guardrails from both the sides of the platform. Two braces are normally required each side, only then platform is fully guarded and is safe to stand up.

Scaffold Inspection

To prevent the use of incorrectly erected or damaged mobile access towers, they must be inspected by a competent person. This is someone with the experience, knowledge and appropriate qualifications to enable them to identify any risks that are present and decide upon the measure required to control the risks.

Inspections of the scaffold components

If a defect is discovered, the defective part shall not be use any longer.

Slip-in frame / chassis beams

Check for deformation, crushing and crack formation.

Braces (diagonal / railings)

Check for deformation, crushing, crack formation and function of the catches.

Platform

Check for deformation, crushing, crack formation and function of the catches.
Check state of the wood.
Check trapdoor if properly functioning.

Toeboards

Check state of the wood.
Check toe boards for crack formation.

Swivel castors

Check rolling capacity of the castor and function of the brake by rolling the basic frame.
For swivel castors with height adjuster, also check that height adjuster can move freely.

Safety springs

Check for deformation, crushing, crack formation and tight fit.

It must be inspected

After assembly in any position.
After any event liable to have affected its stability and
At intervals not exceeding seven days.

Inspection must be recorded on a scaffold inspection tag. Stop working if the inspection shows it is not safe to continue, and put right any faults.

PROTECTING THE PUBLIC
When towers are used in public places, extra precautions are required.

Erect barriers at ground level to prevent people from walking into the tower or work area.
Minimize the storage of materials and equipment on the working platform.

* Antislip Plywood EN13986 : 2004

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION & MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ALLOYS

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

Working safely at heights involves various risks. In many countries, strict rules apply to professional use.

This makes sense, because the material is used intensively. Below follows an explanation of the most important standards and other information.

EN1004

The current European standard for rolling towers is the EN1004. This standard makes more demands of the rolling towers than the expired standard HD 1004.

ASCEND rolling and folding towers comply to EN 1004 standard and are equipped with the required strength and stability calculations.

EN 1298 and extensive manual assembly and use

It is recorded in European standard EN 1298 which requires the manual for assembly and use of scaffold have to follow this standard.

ACE places great importance on the safety of its product in use. The extensive manual assembly and use of ACE scaffolds are drafted in conformity with EN1298.

EN131

The EN131 is the European standard for ladders, folding ladders and steps.

With our main concerns being quality and safety, all our products comply with the relevant British and European Standards.

Our products and systems are premium quality and are designed to meet the highest safety standards. Our complete product range is manufactured in compliance with national & international technical standards including EN1004, The Work at Heights Regulations, and OSHA.