The following Safety Notes apply to mobile tower frame scaffolding supplied by MyScaffold. It is recommended that these Safety Notes be read in conjunction with:

  1. Assembly instructions for the particular mobile tower frame scaffold system;
  2. Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Measures for Aluminium Mobile Scaffolding.
  3. Local Statutory Acts and Regulations, as applicable.

Safety Notes

  1. Ensure the scaffold is erected in accordance with the manufacturer’s assembly instructions. Persons erecting altering or dismantling a scaffold must hold the relevant scaffolding certificate of competency if:
    a. the scaffold is over 4m in height
    b. the potential fall height from the scaffold through a penetration or over the edge of a floor is more than 4m in height
  2. Do not use damaged, incorrect or incompatible components. Always inspect the scaffold before use. If in doubt contact the supplier.
  3. 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 unless authorised by MyScaffold.
  4. Ensure that there is a safe working area for the scaffold.
  5. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment during all activities related to construction, use and dismantling of the scaffold.
  6. Ensure the scaffold is erected on a solid and unobstructed base. Use soleplates where necessary.
  7. When erecting and using, ensure the scaffold is level and in contact with the ground by adjusting the leg & castor assembly and outriggers.
  8. 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. Distance away from power lines may vary from state to state, so check Statutory Regulations.
  9. Ensure that outriggers are in position to maintain a height to minimum base width ratio of 3:1
  10. All platforms over 2m in height must have toe-boards, guardrails and mid rails fitted.
  11. Ensure the scaffold is complete and that the castor wheels are locked before using the scaffold.
  12. Do not climb up the rungs on the outside. Always climb scaffolds from the inside, via ladders.
  13. Do not exceed the specified Safe Working Load of the scaffold, typically 225kg per bay unless otherwise authorised by MyScaffold.
  14. Do not use boxes, steps or ladders on top of the work platform to gain extra height.
  15. 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).
  16. 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.
  17. Protect the scaffold from corrosive substances such as hydrochloric (muriatic) acid and potash. They are highly corrosive to aluminium components and can seriously affect the strength of the equipment.
  18. Always tie in the tower to a rigid structure in strong wind conditions, especially between buildings when wind speeds exceed 45 km/h.
  19. 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.
  20. Do not use sheeting encapsulation around the tower unless designed accordingly by a competent person.
  21. Do not lift materials or equipment outside the base area of the tower unless designed accordingly by a competent person.
  22. Ensure the scaffold is secure and access to unauthorised persons is prevented when left unattended.
  23. Where scaffolds are left incomplete affix a Warning sign and guard off the scaffold from entry by unauthorised persons.

Tying In of Towers

Conditions where towers must be stabilised and secured:

  1. Where height of the scaffold is to exceed 3 times the smallest base dimension, if used externally or internally.
  2. Where there is a possibility of adverse weather conditions, eg. high winds exceeding 45km/h
  3. Where the structure is located where the wind has a tunnelling effect eg. large empty buildings where the ends are open.
  4. Where the work is of the nature where horizontal forces are applied at the working deck eg. drilling
  5. Where a hoisting device, such as a gin wheel, is to be used to hoist materials. The effect of using such hoisting devices on a scaffold must be checked by a competent person.
  6. When towers are to be left unattended for any appreciable time especially in areas of public access.

Tower Height Limit

Tower height is typically limited by height to minimum base width ratio of 3: 1 and as stipulated by MyScaffold. Contact us for specific Tower Height Limits.

Platform Working Loads

The Maximum working load limit per tower are either Light Duty (225kg) or Medium Duty (450kg) depending on which system and tower width is being used, unless specified otherwise. Tower widths of 0.7m are limited to Light Duty Loading of 225kg.

Basic Maintenance Rules

  1. 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.
  2. All working parts should be lightly lubricated with light machine oil. For example, brace spring bolts, stabiliser / outrigger bolted connections, thread on castor leg adjustment.
  3. Do not let parts fall to the ground. Such abuse may damage the equipment and reduce its load capacity or render it unserviceable.
  4. Never modify the scaffold components without authorization from the manufacturer.
  5. In the event of damage, MyScaffold equipment must only be repaired by qualified personnel approved by MyScaffold.

Read and understand these safety notes before assembling MyScaffold. Do not permit anyone to use the scaffold who does not understand the material in this document. If in doubt, or need assistance with the understanding the instructions, please call or email us.

Hazard Risk Identification

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION RISK ASSESSED POSSIBLE RISK CONTROL
Collapse of Scaffold Serious All Scaffolds over 4m must be erected by WorkCover approved or authorised personnel. Tower erection procedures must be adhered to. Scaffold must always be erected to Assembly Instructions.
Electrocution Serious Scaffold must not be used within 4.6m of overhead electrical wiring. Always look above when moving Scaffold Tower.
Falling from Scaffold Serious Hand rails and mid rails must be used on every deck level. Workers must not ride on scaffold when the scaffold is being moved. At no time can a ladder be used on the deck of a scaffold to gain additional height – neither step or extension. Internal ladders must be fitted to the scaffold for access to working decks. Do not climb on the outside of the scaffold. Internal ladder access must be used.
Material falling from Scaffold Serious Toeboards must be fitted on all working deck levels of a scaffold. Ensure there are no holes or gaps in decks that material can fall through.
Sloping Ground Serious All castors used in mobile scaffold towers must be fitted with brakes. Castor brakes must be applied at all times whilst the scaffold is in use. Mobile Scaffolds must not be used on sloping surface greater than 7 degrees.

Scaffold Approvals

Click here to download PDF.