How To Choose the Right Mobile Scaffold
Choosing the right mobile scaffold can be an important decision to make sure it will be the most suited, safe, and efficient mobile scaffold for the work you are planning to use it for. There are multiple factors to consider when selecting a mobile scaffold, such as the job requirements, the reach height, the ground or surface on which it will be set up, the number of workers and equipment needed, and even the width of doorways through which it will be moved. In this blog, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right mobile scaffold to ensure that you can work safely and efficiently.
Job Requirements and Scaffold Tower Types
The first step in choosing the right mobile scaffold is to consider what you will use it for. There are two main types of mobile scaffold towers: Minor mobile scaffolds and full-sized H-frame scaffold towers.
Minor scaffolds are ideal for indoor use and tight situations. They are also very manoeuvrable due to their smaller size. Our minor mobile scaffolds are the Foldaway and the Mini Mobile ranges. We have an extra long 3m long mini mobile series that is ideal for painters as they can access more area and therefore reduce the amount of time the mobile scaffold needs to be shifted.
Full sized H-frame mobile towers are more suited for larger, higher jobs as they are sturdier and more stable than minor towers. Depending on the job, you may need one or both types of scaffold towers. Our Heavy-duty H-Frame Range includes single and double width options and steel bracing or lightweight aluminium bracing. We also have a more compact range of our H-Frame towers called the MOBI range which is designed with cost-efficiency, ease of use and transportation, and compliance in mind. The MOBI Tower has closer rungs and does not require a ladder to climb in comparison to our full-sized H-Frame Mobile Scaffolds.
Work Surface/Ground
If the scaffold is to be set up on an uneven support surface, you will need a scaffold with height adjustable casters. The Easy Access full sized H-Frame FMT, FMS ranges and the MOBI range have this feature as standard, so be sure to consider these options over non-adjustable castor options if you are operating over uneven ground. However, the majority of our mobile scaffolds can be upgraded to height adjustable castors. Having height adjustable casters ensures that the scaffold is stable and level, reducing the risk of accidents and improving safety.
If you are often working around stairs, slopes or large drops etc. you could consider our Mini Mobile all terrain stair pack which is an add on option for the Mini Mobile range. This allows an additional 1.2m of adjustment to provide a flat working surface on the mobile scaffold on uneven ground.
Reach Height
The next important factor to consider when choosing a mobile scaffold is the reach height. This refers to the maximum height that the user can reach from the mobile scaffold. It is safe to allow a reach height of 1.5 – 2.0m for the average operator, so select a scaffold where the maximum height of the work platform is not lower than 2m from the area being accessed. This ensures that workers can reach the work area safely.
Number of Workers and Equipment
Another important consideration is the number of workers and equipment that will be stored on the scaffold. If two or more workers, along with tools, will be using the scaffold, a double width work platform will be required. Easy Access Co’s MOBI mobile scaffold is a compact 2.0mL x 1.2mW work platform, while the FMT/FMS range boasts a 2.4mL or 3.0mL x 1.2mW work platform for really large working area. Each range has a SWL (safe working load) of 450kg. If the job requires 1-2 workers and just hand tools and is indoors, consider using the Foldaway or Mini Mobile ranges, which have a single platform width and a 225kg SWL. These are faster to erect and are more cost-effective in this application.
Narrow Doorways
Finally, if the scaffold is required to be moved inside through narrow areas such as doorways, both the Foldaway and Mini Mobile ranges are only 0.7mW and can fit through standard doorways. These are ideal for indoor use, being very fast to erect and cost-effective.
In summary, choosing the right mobile scaffold is crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency at your job site. Consider the job requirements, the reach height, the working surface/ground, the number of workers and equipment, and the width of doorways when selecting a mobile scaffold. With the right information and guidance, you can make an informed decision and ensure that your work is carried out safely and efficiently. Feel free to contact us with any other questions before making your purchase or you can view and download our visual buying guide here.
