Mobile Scaffolding
4 December 2012
Mobile scaffolds provide a very useful and efficient working platform for numerous tasks when
constructed and used properly. This Toolbox Talk is designed to assist with some basic principles on
the safe use of Mobile Scaffolding. For more comprehensive information, refer to the Scaffolding and
Rigging New Zealand (SARNZ) Best Practice Guideline for Scaffolding in New Zealand.
Introduction
A mobile scaffold is a type of free standing scaffold supported on wheels, castors or other devices for ease of
movement on a firm, level supporting surface.
General Safety
Important points to remember when dealing with mobile scaffolds:
For scaffolding over 5 metres, it should be erected, maintained, altered and dismantled by a person who
holds a Certificate of Competence of the correct class.
They should be erected, maintained, altered and dismantled by a competent person.
They should be erected to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ensure the equipment is in good condition and fit for purpose.
They should be used on a solid, level surface free from obstructions and debris.
Ensure working platforms are full width and restrained against movement.
Ensure top and mid guardrails are in place on all working platforms.
Install toeboards on all platforms to prevent items from falling.
Provide safe means of access to work platforms. If ladders are used, ensure all safe ladder use
requirements are met.
Stability
All freestanding scaffolds, whether mobile or static, need to be stabilised from toppling if the risk exists. Mobile
scaffolds in particular are prone to tip over during use for a variety of reasons, including:
Sudden stops while being moved. This is a key reason why they must not be ridden while being moved.
Height to the top platform is greater than 3 times the minimum base dimension.
People standing at or near the edge of the platform in conjunction with a sudden movement or action.
The narrower and lighter the scaffold, the greater the risk that it could tip over.
General principles to improve stability
For scaffold over 1.8 metres in height, the height of the top working platform must be no more than
three times the minimum base dimension of the structure.
For scaffold under 1.8 metres in height, the height of the top working
platform must be no more than two times the minimum base dimension of
the structure.
Specific recommendations to improve stability
Position the scaffold as close as possible to the area being worked on.
Apply the castor brakes while the scaffold is in use.
Don’t ride the scaffold while it is being moved.
Do not exceed the height to width ratio.
Use outrigger bracing if the height to width ratio is exceeded.
Add weight to the scaffold base to improve stability if appropriate.
NO JOB IS SO URGENT THAT IT CAN’T BE DONE SAFELY
+64 3 341 9900 | [email protected]
Mobile Scaffolding
Reference: SARNZ Best Practice Guideline for Scaffolding in New Zealand
Questions and answers
Q. Name five important points to remember when dealing with Mobile Scaffold.
A
For scaffolding over 5 metres, it should be erected, maintained, altered and dismantled by a person who
holds a Certificate of Competence of the correct class.
They should be erected, maintained, altered and dismantled by a competent person.
They should be erected to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Ensure the equipment is in good condition and fit for purpose.
They should be used on a solid, level surface free from obstructions and debris.
Ensure working platforms are full width and restrained against movement.
Ensure top and mid guardrails are in place on all working platforms.
Install toeboards on all platforms to prevent items from falling.
Provide safe means of access to work platforms. If ladders are used, ensure all safe ladder use
requirements are met.
Q. Name five recommendations to improve stability.
A.
Position the scaffold as close as possible to the area being worked on.
Apply the castor brakes while the scaffold is in use.
Don’t ride the scaffold while it is being moved.
Do not exceed the height to width ratio.
Use outrigger bracing if the height to width ratio is exceeded.
Add weight to the scaffold base to improve stability if appropriate.
I have read / heard and understand the information in this Tool Box Talk, I will ask my Manager or an EQR staff f
member if I have any questions.
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