How not to use an access tower – the top 5 mistakes when working at height.

Falling at height, as reported by the HSE, amounted to 25% of all fatal injuries in the workplace in the UK this past year alone. A worrying figure, considering there is so much regulation that has been done to provide workers with safe working at height environments. This number could be greatly reduced by some simple safety procedures and standard training. 

The following ‘don’ts’ might seem obvious to some, but by those numbers, Access Towers Services are compelled to tell you what not to do when using an access scaffold tower or working at height. If you have committed any of these potentially fatal mistakes yourself, get yourself on one of our training courses. 

Mistake 1: Carelessness working at height

We don’t want to preach, but it doesn’t matter how safe your access equipment is, if you’re not behaving safely you’ll still risk falling. Don’t jump on, run or lean over the side of the access tower. If you tilt it or slip, your safety is compromised.  

Mistake 2: No access route

Without an access route between the scaffold tower and the building, there’s a gap. No matter your gymnastic ability, under no circumstances should you attempt to leap between this gap. There should be a proper access route created for you to safely get to the building. Don’t bridge this gap yourself. 

Mistake 3: Extreme weather

Secure your access tower in the event of a little bad weather, but when it gets extreme, just don’t work on it. Strong wind, rain or storms can put you in exceptional danger when working at height. Your access tower can stand strong, but you can’t. You might be knocked off balance or hit by a flying branch. The possibilities are endless. Just stay safe. 

Mistake 4: Power lines

Posing many potential risks, check for any overhead power lines before you set up or use your access tower. We don’t think it needs to be explained what might happen if you hit a power line whilst standing on a tower at height. You know.

Mistake 5: Weight

Your access tower will be able to keep you up even after your lunch break, but don’t exceed the weight load it can safely hold. Make sure not to store anything up there either, as it poses its own risk of falling from height, causing potential injury on the ground. 

Another definite ‘don’t’ is to start stacking up items on the access platform to gain extra height. This is so dangerous as they aren’t secured to the access tower and aren’t a regulated piece of equipment. If it seems stupid, just don’t do it. 

Access Towers Services provide both the equipment and the training

Safety when working at height is one of the most vital health and safety regulations.  To make sure you always get it right, Access Towers Services Ltd can provide regulated access towers for working at height, along with up to date PASMA and IPAF training courses to ensure your workers are educated on their own safety. Call us on 0208 665 1181 to find out more, or find all of our contact details here.