Safety Information to Note Before Building:

• Competence and qualifications are needed to use towers. At least two people are required to build a scaffold tower.
• The ground must be flat (<1% slope) and windy conditions must be avoided.
• Tower must be built in a clear space in safe zone from unauthorised persons. When built, measures must be implemented to continually restrict unauthorised access to the tower.
• The building space must be free from obstructions, especially electrical cables as the tower is conductive.
• Always climb towers from the inside, using the built in ladders.
• Towers should be inspected every week.
• This guide may not apply to all types of scaffolding towers.
• The safe working load for City Hire’s tower is Safe Working Load = 975kg: 275kg Max Per Platform.

 

The 3T Build Method

The ‘3T’ or ‘Through The Trapdoor’ method is an approved building technique that removes the risk of falling. During installation, the operative assumes a working position within the trapdoor of the platform. This involves standing on the ladder and leaning backwards against the edge of the trapdoor opening.

 

Step 1 – Insert Castor Assembly

Insert the castor into the leg and attach this to the base of the ladder frame. Engage the spring-loaded pin into the frame’s hole. Then ensure all castors have locked by pressing firmly down on the brakes.

 

Step 2 – Attach Horizontal Braces to Frame

Attach two horizontal braces to the vertical frames, below the bottom rung. Ensure the braces face outward from the inside of the tower and that frame head fittings point inward. Make sure to that the spring loaded catch is extended when clamped on the frames.

 

Step 3 – Attach Second Frame

Attach the second frame to the first one using the horizontal brace. Don’t forget to attach the castors first (step 1). Ensure head fittings are pointing inwards, again.

 

Step 4 – Attach 4 Rung Frames

Insert four rung frames against the two rung frames and secure by locking the locking clips.

 

Step 5 – Connect Diagonal Braces

Attach the two diagonal braces on both sides from the first rung to the third. Ensure the two braces run in opposite directions and keep them as close to the vertical frames as possible. The claw at each brace end must be faced down.

 

Step 6 – Fit Trap Platform

Install a trap door platform on 1st & 4th rung, both on the ladder side of the tower. Use a spirit level to ensure the framework is level, adjusting the legs if needed.

 

Step 7 – Add The Stabilisers

Attach 4 stabilisers as required. Connect the short arm of the stabiliser to the lower part of the frame and the long arm to the upper part. It is imperative that the each stabiliser is placed firmly against the ground.

 

Step 8 – Attach Guardrails

Through the trap door, attach horizontal guardrail braces to the 5th & 6th rungs on both sides of the platform. In all cases, guardrails should be position on 1 and 2 rungs above the platforms.

 

Step 9 – Attach Additional Frames & Braces

Install the second pair of diagonal braces, following from the braces added in Step 5. Attach the next pair of 4 rung frames and secure by locking the locking clips.

 

If you want to build the tower higher than this point, then repeat steps 4-9.

 

Step 10 – Attach Diagonal Braces

Attach the additional diagonal braces, following on from previous braces.

 

Step 11 – Reuse Trap Door Platform

Move the 1st rung trap door platform to the 8th rung.

 

Step 12 – Attach Guardrails & Remaining Platforms

Attach horizontal guardrail braces to the 9th & 10th rungs on both sides of the platform. Add the fixed platform next to the trap door platform on the 8th rung.

 

Step 13 – Fit Toe Boards

Fit Toe Boards to all working platforms.

 

Any questions, call us on 01656 645 166.