CSCS Mobile Tower cheat sheet

Risk assessment must be completed before any tower assembly, use, or dismantling; it must identify hazards, assess risks, and define control measures.

Exclusion zones must be established around the tower base and any area where loads may fall; zone radius is typically at least 1.5 times the tower height unless a documented engineering assessment specifies otherwise.

Ground conditions must be verified by a competent person to ensure the tower foundation can support the maximum load, including wind loading; soft ground requires spreader plates or concrete foundations.

Wind speed must be monitored; operations must stop when wind speed exceeds the manufacturer's limit (often 20 mph or 8.9 m/s for assembly/dismantling, and 28 mph or 12.5 m/s for operation).

Overhead power lines must be identified; minimum safe distances are 3 m for voltages up to 66 kV, 4.5 m for 132 kV, and 6 m for 275/400 kV, or as specified by the electricity supplier.

A daily pre-use inspection and a weekly documented inspection are required; the weekly inspection must be recorded and kept for at least 3 months.

Personnel must wear appropriate PPE: hard hat, safety footwear, high-visibility clothing, and fall protection when working at height.

Emergency rescue plan must be in place before anyone works at height on the tower; rescue equipment and trained personnel must be available on site.

Only trained and competent personnel may assemble, erect, or dismantle a tower; a supervisor must be appointed and present.

Manufacturer's instructions must be followed exactly; no modifications or substitutions of parts are allowed without written approval from the manufacturer.

Tower must be built on a firm, level base; base plates and adjustable legs must be fully supported and secured; never use bricks or blocks to level.

Stabilisers or guy ropes must be fitted as specified in the manufacturer's manual; they must be anchored to suitable points and tensioned correctly.

During assembly, the tower must not exceed a height ratio of 3:1 (height to base width) unless stabilisers are fitted; with stabilisers, the ratio may increase as per manufacturer's instructions.

Platforms must be fully decked and fitted with guardrails and toe boards; guardrail height must be between 0.95 m and 1.15 m, with an intermediate rail and toe board at least 150 mm high.

Dismantling must follow the reverse of the assembly sequence; never remove stabilisers or ties until the tower is stable.

All tools and materials must be tether ed or removed from the platform before moving or dismantling; never throw equipment from height.

Pre-use inspection: check for damaged or missing components, corrosion, cracks, bent tubes, and insecure fittings; confirm all braces and pins are in place.

Weekly inspection: a competent person must inspect the tower and record findings; include checking foundation, stabilisers, ties, guardrails, and toe boards.

Inspection after any event: tower must be inspected after high winds, accidental impact, or any modification; do not use until cleared.

Defects must be reported immediately to the supervisor; any tower with a defect that affects safety must be taken out of service and tagged 'Do Not Use'.

Maintenance: only original manufacturer's parts may be used; lubricate adjustable legs and fittings as per manufacturer's schedule; store components to prevent damage.

Inspection records must be kept for at least 3 months and made available for review; include date, inspector name, findings, and actions taken.

Mobile towers must be inspected before every use and after being moved; check wheels are locked and brakes applied before use.

Damaged components must be segregated and clearly labelled; never use damaged parts even if they appear minor.

Never exceed the manufacturer's safe working load (SWL) for the platform; typical SWL is 200 kg per platform, but always check the manufacturer's data plate.

Loads must be evenly distributed; do not concentrate loads at one end or on one platform level.

Maximum platform height depends on tower configuration; never exceed the height specified in the manufacturer's manual for the given base dimensions and stabiliser setup.

Mobile towers must not be moved while personnel or materials are on the platform; lower the platform, secure all equipment, and check the route before moving.

Wheels must be locked and brakes applied before climbing the tower; never use the tower on sloping ground without additional measures.

Access must be via internal ladders or stairs; never climb on the outside of the tower or use the guardrails as a ladder.

Do not use the tower as a crane or to support other equipment; no attachments unless approved by the manufacturer.

Operatives must maintain three points of contact when climbing; use fall protection if required by site rules.

A rescue plan must be in place before work at height begins; it must include methods for rescuing a fallen worker and trained personnel available.

If a fall occurs, do not attempt to move the casualty unless there is immediate danger; call emergency services and administer first aid if trained.

In case of high winds, stop work, secure the tower, and evacuate the platform; do not attempt to dismantle in high winds.

If the tower becomes unstable, evacuate immediately and do not attempt to correct the instability; cordon off the area and seek expert advice.

Emergency contact numbers must be displayed on site; ensure all personnel know the emergency procedures and location of first aid kit.

Report all incidents, including near misses, to the supervisor and record in the accident book; serious incidents must be reported to the relevant authority (e.g., HSE under RIDDOR).

Fire: raise the alarm, evacuate to assembly point, and call fire services; do not use water on electrical fires.

After an emergency, the tower must be inspected by a competent person before re-use.

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974: employers must ensure safe systems of work; employees must take reasonable care of themselves and others.

Work at Height Regulations 2005: requires risk assessment, avoidance of work at height where possible, and measures to prevent falls; also requires rescue planning.

Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER): requires equipment to be suitable, maintained, and inspected; includes mobile towers.

Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER): applies if the tower is used as lifting equipment; requires thorough examination.

Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992: PPE must be provided and used; employees must wear and report defects.

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR): requires reporting of certain incidents, including falls from height.

Employees have a duty to cooperate with employers on health and safety matters and not to interfere with safety devices.

All personnel must be competent for the task; training records must be kept and refresher training undertaken as required.