Safety Newsletter - October 2008

Mobile Towers

Mobile towers are considered simple to erect: this is a problem, as it means that very few untrained personnel take note of the instructions for their mobile tower.

Before erecting any mobile tower, check the location where it is to be erected:

• Is the ground firm and level?
• Are there any overhead power or telephone cables?
• Are you going to move the tower? Walk the route, checking the ground and overhead.
• What is the required working height? This can make a difference to which mobile tower to order and use.

Take care that nothing can fall from the platform - toe-guards, for example

Ensure that the personnel erecting the tower are properly trained. It may be company policy to have PASMA training, though this not a legal requirement. Can the personnel erect the tower safely?

When was the mobile tower last checked for serviceability? Do not rely on others to have done this; items can be delivered in an unsafe condition. Mobile tower erectors should be able to identify faulty or damaged components and arrange for their replacement.

The recommended maximum wind speed for erecting a mobile tower is 17mph. However, even when the wind is below this speed, if the personnel erecting the tower do not feel safe they should not continue. Never leave a mobile tower unattended if incomplete, and use a ‘Scaffolding Incomplete’ sign.

Moving a mobile tower is easy: remove all items, materials and personnel from the tower; dismantle to the recommended height (usually 4m, but this will vary depending on manufacturer); unlock the wheels; lift the stabilisers and move by hand, checking your path - both on the ground and overhead.

When working on a mobile tower, never stand on anything other than the platform; if you do, you are then higher the handrails. Don’t be tempted to over-reach from the mobile tower or to stand on the handrails.

Only ever climb up the inside of the mobile tower. Anything on the outside of the tower can make it unstable and could pull it over.

The HSE has an ongoing Falls from Height campaign, details of which can be found on their website.