COVID-19 pandemic: UK manufacturing association issues guidance for scaffold tower users

London — In an effort to protect workers who use scaffold towers from exposure to COVID-19, the UK-based Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association has published guidelines for employers and safety and health professionals.

The guidance notes that two workers normally would work in close proximity to erect a tower. However, workers should make “a conscious effort … to complete the task while remaining [6 feet] apart.” For instance, one worker can assemble the base section of a scaffold tower and install stabilizers before climbing onto the first platform. Then, another worker can assist with building the rest of structure from the ground.

“However, a more reliable method may be using one-person towers, which are specially designed to be built and dismantled by one individual working alone,” PASMA states.

Other recommendations:

• Follow government health guidance.
• Provide workers with handwashing facilities and alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Plan more frequent deep cleaning of facilities and scaffold components.
• Encourage workers to practice safe physical distancing.
• Communicate all safety measures to employees.
• Review and assess your risk assessment plan, as well as how it might be impacted by COVID-19.
• Review your rescue plan to determine how a worker who becomes ill or injured would be rescued.
• Plan online scaffold training sessions for portions that can be taught remotely.
• Make sure training facilities keep workers safe when conducting in-person courses.