What Are Scaffolding Mobile Towers? A Guide to Portable Work Platforms
Scaffolding mobile towers are a must have on construction sites and building projects across Australia. These tall, movable structures help workers get to heights safely while doing tasks like painting, repairs and maintenance.
Mobile scaffolding towers are free standing metal frames with wheels that can be moved from place to place, with platforms at different heights where workers can stand and store their tools. They come in different sizes to suit the job.
These towers take the hassle out of setting up fixed scaffolding, saving time and money. Workers can move them around the site with ease, making jobs faster and safer than using ladders or other climbing gear.
What Are Scaffolding Mobile Towers?
Scaffolding mobile towers are portable, height adjustable structures made from lightweight aluminium or steel. These freestanding units provide safe access for workers to work at heights.
Unlike fixed scaffolding, mobile towers have wheels or castors at the base. This allows workers to move the tower to different locations without taking it apart.
The towers come in various sizes and heights to suit the job. Most towers are 2 to 12 metres high, but some specialised units can go higher.
Components:
- Base frame with lockable castors
- Vertical frames
- Horizontal braces
- Diagonal braces
- Working platforms
- Guard rails
- Access ladders
These towers are used on building sites, warehouses and maintenance projects. They’re perfect for painting, repairs, installations and other short term tasks that require height access. Safety features include stabilisers that extend from the base to prevent tipping. Workers must lock all wheels before climbing and check all braces are secure.
Components and Structure
Mobile scaffolding towers are made up of essential parts that work together to create a safe and stable working platform. Each part plays a vital role in maintaining structural integrity and worker safety.
Base Section
The base is the foundation of the mobile tower. It has adjustable legs with heavy duty castors that allow smooth movement on level surfaces.
The stabilisers attach to the base section at a 45 degree angle. These outriggers extend the footprint of the tower to increase stability.Most bases have spirit levels to ensure proper alignment. The levelling jacks allow fine height adjustments of each leg.
Tower Frame
The frame consists of vertical posts and horizontal rails made from high strength aluminium alloy. Standard sections are 2 metres high.
Each frame section connects with quick lock clips or spring loaded pins. These connections create rigid joints between components.
The frames have ladder rungs at regular intervals. This allows safe climbing access during assembly and use.
Bracing
Diagonal bracing runs between the vertical posts to prevent tower distortion. Cross bracing provides structural rigidity.
Plan bracing fits horizontally at platform levels. It stops the tower twisting under load.
Proper bracing follows a zigzag pattern up the height of the tower. Each level needs bracing on all four sides.
Work Platforms
Platforms are non slip aluminium deck boards with secure trap door access points. Standard widths are 0.7 to 1.4 metres.
Heavy duty hooks lock the platforms onto the frame. Weight capacity ratings are 225 to 950 kg.
Platform heights must not exceed 3 times the minimum base dimension for freestanding towers.
Guardrails and Toe Boards
Guardrails should be used on at least three sides of the scaffolding at certain heights to prevent falls.
Toe boards rise 150mm from the platform edge, to prevent tools and materials from falling onto people below.
All railings lock into special mounting brackets. Australian standards require guardrails on all open sides and ends.
Applications and Use Cases
Mobile scaffolding towers serve many purposes across multiple industries. Their portability and adjustability make them perfect for tasks that require safe access to elevated work areas.
Construction Sites
Workers use mobile scaffolding towers for tasks like brick laying, rendering and installing windows. These towers provide a stable platform for tradespeople to reach upper levels of buildings under construction.
The towers can be moved as work progresses along walls and facades. Multiple workers can occupy different levels at the same time, increasing job site efficiency.
Safety features like guardrails and non slip platforms prevent falls whilst working at height. The towers are modular and can be quickly assembled and disassembled as required.
Building Maintenance
Facilities teams use mobile scaffolding to access building exteriors for cleaning, painting and repairs. The towers enable safe window cleaning on multi storey buildings.They fit into narrow spaces between buildings and tight courtyards. Maintenance staff can wheel them through standard doorways and corridors.
Regular roof element, gutter and building facade inspections become more manageable with mobile scaffolding access.
Event Staging
Event companies use mobile scaffold towers to install lighting rigs, speakers and video screens. The stable platforms allow technicians to set up and adjust equipment above stage areas.
The towers provide elevated camera positions for filming and broadcasting at concerts and sports events. They can be reconfigured quickly between events.
Assembly and breakdown can happen fast to meet tight event schedules.
Industrial Environments
Manufacturing plants use mobile scaffolding for equipment maintenance and installation. The towers give mechanics access to overhead conveyor systems and processing machinery.
Warehouses use mobile towers to access high storage racks and conduct inventory counts. They can support heavy tools and replacement parts.
The wheels lock to prevent movement during use. Multiple platform levels allow teams to work at different heights simultaneously.