CSCS Mobile Tower flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Risk assessment timing

A risk assessment must be completed before any tower assembly, use, or dismantling, and it must be reviewed if conditions change or new hazards are identified.

Exclusion zone radius

The exclusion zone around a tower should have a radius of at least 1.5 times the tower height unless a documented engineering assessment specifies otherwise.

Wind speed limit for assembly

Assembly and dismantling of mobile towers must stop when wind speed exceeds the manufacturer's limit, often 20 mph (8.9 m/s) or as specified in the manual.

Overhead power line distances

Minimum safe distances from overhead power lines 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.

Weekly inspection record retention

Weekly inspection records for mobile towers must be kept for at least 3 months and made available for review by relevant persons.

Rescue plan requirement

A rescue plan must be in place before anyone works at height on a tower, including equipment and trained personnel available on site.

Competent person for assembly

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

Manufacturer's instructions

The manufacturer's instructions must be followed exactly during assembly, use, and dismantling; no modifications or substitutions of parts are allowed without written approval.

Base support requirement

The tower must be built on a firm, level base with base plates and adjustable legs fully supported; never use bricks or blocks to level the tower.

Height to base ratio

During assembly, the tower height must not exceed three times the minimum base width unless stabilisers are fitted as per the manufacturer's instructions.

Guardrail height

Guardrails on platforms must be between 0.95 m and 1.15 m high, with an intermediate rail and a toe board at least 150 mm high.

Dismantling sequence

Dismantling must follow the reverse of the assembly sequence, and stabilisers or ties must not be removed until the tower is stable.

Pre-use inspection checks

Before each use, check for damaged or missing components, corrosion, cracks, bent tubes, insecure fittings, and confirm all braces and pins are in place.

Inspection after high winds

The tower must be inspected by a competent person after high winds, accidental impact, or any modification, and must not be used until cleared.

Defect reporting procedure

Any defect must be reported immediately to the supervisor; a tower with a safety-affecting defect must be taken out of service and tagged 'Do Not Use'.

Maintenance parts requirement

Only original manufacturer's parts may be used for maintenance; lubricate adjustable legs and fittings as per the manufacturer's schedule.

Inspection record contents

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

Mobile tower pre-move checks

Before moving a mobile tower, lower the platform, secure all equipment, check the route, and ensure no personnel remain on the platform.

Safe working load

Never exceed the manufacturer's safe working load (SWL) for the platform, typically 200 kg per platform, and always check the data plate.

Load distribution

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

Moving with personnel

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

Wheel locking before use

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

Access method

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

Fall rescue response

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

High wind emergency action

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

Unstable tower action

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

Incident reporting

All incidents, including near misses, must be reported to the supervisor and recorded; serious incidents must be reported to the relevant authority under RIDDOR.

Emergency contact display

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

Health and Safety at Work Act

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to ensure safe systems of work and employees to take reasonable care of themselves and others.

Work at Height Regulations

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require risk assessment, avoidance of work at height where possible, fall prevention measures, and rescue planning.

PUWER requirements

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 require equipment to be suitable, maintained, and inspected, including mobile towers.

RIDDOR reporting

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 require reporting of certain incidents, including falls from height.