When working at height for longer periods of time, for example over 30 minutes, a tower is likely going to be a more suitable option over traditional equipment, such as ladders.
However, when it comes to access towers, there is a wide variety of solutions to choose from. In order to create the safest working environment, the user’s safety, it’s important to understand which type of access tower should be used in different scenarios.
So, once it has been determined that an access tower is required, what other considerations should be taken into account to find the best solution?
- Requirements of the job
The first step in finding the most suitable access solution is to consider whether the site or the job itself has any special requirements that may dictate which access towers are compatible.
For instance, when working inside, it’s beneficial for access towers to be easily maneuverable, which is where access towers such as the BoSS Room-Mate offer tradesmen a practical solution. Additionally, access towers with bases sized to fit through standard doorways, such as the BoSS 700 series, are also a great option when working indoors throughout different rooms.
When working on stairways, a suitable solution such as the BoSS StairMAX700 should be used for user safety, whilst working in lift shafts requires a narrower access tower, such as the BoSS Liftshaft700. Additionally, if working around electricity, it’s important to opt for a non-conductive access tower, such as the BoSS Zone:1 Fiberglass.
For sites where tradesmen need to work above or around an obstacle, there are a range of solutions available when a standard tower cannot be erected. This includes End-Linked towers, which are ideal for working across obstacles such as buildings and large machinery, and Cantilever towers, which can help to overcome obstacles such as porches, garages or stairways
Additionally, to help tradesmen adhere to social distancing guidelines on site, single person use towers, such as the BoSS SOLO700, are the ideal solution for for working alone as they can be erected and transported by a single person.
- Required working height- Once any specific job requirements have been identified, tradesmen must review the required working height to find a suitable solution. Some internal access towers are designed to be built to taller working heights, compared to external towers, so it’s important to double check that any access tower being considered is available in a height compatible with the particular job. By considering this before the start of the job, time on site is maximised for increased productivity.
- Mobility- It’s also worthwhile considering whether the job requires the access tower to be moved from one area to another, or if it is possible to work from a fixed tower for some time. If working at a lower level (for example less than 2m), tradesmen should opt for an access tower supplied with castor wheels, as it is usually possible to move the tower by simply unlocking these. However, any tower exceeding 2m will need to be broken down in order to move it.
- Platform loading- It’s important to pick a tower that’s robust enough to support not only the user’s weight, but also the weight of equipment they may have with them. Safe working loads vary for each tower build so it’s important to check what’s suitable for the job at hand.
To save professionals valuable time, WernerCo developed the BoSS® Tower Selector online guide, which in five easy steps helps users find the most suitable BoSS access tower.
To find out more about WernerCo and its comprehensive range of BoSS® low level access solutions visit bossaccesstowers.com/uk
