Tower Test Answer Sheet 2 - towerweek.pasma.org.uk · The Tower Test Answer Sheet Page | 1 of 15 Question 1 If the tower that you have is not the right height, what should you do

The Tower Test Answer Sheet

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Question 1 If the tower that you have is not the right height, what should you do to give it more height? [ ] Wind the adjustable legs up to give you extra height [+] Use additional frames to make your tower the correct height [ ] Use bricks or blocks to build up the height Additional compatible components are easy to source and the only solution that ensures the safety of you and your colleagues. Adjustable legs should only ever be used to level the tower. Never use the adjustment to gain additional height; this has the same effect as building your tower on stilts. Using bricks or blocks to raise or level a tower can cause serious safety issues. There is a danger of slippage, breakage or collapse causing serious injury to those working on the tower. If you need additional height, use additional frames.

Question 2 Fitting toe‐boards is not necessary at low levels [ ] True [+] False Tools or equipment can fall and cause injury from any height so toe boards should be used on any platform where a risk assessment indicates that there is a risk of any tools, equipment or material falling from the platform and therefore likely to cause injury to anyone below. Toe‐boards, sometimes referred to as kickboards, are designed to ensure that tools and equipment are not accidentally dislodged from the platform. Regulations and the Product Standard require that they have a minimum height of 150mm.


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Question 3 Is this tower properly sited and stable on these steps? [ ] Yes [+] No

There are a number of issues with this tower:

This is a non EN1004 tower and many of the safety features found on an EN1004 tower are missing including the stabilisers.

The plank that the tower is on is narrow and the tower could slip off.

Using bricks or blocks to raise or level a tower can cause serious safety issues. There is a danger of slippage, breakage or collapse causing serious injury to those working on the tower.


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Question 4 This tower is stable because there are stabilisers fitted. [ ] True [+] False

Ground conditions can have a marked effect on the stability of a tower even if the stabilisers are fitted. If a tower is situated on soft or uneven ground or on top of grates or manholes it is possible that it could become unstable, or move, and overturn. Like any structure, it is only as good as its foundations. Consider the use of sole boards or spreader plates to distribute the load. Ensure brakes are always engaged, unless you are moving the tower. Consider using base plates if the tower is to remain static. Question 5 When you climb the tower, you realise that you are not tall enough to reach to do the job. What should you do? [+] Source and install additional components to give the tower additional height [ ] Put a ladder on the platform so that you can reach [ ] Stand on a box on the platform to make you tall enough to reach Users must avoid over‐reaching, over‐stretching or setting up ladders, steps or other devices to gain additional height on a tower. These have the effect of placing the operative above the fall prevention measures afforded by the guardrails. Use additional components to increase the platform height safely.


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Question 6

Is this a safe recognised method for erecting a tower?

[ ] Yes [+] No

This is not a safe method for erecting a tower: the user is not working from a safe position on a platform fitted with guardrails. There are two currently approved methods for assembling, dismantling and altering mobile access towers, which incorporate the fall protection requirements of the Work at Height Regulations throughout the processes. These methods are 3T (Through The Trap) and AGR (Advance Guardrail). PASMA manufacturers may recommend either or both processes for their designs of tower. Always follow the manufacturer’s User Guide to assemble or dismantle a tower using either the 3T method or an AGR system. Always remember that you must never stand on an unprotected platform. Question 7 The brakes on the wheels of a tower should be applied AT ALL TIMES except when: [ ] The tower is erected on a flat and level surface. [ ] The tower is not in use [ ] Someone is ascending or descending the tower [+] The tower is being moved The brakes should be applied at all times except when the tower is being moved.


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Question 8 Please take a look at the image and review the statements below:

Please tick all that apply: [ ] The stabilisers have been fitted correctly in this set of circumstances [ ] Toe‐boards are not necessary on this tower [ ] There is no danger of a fall as the guardrails have been fitted [ ] This tower looks safe to work on for a short period of time [ ] There is no reason to have guardrails fitted on a tower of this height as a fall from this height

is not dangerous [+] There are a number of serious safety issues with this tower There is no side protection fitted to the upper and lower platforms. This is not acceptable during assembly, alteration and dismantling. Both the regulations and product standard require that a main guardrail be not less than 950mm, and that additional guardrails or other equivalent protection be provided so that there is no unprotected gap of more than 470mm. This applies at all platform levels and not only the working platform. A fall from even a low height can cause life changing injuries such as paralysis or even death so guardrails should always be fitted. Always remember that you must never stand on an unprotected platform.


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Tools or equipment can fall and cause injury from any height so toe boards should be used on any platform where a risk assessment indicates that there is a risk of any tools, equipment or material falling from the platform and therefore likely to cause injury to anyone below. Additionally, use properly secured proprietor tool trays and do store tools or small materials makeshift boards or planks placed across the guardrails. The built in ladders in the end frames are incorrectly positioned. The access ladders must always be positioned below the trapdoor of the platform and the trapdoor should open towards the outside of the tower. The diagonal bracing arrangement is incorrect as the braces do no span the joints between the end frames of the tower. You must always follow EXACTLY the bracing arrangement given in the manufacturer’s instructions and these may vary for different makes and models of tower. Stabilisers should be fitted according to the manufacturer’s user instructions. Alternative stabiliser positions may be adopted when a tower is positioned against a wall or in a corner. When used against a wall both inside stabilisers should still be utilised, positioned parallel to the wall. Always keep the lower arm as close to the horizontal as possible. Using them with the lower arm at a steeper angle means they are not properly extended. There are no provisions in place for the use of the tower on the Highway e.g. there are no barriers to create a safe zone for both pedestrians and vehicles. PASMA issues specific guidance for the use of towers on the highway. Question 9 There are a number of methods to use to safely climb and descend a tower: Please tick all that apply: [ ] Climbing and descending using a portable ladder that is leaning against a wall near the tower [ ] Climbing and descending using a portable ladder that is leaning against the outside of the

tower [ ] Climbing up and down the outside of the tower [+] Climbing and descending using the purpose built stair or inclined ladder on the inside of

the tower [+] Climbing and descending on the inside of the tower using the built in ladder section of the

end frame or the rungs of a climbing end frame Climbing outside of the tower is expressly forbidden, and must never be attempted under any circumstances. Not only does this practice significantly increase the risk of the tower overturning but, if you do lose your grip or slip, there is nothing to prevent you from falling. Only use the access method provided by the manufacturer.


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Question 10 Please look at the image and then answer the following question:

This tower is below the height that requires guardrails to be fitted [ ] True [+] False A fall from even a low height can cause life changing injuries such as paralysis or even death so guardrails should always be fitted. Always remember that you must never stand on an unprotected platform. Question 11 Castors should be fitted: Please tick all that apply: [ ] When the tower is erected on uneven ground [+] When the tower is erected on a solid even surface [+] When it is necessary to be able to move the tower [ ] When the tower is erected on muddy ground [ ] When the tower is erected on a step Avoid using castors on soft ground. If necessary use soleboards to distribute weight. Base plates should be fitted when the tower is erected on muddy, uneven ground or on a step.


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Question 12 Please review the image and review the statements below:

Please tick all that apply: (Type: Multiple Response, Points: 10, Attempts: 1) [+] The tower has been built using an Advance Guardrail system [ ] The tower has been built using the 3T Method [+] The guardrails have been fitted at the correct height and would help prevent a fall [ ] The guardrails have not been fitted at the correct height and would not help prevent a fall A fall from even a low height can cause life changing injuries such as paralysis or even death so guardrails should always be fitted. Always remember that you must never stand on an unprotected platform.


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Question 13 Please review the image and answer the following:

This tower is safe to work on as there is a guardrail fitted. [ ] True [+] False On double width towers, there should be two platforms side by side at the working level. One of the platforms will have a trapdoor, opening towards the outside of the tower, over the access. Double guardrails should be fitted on both sides of the tower at all levels. Both the regulations and product standard require that the upper guardrail should be not less than 950mm in height above the platform. An additional lower guardrail should also be fitted so that there is no vertical gap of more than 470mm between the guardrails or the guardrails and the platform.


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Question 14 What are the safety issues with this tower?

Please tick all that apply: [+] There are no guardrails fitted at either platform level [+] The trapdoor of the platform at the lower level is not in line with the ladder access [+] The built in ladder access stops at the lower platform meaning that you would have to

climb the horizontals of the end frame to get to the upper platform. [+] A ladder is being used as a bridging unit [+] The vertical distances between the platforms is incorrect [+] The diagonal bracing pattern is incorrect There are a number of serious safety issues with this tower: • There are no guardrails fitted at the platforms. Always remember that you must never stand

during assembly and dismantling. • The vertical distances between the platforms are incorrect. During assembly and

dismantling, the vertical distance between platforms should be 2m. • The diagonal bracing pattern is incorrect. The diagonals should link opposite end frames

above and below the spigot joints in a tower. • The ladder access is not lined up with the platform. • The ladder access stops at the first platform. • A ladder should never be used as a bridging unit. If you need a bridge to another tower then

you will need specialist components and advanced training.


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Question 15 The tower in the images complies with the European product standard EN1004 and meets the minimum safety requirements. [ ] True [+] False


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What are the differences between a non EN1004 tower and an EN1004 tower?

Not EN1004 EN1004

Often made from painted or galvanised steel and

sometimes referred to as "Domestic" or H frame

tower

Will be marked with an EN1004 label

Use loose scaffold boards or DIY platforms which

can break or move and do not have trapdoors to

prevent falls

Have the correct number of purpose designed

platforms with safe trapdoor entry and exit and

are supplied with toe boards to prevent the fall of

materials

Do not have built‐in access to ensure safe ascent

and descent Have built‐in access for safe ascent and descent

Not supplied with the required stabilisers to

prevent overturning

Supplied with the correct size and quantity of

stabilisers to prevent overturning

Have frames with gaps or heights that would not

prevent a fall

Have the correct quantity and number of

guardrails with the correct gaps and dimensions

to prevent a fall


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Question 16 This is the correct and safe way to ascend or descend a tower.

[ ] True [+] False Users should always ascend or descend a tower on the inside using the access method provided by the manufacturer in accordance with the user instructions. Climbing on the braces or the outside of the tower could result in a fall or the tower overturning causing a serious injury.


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Question 17 Is this safe working practice?

[ ] Yes, this is standard practice if you don't have enough height [ ] Yes, the tower is unlikely to tip as someone is balancing out the other end of the tower with

their weight [+] No, there are numerous safety issues here Users must never climb out of the tower or stand on the guardrails. There is a serious risk of a fall or the tower overturning causing serious injury. Users must avoid over‐reaching, over‐stretching or setting up ladders, steps or other devices to gain additional height. These have the effect of placing the operative above and outside the fall prevention measures afforded by the guardrails. You should use additional components to increase the platform height safely.


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Question 18 Which of the following could cause a tower to overturn? Please tick all that apply: [+] Climbing up the outside of the tower [+] Standing on the guardrails of the tower to gain reach [+] Hoisting heavy materials outside the tower footprint [+] Shot‐blasting, pressure washing or using a percussion drill on the top platform All of the above can cause instability in the tower and may cause the tower to overturn. An example of a side load is when the tower is pushed or pulled, particularly at the top. Pushing or pulling at platform level is dangerous and could cause the tower to overturn. Side loads at the platform can also be caused by such activities as shot‐blasting, high pressured jets, and the use of percussion drills. The list is not exhaustive; there may be other things in your work that could apply side loads. The maximum allowable side load is generally 20kg. Lifting any vertical load outside the footprint area of the tower can be hazardous. For example, lifting heavy materials outside the footprint of the tower will cause it to overturn, particularly if no outriggers or stabilisers are fitted. Loads must be lifted within the footprint area of the tower (i.e. within the area bounded by the tower or, where fitted, the towers stabilisers/outriggers). Your instruction manual must be consulted about lifting loads to ensure safe and stable use of the tower. Most manufacturers do not recommend the use of lifting devices such as hoists. If you intend to use such equipment, you must consult the manufacturer for advice.

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Tower Test Answer Sheet 2 - towerweek.pasma.org.uk · The Tower Test Answer Sheet Page | 1 of 15 Question 1 If the tower that you have is not the right height, what should you do