Everything about Mobile Scaffold

Posted - February 19, 2022 | By admin

Mobile Scaffold

Overview

Tower and mobile scaffolds

A tower scaffold is an independent scaffold consisting of four vertical standards connected longitudinally and transversely or two frames in plan connected transversely to create a scaffold of one bay. It may also have an extra, short stabiliser bay or outriggers to increase stability.

A mobile scaffold is a tower scaffold mounted on wheels (see Figure 1).

Manufacturers and suppliers must provide information about how to use and erect mobile scaffolds safely. If a scaffold is to be altered contact the manufacturer or supplier for guidance. Prefabricated mobile scaffolds should be erected in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.

When do I need a high risk work licence?

A licensed scaffolder is required for the erection, alteration or dismantling of a tower or mobile scaffold where there is a risk that a person or object could fall more than 4 metres from the platform or the structure.

This means that if a scaffold that is less than 4 metres in height is located adjacent to, for example an excavation, a licensed scaffolder may still be required (see Figure 2).

Often tower and mobile scaffolds will not require a licensed scaffolder to erect or dismantle them as there is no risk of a fall greater than 4 metres. However, the work should still be carried out by a competent person.

Control measures

The following control measures should be considered for tower and mobile scaffolds:

• Construct a tower scaffold with modular, frame or tube and coupler scaffolding.
• Locate a scaffold on firm level ground with the feet or wheels properly supported. Do not use loose bricks or building blocks to take the weight of the Where adjustable wheels are used, the slope of the surface should not exceed 5 degrees.
• The height of the scaffold—from the bottom of the scaffold to the platform surface—should be no greater than the multiple of the minimum base dimension as specified in the manufacturer, supplier or designer
• Reduce the height to base ratios or provide extra support if the scaffold will be:
  • sheeted or likely to be exposed to strong winds
  • loaded with heavy equipment or materials
  • used to hoist heavy materials or support rubbish chutes, and
  • used for operations involving heavy or awkward equipment e.g. grit blasting or water-jetting.
• Use a secure internal ladder with a protected opening g. a hinged trap door for entry and exit to and from the scaffold.
• The internal ladder should be free of the supporting
• Select the correct size and capacity wheels to support the total mass of the dead and live loads of the
• Use wheels that have the working load limit (WLL) clearly
• Wheels should be locked before erection
• Wheels with adjustable legs should be used and adjusted to keep the platform level when the supporting structure is at uneven or different
• Include plan bracing at the base of mobile scaffolds to provide greater stability.
• Install guardrails, mid-rails and toeboards on working

„ Keep wheel brakes locked at all times unless moving the scaffold.

Work should not be done from tower or mobile scaffolds located on balconies or raised areas unless the scaffold is stable and secure or fixed to the structure to prevent movement.

Moving a scaffold

Before moving or relocating a scaffold check:

• there are no people or materials on the scaffold
• there are no overhead electric lines or other overhead obstructions in the line of travel
• the ground is firm, level and there are no obstructions—contact with a small obstruction can cause a mobile scaffold to overturn, and
• that electrical equipment and leads cannot become tangled with the scaffold.

Never move the scaffold in windy conditions.

Scaffolds with components that are not permanently fixed or which are not rated for lifting should only be moved in frames designed to lift individual components

e.g. stillage’s.

If lifting a scaffold by crane, prepare a lifting plan outlining safe lifting points and how loose components like base jacks should

be secured. Sling the scaffold at the point most likely to maintain stability and prevent dislodgment of scaffolding components.

The load should be slung by a licensed dogger or rigger and manoeuvred in a way that ensures the load remains stable.

A crane should not be used to lift aluminium mobile scaffolds because the scaffolding components may fail.