54. Working on Mobile Scaffolds

Mobile scaffolds are a type of supported scaffold set on wheels or casters.

They are designed to be easily moved and are commonly used for things like painting and plastering, where workers must frequently change position.

Mobile Scaffolds are an aluminium structure that is erected on site. It can be built to a maximum height of 12 metres and comes equipped with lockable wheels or casters for easy maneuverability. If you need to work at heights, but are constantly on the move there is a Scaffold that will suit.

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Hazard Category	Hazards	Controls
Faulty or Inadequate Erection of Tower	1. This can due to a lack of information as to the intended use of the scaffold once completed, or the erection not being persormed within the relevant approved codes of practice.	1. Supervisors shall assess and establish the proposed use of the scaffold, taking into account the number of personnel, plant and equipment, etc. 2. Erection shall be performed in line with current approved codes of practice and erected by qualified or trained personnel. 3. Scafftags, etc. shall be placed at every access point to the scaffold (once the scaffold is complete) detailing the intended use of the scaffold.
Falls of Tools and Equipment	1. Serious injuries can occur when tools or equipment are knocked off scaffolds onto personnel below.	1. Toeboards shall be fitted on the mobile scaffold to prevent tools or equipment being knocked off the scaffold. 2. The area surounding the tower scaffold shall be barriered off (if necessary) to prevent access ro other personnel to the “Danger Area”
Falls of Personnel	1. This can occur if the personnel are forced to overbalance and/or overstretch due to inadequate access to the required work area.	1. Personnel requiring access to an area outside that provided by the scaffold shall contact their supervisor so that adequate means of access can be provided. 2. Personnel shall not work outside the mobile scaffold unless safety harness and/or inertia reels are worn. 3. Life Jackets shall be worn when working near and/or over water. 4. Personnel shall never “RIDE” on the mobile scaffol while it is being moved around the work place. 5. Once the mobile scaffolds has been moved it shall be checked by a competent person to ensure that it is safe to use.
Jagged Ends on Scaffold Tubes	1. This can occur when lengths of scaffolding tubes are shortened by flame cutting with oxy/acetylene torches.	1. Scaffold tubes shall be flame cut under clean circumstances 2. Cold cutting of scaffolding tubes shall be utilized whenever practical. 3. Ends of tubes, Which have been cut shall be dressed immediately and plastic end cap fixed. 4. Supervisors shall visually check the scaffolding during walk arounds to ensure these procedures are being followed and advise personnel if not. 5. All scaffolds shall be inspected every seven days by scaffolding foreman and any defects addressed.
Collapse of The tower mobile scaffolds	1. Can occur if loads are placed on the scaffold in excess of its specified capabilities.	1. Personnel shall be made aware of the scaffolding’s supporting capabilities and not overload the scaffold under any circumstances.
Fire	1. Caused by the ignition of waste materials (paper, rags, etc.) on the scafflod boards and inevitaly the ignition of the boards themselves.	1. Waste materials shall be removed and disposed of on a daily basis to reduce the possibilities of fire. 2. Fire extinguishers shall be held on scaffolding towers at all times in case of an emergency when hot work is taking place.
Over Turning	1. Can occur when the mobile scaffold is being moved, If the scaffold has not been tied to a firm structure, or if it is not placed on a firm base.	1. All mobile scaffolds shall be erected by competent personnel. 2. Scaffolds above 9.6 meters shall be tied into a fixed structure to prevent them from overturning. 3. All scaffolds shall be supported on a firm, level base. 4. Supervisor shall inspect scaffolding to ensure that all safety procedures have been followed. 5. The scaffold foreman shall inspect the scaffolds on a seven day basis