Safely Assembling, Dismantling & Altering Mobile Access Towers

Guidance to help employers and operatives meet the Work at Height Regulations 2005: ensure competence, supervise training, control hazards and reduce fall risk when using mobile access towers.

Legal responsibilities under the Work at Height Regulations 2005

The assembly, dismantling or alteration of mobile access towers must only be carried out by a competent person, or—if being trained—under the direct supervision of a competent person. Employers and duty-holders must plan work at height, ensure safe systems of work, and provide adequate training and equipment.

What is a competent person?

A competent person demonstrates sufficient professional or technical training, practical experience and authority to carry out assigned tower duties safely. Competence includes the ability to identify hazards, spot defects, and specify remedial action where necessary.

Core competence requirements

  • Knowledge of legal duties under the Work at Height Regulations.
  • Clear understanding of who controls the work and reporting lines.
  • Practical understanding of fall protection principles and their application.
  • The ability to recognise safe and unsafe situations and act accordingly.
  • Training in correct use, limitations and inspection of tower equipment.
  • Ability to check and maintain safety equipment, including personal issue items.
  • Familiarity with emergency procedures, rescue arrangements and reporting defects.

Training, supervision and recognised schemes

Employers should ensure that staff receive appropriate, job-specific training and supervision. Industry-recognised courses (for example PASMA or equivalent) cover safe tower assembly, inspection, use and dismantling. Where operatives are training, they must work under competent supervision until their competence is verified.

Planning work and risk assessment

All tower work should be planned and subject to a task-specific risk assessment that considers:

  • Ground stability and suitability (avoid soft, uneven or sloping surfaces).
  • Proximity to hazards such as live traffic, excavations or overhead power lines.
  • Weather and environmental conditions that may affect stability.
  • Loadings, tools and materials to be taken aloft.
  • Access and egress, emergency escape routes and rescue capability.

Inspection, maintenance and safe use

Follow manufacturer guidance and inspection schedules. Key points include:

  • Formal visual checks before each use and periodic documented inspections.
  • Use the correct components, fittings and stabilisation (outriggers/bridging) as specified.
  • Do not exceed rated load limits; account for personnel, tools and materials.
  • Ensure guardrails, toe boards and access ladders are correctly fitted and secure.
  • Store and transport tower components to avoid damage that could compromise integrity.

Emergency planning and rescue

Rescue from a tower must be planned and practised. Ensure emergency procedures identify who will carry out a rescue, what equipment is required and how to summon assistance. Operators should be trained in basic rescue actions and emergency lowering where appropriate.

Practical checklist before assembling or using a tower

  1. Confirm only competent persons or supervised trainees will assemble/dismantle.
  2. Complete a site-specific risk assessment and method statement.
  3. Inspect all components for damage before assembly.
  4. Verify ground conditions and deploy stabilisers or base-plates as required.
  5. Fit guardrails, toe boards and access ladders; check handholds and secure fixings.
  6. Check weather forecast and suspend work in unsafe conditions (high winds, lightning).
  7. Record inspection and maintenance activity in the tower log.

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