When should we inspect towers?
A pre-use inspection is an important part of the assembly process. But just because a tower was stable and structurally sound when it was first used, doesn't mean it will stay that way. That's why you should re-inspect your towers as often as is necessary to ensure safety. How often you inspect will depend on your risk assessment but as a rule, inspections should always happen:
- After assembly and before use
- After alteration and before re-use
- After any event that could affect safety
- At least every seven days
Who can inspect towers?
Anyone can inspect a tower, if they have the training, skills, knowledge and experience needed for task. They can learn to build and inspect standard single bay towers on a PASMA Towers for Users training course.
If they're working with other configurations, such as cantilever towers, towers on stairways, linked towers or towers with bridges, there are seperate, dedicated PASMA courses for these.
Managers and supervisors can learn to inspect any standard configuration tower on a PASMA Towers for Managers course. This course is aimed at those who are responsible for the safety of tower users but aren't assembling towers themselves.
How do we record an inspection?
Record the details of your inspection and give the report to the person for whom it was completed, for example by attatching a copy to the tower. There are eight pieces of information to include, which are listed in the Work at Height Regulations.
Store your report on site until the work is complete and then keep it safe for a further three months. This is a legal requirement.
What exactly do we need to inspect?
You can't inspect a tower properly without the instruction manual. Before you do anything else, make sure you have a copy. Then, inspect your completed tower from the grounf, working thorugh this checklist:
1. Are the ground conditions suitable, all castor brakes locked and wheels in contact with the ground?
2. Is the tower level and upright and are the adjustable legs set correctly but not used to gain extra height?
3. Is the tower stabilised as per the instruction manual, using the correct stabilisers or outriggers, or the correct type and position of ballast, or is the tower tied in using the right type of ties in the right position?
4. Are the horizontal and diagonal braces positioned and secure as per the instruction manual?
5. Are all frames of the correct size and type, in the correct position with locking devices secured?
6. Are all platforms positioned correctly with trapdoor openings over the built in access and all wind locks engaged?
7. Do all platforms have double guardrails on all sides, fitted as per the instruction manual?
8. Are toeboards correctly fitted as per the instruction manual?
9. Is the tower the correct fitted as per the instruction manual?
If you spot a problem, stop. If you can't fix it straight away, report the issue to a manager, display a warning sign at the access point and physically restirct access e.g using barriers.
Only when you've ticked every point on the checklist can you be sure your tower is structutally sound and contains all the essential components that keep operatives safe. It's time to start work!
What's the best way to manage tower inspections?
PASMA recently released a beta version of its new tower inspection tool, TowerSure, billed as the smarter way to manage tower inspections. TowerSure guides you through each tower inspection, helping you ensure all safety checks are completed and all legal responsibilities are met along the way. It replaces hard copy inspection records and makes the whole process more reliable and insightful for operatives, managers and clients.
