Quickfit towers are light-weight scaffold towers used throughout the D.I.Y and domestic market for both indoor and outdoor access solutions where a stable and secure platform is required. Ideal for short term access, the highly versatile towers provide a strong working platform for a variety of heights up to 9m (30′) working height with outrigger.
Assembly Guide
This user guide provides you with a step by step instructions to ensure your system is erected easily and safely, using the 3T (Through the trap door) method.
The law requires that personnel erecting, dismantling or altering towers must be competent.
Any person erecting a Quickfit mobile tower must have a copy of this guide. For further information on the use of mobile access and working towers consult us at Quickfit towers.
If you need further information, additional guides or any other help with this product please call Quickfit on: 01274 595127
1. Read and understand the user guide carefully before starting to erect the tower. Inspect for any damage which may affect safety. Wear Safety hard hats gloves and steel toe capped boots.
2.Fit castors/adjustable legs or base plates onto the bottom of the frames and fully lock on. Fully slacken all the locking bolts on the frames.
3. Stand one pair of frames on firm ground /stable foundation and fit one diagonal brace member as shown.
4. Fit the next pair of frames on the alternate faces never fit successive frames in same face of tower and tighten the locking bolts to between 5 and 8lbs/ft.
5. Adjust legs to make sure that the tower is level and lock castor wheels facing outwards and lock adjustable legs, Fit low braces
6. Build Tower with frames on alternate faces and tighten all locking bolts to between 5 and 8lbs/ft.
7. Add stabilisers, ensure feet are firmly in contact with the ground. Clamp and secure.
8. Install internal ladders to the side of brace member as shown.
9. Locate a trapdoor deck as photo, with trapdoor next to ladder. Then locate a fixed deck alongside the trapdoor deck as per photo.
10. Ensure the trapdoor is positioned with the hinges towards the outside of the tower as shown. Climb the ladder and, from the protected trapdoor position, fit guard rails, double guard rails and tighten to both sides of the platform as photo. Guard rail heights should be 1000 mm and an intermediate guard rail be fitted so that there is a gap no larger than 470 mm on any working or access platform located above ground level.
DO NOT CLIMB ONTO THE DECK UNTILL IT IS FULLY GUARD RAILED.
11. Continue adding frames and tighten the locking bolts to between 5 and 8lbs/ft
12. Fit spigots into collars and tighten locking bolts to between 5 and 8lbs/ft
13. Add the next internal ladder.
14. Locate a trapdoor deck as photo, with trapdoor next to ladder. Then locate a fixed deck alongside the trapdoor deck as per photo.
15. Ensure the trapdoor is positioned with the hinges towards the outside of the tower as shown. Climb the ladder and, from the protected trapdoor position, fit guard rails, double guard rails and tighten to both sides of the platform as photo. Guard rail heights should be 1000 mm and an intermediate guard rail be fitted so that there is a gap no larger than 470 mm on any working or access platform located above ground level.
DO NOT CLIMB ONTO THE DECK UNTILL IT IS FULLY GUARD RAILED.
16. Fit the triple guard rails onto spigots as photo.
17. Fit toe board as shown.
Foundations. Always check that the ground on which the tower is to be erected can support the weight of the loaded tower. When erecting towers on grass or earth always use sole plates.
Never erect towers on slippery surfaces.
Never use towers without base plates, adjustable base plates or wheels.
Never use piles of bricks or timber to make for variations in level, always use adjustable legs.
SAFE HEIGHT. The maximum height to which towers can be erected is 9m. Never exceed these heights.
ACCESS. Always use ‘purpose’ made internal ladders provided by QUICKFIT to gain access to the platform.
Never climb the outside face of any tower.
Never lean ladders against a tower and never place ladders on top of a tower.
Never stand on guard rails or brace members.
Towers with permanent resting platforms at 2m 6’6″ intervals on all towers
Dismantling the tower should be carried out by following the user guide in reverse. When dismantling, pass or lower components down to a colleague, never throw or drop the parts since they may be damaged. Transport components with care, store undercover or inside to prevent corrosion.
Assembly Principles. The 3T Method Only
WHEN BUILDING A TOWER
- To comply with the 3T method assemble with platforms every 2 metres in height, and, the locating of guard rails on both faces of either individual platforms or fully decked levels.
USE. Always wear suitable safety clothing (hard hats, gloves, non-slip safety boots) when using the tower.
Never climb tower with oil or grease on boots.
Do Not oil the castor wheels.
Keep tower components well painted or use galvanized towers. Inspect tower components before erection, do not abuse or use damaged components. Move towers by manual effort only from base but never move towers with personnel, equipment or materials on board. Take care when moving towers over rough ground. Always ensure that all locking collars, castor wheel locks and adjustable leg bolts are tightly tightened before using the tower. Locking collar bolts should be tightened to a torque of 5lbs/ft minimum and 8lbs/ft maximum. (Do not over tighten).
Beware of high winds. Do not attempt to work on towers in high winds. Beware of live overhead electric cables, moving parts of machinery and never erect towers in locations where they might be struck by vehicles.
TRANSPORTATION/STORAGE. Dismantling the tower should be carried out by following the assembly guide in reverse. When dismantling, pass or lower components down to a colleague, never throw or drop the parts since they may be damaged. Transport components with care, store under cover or inside to prevent corrosion.
GUARD RAILS/TOE BOARDS. All scaffold platforms from which a person could fall must be fitted with guard rails, double guard rails and toe board sets. Including intermediate rest platforms. It is recommended that guard rails and double guard rails are used as the towers is erected.
SCAFFOLD COUPLERS: The advanced Apex range of towers can be used with standard BS1139 couplers fitted over tubes. The Summit range can be used with standard couplers, fitted over the collars. Do not use ladders or boxes to achieve extra height.
| FORCE | WIND DESCRIPTION | SPEED IN MPH | GENERAL EFFECT |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Moderate breeze | 13-18 | Small branches move, dust, leaves and paper raised. |
| 5 | Fresh breeze | 19-24 | Small trees sway. |
| 6 | Strong breeze | 25-31 | Small branches move, telephone wires whistle. |
| 7 | Moderate gale | 32-38 | Large trees sway. Walking becomes difficult. |
| 8 | Gale force | 39-46 | Twigs and small branches broken from trees. Walking is difficult. |
DURING USE. Beware of high winds in exposed, gusty or medium breeze conditions. We recommend that in wind speeds over 7.7 metres per second (17mph) cease working on the tower. if the wind becomes a strong breeze, expected to reach 11.3 metres per second (25mph), tie the tower to a rigid structure, as shown on guide. Technical Guidance (TG)4:2011 Anchorage systems for scaffolding. can be downloaded for free from the CFA website via their guidance page at: http://www.the-cfa.co.uk/publications-and-downloads/guidance-notes/ . One of the reasons for drawing your attention to this publication is that it sets the standard to which drilled fixings for scaffolds should be selected, installed and tested before use. If the wind is likely to reach a gale force, over 18 metres per second (40mph), the tower should be dismantled. Be careful no to infringe on any bylaws when erecting mobile towers in public places and that warning signs are in place where necessary by law.
Beware of open ended buildings which can cause funneling effect.
- Debris netting or plastic sheeting should not be fixed to the tower, this can cause a sail effect.
- Raising and lowering components, tools, and/or materials by rope should be conducted within the tower base where possible. Ensure that the safe working load of the supporting decks and the tower structure is not exceeded.
- The assembled tower is a working platform and should not be used as a means to access other structures.
- Beware of horizontal forces (e.g. power tools) which could generate instability. Maximum horizontal force 20kg.
- Mobile towers are not designed to be suspended.
Struts
- Struts should be rigid, two way struts fastened to both uprights of the frame with load-bearing right angled or swivel couplers. Only couplers suitable for the outside diameter tube of the tower should be used (38mm for Summit, 45mm for Apex or 50mm for super Apex). Ideally struts should be secured to both faces of a solid structure or by means of anchorages.
- The strut frequency may vary depending on the application, but they should, at a minimum, be at every 2.5 (8′) height.
Erection
- Under no circumstances must safety harnesses be attached to these towers during erection or dismantling.
- Check that all components are on site and that they are functioning correctly – see quantity schedule (invoice).
Lifting of equipment
- Tower components should be firmly secured by a reliable lifting material (e.g. rope), employing a reliable knot (e.g. clove hitch), to ensure safe fastening.
Stabilisers / Ballast
- Stabilisers and ballast weights should always be fitted when specified.
- Ballast is used at the base to stabilise towers against over turning. The safe height charts show the recommended stabilisation. In circumstances where there is restricted ground clearance for stabilisers, it must be of solid materials (i.e. not water or loose sand) and should not be positioned to overload individual legs. Ballast should be secured against accidental removal where practicable, and be supported on the lowest rung of the bottom frame. Contact your supplier for advice.
Movement
- Caution should be exercised when wheeling a tower over rough, uneven or sloping ground, taking care to lock and unlock all castors. If stabilisers are fitted, they should be lifted sufficiently above the ground to clear ground obstructions.
- The height pf the tower, when being moved , should not exceed 4 metres platform height.
Maintenance
- All components and their parts should be regularly inspected to identify damage, particularly to welds. Lost or broken parts should be replaced, and any tubing with indentations greater than 5mm should be put to one side for manufacture repair. Locking bolts and adjustable leg threads should be cleaned a lightly lubricated to keep them free running. Do not use ladders or boxes to gain extra height.
| Step | Check |  |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Always inspect components before erecting the tower. |  |
| 2 | Always inspect the tower before using. | |
| 3 | Ensure that the tower is upright and level. | |
| 4 | Ensure castors and adjustable legs are locked and facing outwards. | |
| 5 | Ensure legs are correctly adjusted. | |
| 6 | Ensure all horizontal braces and platforms are level. | |
| 7 | Ensure stabilisers are fitted as specified in the instruction manual. | |
| 8 | Ensure platforms are correctly located. | |
| 9 | Ensure all guard rails and double guard rails are in place. | |
| 10 | Ensure Toe boards are correctly fitted as described in the instruction manual, to stop platform lifting. | |
| 11 | Ensure all locking collar bolts are securely tightened before use. | |
ALWAYS REFER TO THIS CHECKLIST BEFORE AND AFTER ERECTION OF THE TOWER.
IF IN DOUBT ABOUT ANY APPLICATION CONSULT YOUR SUPPLIER FOR ADVICE.
Technical Data
SUMMIT
Medium Duty Towers for DIY Use, eg. Rendering, Plastering, Window Installation, Gutter Repairs, Painting, Pointing, Cutting Hedges and Cladding etc.
Manufactured from 1 1/2″ diameter steel tube with 1 3/4″ locking collars at all joints.
Load Bearing Capacity (Evenly distributed)
4’3″ x 2’6″ = 200kg
4’3″ x 4’3″ = 250kg
6’3″ x 4’3″ = 395 kg
Max height 9m (30′) with outriggers
Advanced Apex
Heavy Duty Towers for Heavier DIY use
Manufactured from 1 3/4″ diameter steel tube with 2″ locking collars at all joints.
Load Bearing Capacity (Evenly distributed)
4’x4′ = 395kg
6′ x 4′ = 495kg
8′ x 4′ = 595kg
Max height 9m (30′) with outriggers
THESE LOADS ARE NOT TO BE EXCEEDED.
Picture for illustration purposes only.