SAFETY CHECKLIST 331/01

4 rung Guardrail brace

frame panel x2
ENSURE ALL BRACE CLAWS OPERATE CORRECTLY Operating & Safety Guide 331
INSPECT COMPONENTS PRIOR TO ERECTION

INSPECT TOWER PRIOR TO USE AND AFTER MOVEMENT

TOWER UPRIGHT AND LEVEL

Adjustable
CASTORS LOCKED AND LEGS CORRECTLY ADJUSTED leg &
castor x 4
DIAGONAL BRACES FITTED

STABILISERS FITTED AS SPECIFIED Hatch platform Toe board set

PLATFORMS LOCATED CORRECTLY

TOEBOARDS LOCATED WARNING

CHECK GUARDRAIL BRACES ARE FITTED CORRECTLY Do not use forklift to lift the trolley

(SEE ILLUSTRATION BELOW)

CHECK FRAME INTERLOCK CLIPS ARE LOCKED

(SEE ILLUSTRATION BELOW)

ENSURE HORIZONTAL BRACES AND GUARDRAILS ARE
FITTED CORRECTLY
MiTower
REFER TO THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE USING EACH TIME

EQUIPMENT CARE ... have you been trained Versatile and high quality tower
The law requires that personnel using this type of equipment in providing a work platform for one
Never push the equipment beyond its design limits. If it the workplace must be competent and qualified to do so.
will not do what you want with reasonable ease and speed, person.
assume you have the wrong equipment for the job. Contact Training is available at HSS Training
HSS Hire for advice. 0845 766 7799
Keep the equipment clean - you will find this less of a
chore if you clean it regularly, rather than wait until the end …any comments?
of the hire period. If you have any suggestions to enable us to improve the
When not in use, store the equipment somewhere information within this guide please e-mail your comments or
clean, dry and secure. write to the Safety Guide Manager at the address below
e-mail: [email protected]

STORAGE AND TRANSPORT ©HSS Hire Service Group Ltd 2014 No. 331/01
For ease of storage and of transportation, tower has
been designed so that all components can be safely Group Office: 25 Willow Lane, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 4TS
stored within the tower’s base assembly. Code 89215
Web Site: http://www.hss.com

INTRODUCTION SAFETY WARNING IDENTIFIER

Before assembly, please read the Safety Notes carefully. Do not use boxes or stepladders or other objects on
The law requires that operatives must be competent and the platform to gain extra height.
qualified to erect the tower. If another person is involved, The assembled tower is a working platform and
please pass on these instructions. should not be used as a means of access or egress to
For further information on the safe use of Mobile Access Towers other structures.
consult the PASMA Guide or EN 1298. Adjustable legs should only be used for levelling and not for
For further information, design advice, additional guides or any gaining extra height. 4 rung frame
other help with this product, please contact HSS Hire. When building the tower with 2 persons components can be
lifted using a reliable lifting material (e.g. strong rope),
employing a reliable knot (e.g. clove hitch), to ensure safe
GENERAL SAFETY fastening and always lift within the footprint of the tower.
For advice on the safety and suitability of this equipment Assembled mobile towers should not be lifted with a crane or
contact HSS Hire. other lifting device. Hatch Toe board
The tower should only be moved by manual effort, and only platform
There is a serious risk of personal injury if you do not
follow all instructions laid down in this guide. from the base.
The hirer has a responsibility to ensure that all When moving the tower, beware of live electrical apparatus,
particularly overhead, plus wires or moving parts of machinery.
necessary risk assessments have been completed prior
to the use of this equipment. No person or materials should be on the tower during Guardrail
movement. brace panel
This equipment should only be used by an operator
Caution should be exercised when wheeling a tower over rough,
who has been deemed competent to do so by his/her uneven or sloping ground, taking care to unlock and lock
employer. castors. If stabilizers are fitted, they should only be lifted a
This equipment should be used by a competent adult maximum of 25mm above the ground to clear ground
who has read and understood these instructions. obstructions.
Anyone with either a temporary or permanent disability, After every movement of the tower use a spirit level to check
should seek expert advice before using it. that it is vertical and level and set the adjustable legs as required.
Keep children, animals and bystanders away from the Beware of high winds in exposed, gusty or medium breeze
work area. Cordon off a NO GO area using cones and conditions. If the wind is likely to reach gale force the tower
either barriers or tape, available for hire from HSS should be dismantled. If the wind exceeds medium breeze
force use of the tower should be ceased (see wind
Hire.
description). Adjustable
Never use this equipment if you are ill, feeling Leg and
tired, or under the influence of alcohol or Castor Telescopic
drugs. stabiliser
Wear practical, protective clothing,
gloves and footwear. Avoid loose
garments and jewellery that could catch in moving parts,
tie back long hair.
Make sure that anyone in the immediate work area is
warned of what you are doing. GETTING STARTED
Check the condition of the equipment before use. If it shows
signs of damage or excessive wear, return it to HSS Hire. Mobile towers are not designed to be suspended. For more The HSS MiTower is a light-weight scaffold towers used
information contact HSS Hire. throughout the building and construction industry for
Check that all components are on site, undamaged and are both indoor and outdoor access solutions where a
Stabilisers and ballast weights shall always be fitted when
functioning correctly (see Checklist and Quantity Schedules). stable and secure platform is required. Ideal for
specified.
Damaged or incorrect components shall not be used. Never use the tower if you don’t understand something in maintenance and installation work or short-term
Check the ground on which the mobile access tower is to be the guide. Contact HSS Hire for advice. access, the highly versatile towers provide a strong
erected and moved is capable of supporting the tower. Never ascend or descend unit if both hands are not free. working platform for a height up to 4m.
The safe working load on the beam unit is 150kg. Never suspend tower from another structure. Never use the HSS MiTower until you have fully read
Always carry tools and materials safely retained in a tool belt Assemble only as instructed. and understood this User Guide and the machine has
that allows freedom of movement. been properly set up using the information it contains.
Towers must always be climbed from the inside.
DANGER
Beware of horizontal forces (e.g. power tools) The tower requires only one person to assemble and
It is recommended that towers should be tied to a solid which could generate instability. dismantle it.The unit is supplied with uniform 1m heigh 4
structure when left unattended. rung frames which can be used at any stage of the
Maximum horizontal force 20kg.
assembly. During erection, the frames may be connected Stabiliser Coupler Clamp
together to create 2m high frames which makes assembly The coupler clamps are used to
MOVING TOWER
both quicker and easier. secure the stabilisers to the tower’s When the tower needs to be moved a small distance to
vertical tubing. With the clamp jaw enable you to continue your task, this can be achieved
THROUGH THE TRAPDOOR SYSTEM (3T) open, offer it to the tube. Bring the provided the stabilisers can remain in pattern and all
The 3T method of construction has been developed to jaw around the tube and set the tools, materials and personnel are removed from the
reduce the risk of an erector falling from a tower during buckle on to the hook, then close the tower.
construction. The erector must sit on the platform with legs clamp arm to lock the stabiliser in position. A similar clamp You will need to rise the stabilisers so that they are
through the hatch and feet on the frame rungs when is fitted to the stabiliser extension leg. no more than 25mm above the floor and properly
attaching guardrail brace panels above the platform. This locked. However if the stabilisers need to be positioned
ensures the erector is always protected be a set of guardrail Wind-lock Catch and this reduces the footprint, the tower must be
brace panels. The wind-lock catch is drop down reduced in height to 2m.
jaw fitted to the side of the hatch You must only move the tower by manual effort at
PREPARATION the base at a slow pace and only after fully assessing
platform’s mounting hook and
The floor area must be clear of any obstructions prevents the platform from lifting in the risk.
including materials and debris. Check that you have all windy conditions. It is attached to the Once moved, always check the tower before using.
components necessary to construct the tower height horizontal tube of the frame. To If the unit is to be moved to new location, a new level or
you require. Check also each component for condition disengaged, simply lift and hold the jaw as you rise the over the rough terrain, it must be fully dismantled and
and correct function. If any part is missing or damaged / platform clear. rebuild at the new location.
not working correctly the tower should not be erected. In
this case return unit to HSS Hire. Platform with built in Component Hangers
You should consider tying in the tower to add stability, but To enable one man to erect the
this may only be carried out by a suitable trained person. tower, each hatch platform is
Ballast must be used to stabilise against overturning. Only Retract fitted with four component
use solid material as ballast (i.e. block of concrete) and Release hangers which are stowed (two
position to avoid overloading individual components. either side) within the platform’s
Extend
Ballast should be supported by the base of the tower and frame. The hangers can be
securely fastened to prevent removal. extended when needed and
Lock retracted when not. To extend
COMPONENTS and lock a hanger, take a hold of
Guardrail Brace Panel the hanger stop end and pull from the frame. Once the
stop rivet is clear of the slot, turn the hanger 45 degrees
Claws are fitted to the guardrail brace
anticlockwise then gently slide back in until it stops. To
panels and each has an automatic
retract the hunger, simply reverse the procedure.
locking jaw which is released by simply
moving the jaw’s trigger. The claw must
only be attached to the frame with the DANGER
opening facing outward. Attachment Do not exceed maximum weight of 20kg per hanger.
with the jaw’s opening facing inward
will not fully protect the user if lent
upon and may cause serious injury or death. Always ensure WARNING
that each claw is positively locked in position before using
the tower. The hangers are intended for hanging of components
during the erection of the tower. Do not use the hangers QUANTITY SCHEDULE
Frame Clips other than to their intended purpose.
4 rung Frame 10
Engaged Disengaged The frame clip’s pin locates into a
retaining hole in the frames to lock Adjust Leg and Castor Telescopic outrigger 4
tower sections together when Engagement The adjustable leg and castor Hatch platform 2
place one on top of the other. The spring allows for accurate
Extend Guardrail brace panel 7
pin is locked in place by a red tab positioning of your tower in
to ensure that it remains in place. Off relation to your workplace. 220mm adjustable leg 4
From the disengaged position, The legs can be extended or 125mm locking castor 4
pivot the pin / tab to bring the pin On retracted to allow for
Toe board set 1
horizontal. Insert the pin fully through the retaining hole Retract levelling and the brake must
with its tail pointing down. Next flip the tab vertically to be applied to prevent Tower weight 109 kg
lock the pin in place. Removal is simply a reversal of the movement. Platform safe working load 150 kg
fitting sequence.

ASSEMBLY

THIS TYPE OF STRUCTURE MUST BE ERECTED BY Stand inside the tower and fit Position yourself so that you are
OPERATIVES WITH A PASMA CERTIFICATE & 5 the platform on the eighth 10 half way though the second
rung, making sure that the platform’s trap door. Now
PRODUCT SPECIFIC TRAINING wind-lock catches engage manoeuvre yourself so that you
are sitting on the platform, with your
legs through the trap door and your
feet on the frame rungs. From this
NEVER STAND OR WORK ON AN UNPROTECTED position, you should take each of the
PLATFORM guardrail brace panels, one at a time,
and attach so that the upper jaws are
positioned above the twentieth rung.
DO NOT EXCEED THE SAFE WORKING LOAD OF
150KG ON THE BEAM UNIT PLATFORM
Fit a stabiliser to each corner of
6 the tower. Position the lower With both panels in position,
horizontal stabiliser coupler
Fully insert the adjustable clamp just above the frame’s 11 you may access the platform.
1 legs with castors into 2 second rung, then secure the top Unfold the toe board set and
position so that they sit on the
frames, turning the leg’s stabiliser coupler clamp just above
height adjustment collar to the frame’s fifth rung. Adjust the outer edge of the platform. Finally,
bring each leg 25mm from the stabilisers so that you create as retract all hangers and the tower is
lowest position. square a footprint as possible . Adjust now complete and ready to use.
each stabiliser’s length so that they Any platform fitted to the tower at
are in contact with the ground. Make any stage may be used as a work
sure all coupler clamps are correctly platform, provided toe boards and
secured. Extend and lock the four guardrail brace panels are fitted.
component hangers located on
either sid of the platform

Attach a guardrail brace

2 panel to the vertical tube
7
Place three guardrail brace
panels on to one set of hangers
SAFETY WARNING
of one frame with the and a pair of eight rung Only use adjustable legs to level the tower
upper claw positioned conjoined frames to the other
above the fourth rung and with side. Enter the tower framework and and not gain extra height.
all claws facing outward. Make climb the frame rungs until you are
sure the claws are correctly half way through the platform trap
locked on the frame tube. Now door. Now manoeuvre yourself so
attach the second frame to the that you are sitting on the platform,
guardrail brace panel to create STABILISERS POSITIONING
with your legs through the trap door
the base frame assembly. Lock all and your feet on the frame rungs.
four castors and using a spirit From this position, you should take a Stabilisers are supplied and must be used in any
level as a guide, adjust each leg guardrail brace panel, one at a time, heights. For maximum effect arrange the stabilisers by
to bring the base square and and attach so that the upper jaws are
level. positioning at an angle of 45 degrees to give a footprint
positioned above the twelfth rung.
With both panels in position, you may as close to square as possible.
access the platform.
Construct 2 sets of If the tower is to be positioned agains a wall, the
3 conjoined frames, these stabiliser footprint can be altered (see figure), but only
will give you two 2m when the height of the wall is a minimum of two third
sections and will speed up Fit one set of conjoined frames
the erection process. Release the 8 to each end of the tower and of the height of the top working platform.
frame clips on one four rung apply the frame clips. Next,
frame and fit it on to a second attach the guardrail brace panel Ensure that all four stabilisers’ feet are in contact with
four rung frame. Apply the frame with its lower jaw positioned above the ground and that the ground can support the weight
clips and ensure they are the fourteenth frame rung. Ensure all
correctly locked. Repeat this claws are facing outward and of the tower and stabilisers.
with the second set. Fit one set correctly locked on to the frame tube.
of conjoined frame and apply Descend the tower and from the
the frame clips. Repeat this with ground place two guardrail brace
the second set. panels onto the hangers on one side
of the platform then a set of toe
boards and a platform on the other
side.

Next attach one guardrail

4 brace panel with its lower
jaw position above the
sixth frame rung. It must be Access the tower then carefully
fitted on the opposite side to the 9 fit the second platform on the DISMANTLING
first guardrail brace panel to sixteenth rung, making sure
ensure stability. Ensure all claws that the wind-lock catches The tower is easily dismantled by simply reversing the
are facing outward and correctly engage. Extend and lock the four erection procedure. Make sure that the component
locked on the frame tube. component hangers located on either
side of the platform. Transfer the two hangers are evenly loaded to ensure the tower remains
guardrail brace panels and the set of balanced. You must, however, be protected by guardrail
toe boards to the component hangers brace panels when standing on any platform and
on the second platform
ensure that you use the 3T method when removing
guardrail brace panels.