Scaffold towers are temporary elevated platforms and the supporting structure used for holding people, materials, tools, or a combination of any these. They are designed to provide an elevated work area that is more efficient than other means. Scaffold towers can be used for a variety of jobs, from simple house work like fixing the ceilings or cleaning a gutter to big constructions such as building skyscrapers.

Constructing Your Own Scaffold Tower

Some people would like their own customised scaffold towers. They can decide on which material to use and also the desired dimensions. They can also choose if they want it mobile or stationary.

You can build your own scaffold towers with scaffolding parts from a lot of stores. Solid scaffold towers can be built using your own measurements and with just a little background information on using the frames, cross braces, brackets, guard rail systems, ladders, jacks, decking, clamps, castors, adapters, and other accessories. In addition, there is a lot of information regarding building your own scaffold towers on the Internet. And also, there are lots of sites that sell scaffolding spare parts. A person can buy it in bulk or individual pieces according to their preference. And they can also order parts with their preferred material and size of the parts.

Basic Parts to Consider when Building Your Own Scaffold Tower

Here are some of the basic parts you would need to know about building a scaffold tower.

Base Section ? To ensure stability, set supported scaffolds on base plates, mudsills or some other adequate firm foundation. Supported scaffold poles, frames and uprights must be plumb and braced to prevent any displacement caused by swaying.

Access ? The cross braces should never be used as a means of access. A specific access, such as a mounted ladder, must be used.

Bracing ? Connect panels and frames with diagonal, horisontal, or cross braces along or as a combination, in order to laterally secure the vertical members. Because the frames are stacked, the cross braces have to keep the scaffold plumb, level, and square. All brace connections must be secured to prevent dislodging.

Guardrail Systems ? Standard rails are required on all scaffold towers. They should be installed along all open sides and at both ends of platforms.

Platform ? Except when used as a walkway, the platform is the main working area of the scaffold. Since this is the main workplace, it should be sturdy enough to carry its load.

Pinning ? Frames and panels must be joined together vertically through the use of stacking pins or coupling, or equivalent means. Frames and panels should also be locked together to prevent uplift.

These are only a few basic physical structures of scaffold towers. But in building these equipments, the safety when using these should always be highly prioritised. Since it is an elevated platform, the stability decreases as the height increases. In addition, the scaffold and its components must support, without failure, its own weight and at least four times its maximum intended load. Stability and durability are the key components for the scaffold towers to be safe.