## Legislation, Regulations & Guidance for Mobile Access Towers

Understanding the legal framework is crucial for safe work with mobile access towers. These regulations aim to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment for everyone involved.

## Key Legislation

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA): This foundational act places general duties on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others affected by their work. Employees also have duties to take reasonable care of their own safety and cooperate with employers.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR): These regulations require employers to carry out risk assessments, implement preventative measures, appoint competent persons, and provide health and safety training and information.
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER): PUWER requires that all work equipment, including mobile access towers, must be suitable for its intended use, maintained in a safe condition, inspected regularly, and used only by competent persons.
• Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR): These regulations are paramount for mobile access towers. WAHR requires all work at height to be properly planned, supervised, and carried out by competent persons. A risk assessment must be conducted to identify hazards and implement control measures. The Hierarchy of Control must be followed:

1. Avoid work at height if possible.

2. Prevent falls using suitable equipment (like a mobile access tower).

3. Mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall if prevention isn't possible.

WAHR also mandates regular inspections of work equipment, including pre-use checks and formal inspections after assembly, modification, or every 7 days.

## Key Guidance

• PASMA Code of Practice: This is the definitive industry standard for the safe use, assembly, and dismantling of mobile access towers. It provides practical guidance that supports compliance with the law.
• Manufacturer's Instructions: Always follow the specific instructions provided by the tower manufacturer for assembly, use, and dismantling. These instructions are integral to safe operation and legal compliance.
• HSE Guidance: Publications from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), such as INDG401 "Working at height – A brief guide," offer practical advice.

## Responsibilities

Both employers and employees have responsibilities under these regulations to ensure safety when using mobile access towers.

## The PASMA Code of Practice: Ensuring Mobile Tower Safety

The PASMA Code of Practice is the definitive guide for the safe use of mobile access towers. It sets out the industry standard for best practice, ensuring the safety of users and those around the work area. Adhering to this code is crucial for legal compliance and preventing accidents.

## Key Principles of Safe Tower Use

• Competence: Only trained and competent persons should assemble, alter, dismantle, or inspect mobile access towers. This means holding a valid PASMA 'Towers for Users' card.
• Planning: All work involving mobile towers must be properly planned. This includes conducting a risk assessment to identify hazards and implement control measures, and developing a method statement detailing how the work will be carried out safely.
• Manufacturer's Instructions: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for assembly, use, and dismantling. These instructions are specific to the tower design and are paramount for safety.

## Assembly, Inspection, and Use

• Safe Assembly Methods: Towers must be assembled using approved safe methods, such as the Through-the-Trapdoor (3T) method or the Advanced Guard Rail (AGR) method. These methods ensure the user is always protected by a guardrail when working on the platform.
• Pre-Use Checks & Inspections: A pre-use check must be carried out before each use to ensure the tower is safe and complete. This includes checking components for damage, ensuring all castors are locked, and outriggers/stabilisers are correctly deployed. A formal inspection by a competent person is required after assembly, after any significant alteration, and at regular intervals (e.g., every 7 days or as site rules dictate) if the tower remains erected.
• Tower Tag: A PASMA Tower Tag should be displayed on the tower, indicating its status (e.g., "Do Not Use" or "Safe for Use") and the date of the last inspection.
• Safe Use Practices:
• Never overload the tower – adhere to the Safe Working Load (SWL).
• Do not climb on the outside of the tower.
• Maintain the tower's stability; do not move it with people or materials on the platform.
• Never modify the tower or use damaged components.
• Report any defects immediately.

## Responsibilities

Every individual involved has a responsibility. As a user, you are responsible for conducting pre-use checks, using the tower safely, and reporting any issues. Employers must ensure suitable equipment, training, and supervision are provided.

## Tower Assembly, Alteration & Dismantling

Safe assembly, alteration, and dismantling of mobile access towers are critical to preventing accidents. Adhering to established procedures and manufacturer's instructions is paramount.

## Planning & Preparation

Only a competent person who has been trained and assessed should undertake these tasks. Before any work begins, a thorough Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) must be completed. This includes a site survey to check ground conditions (ensuring it's firm and level), identify overhead hazards like power lines, and assess access routes. All tower components must be inspected before use, ensuring they are present, undamaged, and suitable for the specific tower design.

## Assembly Methods

The core principle during assembly is to always work from a protected position, never on an unprotected platform. Two primary methods achieve this:

• 3T Method (Through The Trapdoor): The user stands on the platform below the one being constructed. They then reach through the trapdoor opening to erect the guardrails for the next level before stepping onto the newly protected platform.
• Advanced Guard-Rail (AGR) Method): This method uses specially designed guardrail frames that are installed from the level below, providing collective fall protection before the user steps onto the platform.

## Base & Stability

A stable base is fundamental. The tower must always be erected on firm, level ground. Base plates or adjustable legs should be used to compensate for uneven surfaces. If the tower has castors, they must be locked before climbing and remain locked while the tower is in use. For taller towers or where side loads are anticipated, outriggers or stabilisers are essential to increase the base dimension and prevent overturning. These must be deployed correctly according to manufacturer guidelines. Correct bracing with horizontal and diagonal components ensures the tower's rigidity.

## Working Platform

A safe working platform must be fully boarded without gaps. It requires guardrails – a top-rail (between 950mm and 1150mm high) and a mid-rail. Toe-boards are also mandatory to prevent tools or materials from falling and to stop feet from slipping off the edge.

## Alteration & Dismantling

Any alteration to a tower's configuration requires a re-assessment of risks and must maintain the tower's stability throughout. Guardrails must always be in place on the platform from which work is being carried out. Dismantling is essentially the reverse process of assembly. It must be done systematically, always working from a protected position, and maintaining stability until the very last components are removed.

## Hazards

Common hazards include falling objects, tower instability or overturning (especially due to wind), electrocution from overhead power lines, and falls from height.

## Tower Inspection Procedures

• Pre-Use Inspection: Always conduct a thorough inspection of a mobile access tower before each use and after assembly. This ensures the tower is safe and fit for purpose, preventing accidents. Regular inspections are also required during prolonged use and after any event that might affect its stability (e.g., strong winds, impact).
• Who Inspects: The inspection must be carried out by a competent person. For users, this means someone who has received appropriate training (like PASMA) and is familiar with the tower's components and safe assembly procedures, capable of identifying defects.

## Key Inspection Points

• Manufacturer's Instruction Manual (MIM): Always refer to the MIM specific to the tower being used. It provides crucial information on component types, assembly sequence, and bracing requirements. Never deviate from the MIM.
• Components:
• Check all components for damage (e.g., bends, cracks, corrosion, missing parts). Ensure they are the correct type and size for the tower.
• Verify all locking mechanisms (e.g., brace hooks, platform catches) are functioning correctly and securely engaged.
• Base Section:
• Ensure base plates or adjustable legs are correctly fitted and resting on firm, level ground. The ground must be capable of supporting the tower's weight.
• If using castors, check they are in good condition, free from debris, and locked when the tower is stationary.
• Bracing:
• Confirm all horizontal and diagonal braces are present, correctly positioned, and securely fitted according to the MIM. Incorrect bracing is a common cause of instability and collapse.
• Stabilisers/Outriggers:
• Check these are correctly fitted, fully extended (if applicable), and making firm contact with the ground to provide maximum stability. They must be adjusted to ensure the tower is plumb and level.
• Working Platform:
• Ensure the platform is fully boarded, level, secure, and free from obstructions or slip hazards. The trapdoor must be secure.
• Guardrails and Toe-boards:
• Verify that guardrails (top-rail and mid-rail) are present at the correct heights around the entire working platform perimeter. Top-rails should be between 950mm and 1100mm high.
• Ensure toe-boards are securely fitted to prevent objects from falling off the platform.
• Access:
• Check that internal access (e.g., trapdoor, internal ladder) is clear, secure, and correctly installed, providing safe passage to the working platform.
• Overall Stability:
• Visually confirm the tower is plumb and level, and appears stable and rigid.

## What to do if Defects are Found

• If any defect, damage, or incorrect assembly is identified, DO NOT USE the tower under any circumstances.
• Immediately tag the tower as "Do Not Use" or "Out of Service" to prevent others from using it inadvertently.
• Report the issue to a supervisor or responsible person without delay.
• The tower must be repaired by a competent person or defective components replaced before it can be used again. Never attempt to use a damaged or incorrectly assembled tower.

## Fall Protection on Mobile Access Towers

Fall protection is a critical aspect of working safely with mobile access towers, as falls from height are a leading cause of serious injury and fatalities in the workplace. The PASMA scheme places significant emphasis on collective fall prevention methods, which are designed to protect all users on or around the tower, rather than relying solely on individual protection.

Primary Fall Protection Methods

The two primary methods approved by PASMA for the safe erection and dismantling of mobile access towers are the 3T Method (Through The Trapdoor) and the Advanced Guard Rail (AGR) Method. Both methods share the fundamental principle of ensuring that the erector is always protected by guardrails *before* stepping onto an exposed platform level. This proactive approach eliminates the risk of falling from an unguarded edge.

• 3T Method (Through The Trapdoor): With this method, the erector stands on the platform *below* the level they are building. They then pass the guardrails for the next level up Through The Trapdoor opening, securing them from a protected position. Only once these guardrails are correctly in place and secured can the erector climb through the trapdoor onto the newly guarded platform.

• Advanced Guard Rail (AGR) Method: The AGR method utilises specially designed guardrail frames that are attached from the level below, providing collective fall protection *before* the erector steps onto the platform. These frames are typically longer than standard guardrails and are designed to be installed and removed from a fully protected position, ensuring continuous edge protection during the build sequence.

Key Principles and Hazards

It is absolutely crucial to always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific tower being used. Tower designs and assembly sequences can vary significantly, and deviating from the instructions can compromise stability and safety, leading to fall hazards. Never modify the tower or use it for purposes other than those intended.

Common fall hazards to be aware of include:

• Working on an unguarded platform.
• Falling through an open trapdoor.
• Incorrect climbing techniques (always maintain three points of contact).
• Using damaged or incorrect components.

While Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats and safety footwear are essential for general safety, the primary fall protection for mobile access towers comes from the correct application of the 3T or AGR methods, ensuring collective fall prevention at all times.

## Stability & Hazard Identification

Understanding stability and identifying potential hazards are critical for the safe use of mobile access towers. A stable tower is one that resists overturning, while hazard identification helps prevent accidents before they occur.

Ensuring Tower Stability

Several factors contribute to a tower's stability:

• Height-to-Base Ratio: This is fundamental. For internal use, the maximum ratio is 3.5:1 (height to the shortest base dimension). For external use, it's 3:1. Always check the manufacturer's instructions, as these may vary.
• Outriggers/Stabilisers: These must always be used as per the manufacturer's instructions, fully extended, and locked into position. They significantly increase the effective base dimension, enhancing stability.
• Levelling: The tower must be erected on firm, level ground. Use adjustable base plates (screw jacks) to level the tower, not to gain extra height. Never place base plates on soft ground, slopes, or uneven surfaces without proper support (e.g., sole boards).
• Wind Loading: Towers are highly susceptible to wind. If wind speeds exceed 17 mph (27 km/h) for a tower in use, it must be tied into a suitable structure or dismantled. For towers left unattended (e.g., overnight), the limit is 25 mph (40 km/h).
• Component Integrity: All components must be in good condition, undamaged, and correctly assembled according to the instruction manual. Using damaged or incompatible parts compromises stability.

Hazard Identification

Identifying hazards is the first step in managing risk. Always conduct a pre-use check before every shift or use to ensure the tower is safe.

Common Site Hazards:

• Uneven or Soft Ground: Can cause the tower to tip or sink.
• Overhead Obstructions: Power lines, pipes, beams, or light fittings can be struck during erection, use, or movement.
• Pedestrian/Vehicle Traffic: Risk of collision; the work area must be segregated and signed.
• Slopes/Inclines: Towers should not be used on slopes unless specifically designed and secured.
• Drains/Manholes/Trenches: Weak points in the ground that could collapse under the tower's weight.
• Weather Conditions: High winds, heavy rain, ice, or lightning can affect stability and user safety.

Tower-Specific Hazards:

• Incorrect Assembly: Missing braces, wrong platform levels, or improper frame orientation.
• Damaged Components: Bent frames, faulty castors, cracked welds, or worn out parts.
• Overloading: Exceeding the Safe Working Load (SWL) of the tower or its platforms with people, tools, or materials.
• Unsecured Castors/Outriggers: Castors must be locked when the tower is stationary; outriggers must be fully extended and locked.
• Moving an Occupied Tower: Strictly prohibited. No one should be on the tower during movement.
• Climbing on the Outside: Always use internal access (ladders/stairways) to reach the work platform.

By diligently addressing stability factors and identifying hazards, users can significantly reduce the risk of accidents when working with mobile access towers.

## Tower Components & Standards

Understanding the individual components of a mobile access tower and the standards governing their use is fundamental for safe assembly, use, and dismantling. Adherence to these principles ensures the stability and integrity of the tower, protecting users from falls and other hazards.

## Key Tower Components

Mobile access towers are modular structures made up of several critical components:

• Base Plates / Adjustable Legs: These provide a stable foundation, distribute the tower's load, and allow for leveling on uneven ground.
• Castors / Wheels: Fitted with brakes, these allow the tower to be moved. Brakes must always be applied when the tower is stationary or in use.
• Frames: The vertical sections of the tower, typically ladder frames or walk-through frames, which dictate the tower's height and structure.
• Braces: Essential for rigidity and stability.
• Horizontal Braces: Connect frames horizontally and often form the base for platforms.
• Diagonal Braces: Provide crucial stability against racking (sideways movement) and are fitted diagonally across the frames.
• Platforms: The working surfaces for users. These include trapdoor platforms for internal access and solid platforms for working areas. They must be secured.
• Guardrails & Toeboards: Vital fall protection. Guardrails prevent users from falling off the platform, while toeboards prevent tools and materials from falling onto people below.
• Stabilisers / Outriggers: Extend the base dimension of the tower, significantly increasing its stability, especially at greater heights.
• Internal Access: Ladders (integral or separate) or stairways provide safe access to the working platforms.

## Relevant Standards & Regulations

All mobile access towers must conform to specific standards and regulations to ensure safety:

• EN 1004-1:2020: This is the primary European standard for mobile access and working towers. It specifies requirements for design, materials, dimensions, structural calculations, and testing. Key aspects include:
• Maximum Free-Standing Height: 8 metres outdoors, 12 metres indoors (without tying-in).
• Guardrail Height: Minimum 1 metre above the platform.
• Toeboard Height: Minimum 150mm.
• Platform Spacing: Maximum 2 metres between platforms, or 4 metres if a full platform is used as an intermediate resting place.
• Load Classes: Towers are categorised by their safe working load (SWL).
• Class 3: The most common for general construction, supporting a distributed load of 2.0 kN/m² (200 kg/m²).
• Work at Height Regulations 2005 (WAHR): These UK regulations govern all work at height, requiring employers to plan, supervise, and carry out all work at height safely, using the right equipment and competent persons.
• Manufacturer's Instruction Manual (MIM): Always the primary source of information. The MIM provides specific instructions for the safe assembly, use, inspection, and dismantling of a particular tower model. It takes precedence over general guidance.

## Component Care & Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of mobile access tower components are crucial for ensuring safety, longevity, and compliance with regulations. Users play a vital role in this process through diligent inspection and correct handling.

Pre-Use Inspections

Before assembling any tower, a pre-use inspection of all components is mandatory. Look for:

• Damage: Bends, cracks, dents, deformation in frames, braces, and platforms.
• Corrosion: Rust or pitting, especially on steel components.
• Missing or damaged parts: Check for missing or broken hooks, pins, clips, or locking mechanisms.
• Functionality: Ensure castors roll freely and brakes engage correctly. Check that adjustable legs operate smoothly.
• Labels and markings: Verify that all components are clearly identifiable and that safety labels are legible.
• Compatibility: Confirm all components are from the same manufacturer and system, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. Never mix incompatible components.

Any component found to be damaged, defective, or incompatible must be immediately removed from service, clearly labelled as "DO NOT USE," and quarantined. Report the issue to a supervisor or responsible person. Never attempt to repair damaged components yourself.

Cleaning and Storage

After dismantling a tower, components should be cleaned and stored correctly.

• Cleaning: Remove dirt, mud, paint, or other contaminants using a mild detergent and water. Avoid harsh solvents or abrasive cleaners that could damage the material or protective coatings. Rinse thoroughly and dry components completely to prevent corrosion.
• Storage: Store components in a dry, well-ventilated area, ideally under cover, protected from extreme weather, moisture, and direct sunlight.
• Organise components neatly, off the ground, to prevent damage, make future inspections easier, and ensure they are readily accessible.
• Protect components from accidental impact or crushing.

General Maintenance Principles

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for specific care and maintenance procedures.
• Ensure all components are traceable and identifiable.
• Regularly check for wear and tear during use. If a component becomes damaged during operation, the tower must be taken out of service immediately and inspected by a competent person.