Good Practice Guidelines for Scaffolding Tower Safety

Before you use a Trade Tested scaffolding tower, it’s important to follow a few good practice guidelines. These basic scaffolding safety practices help you manage risks while working at height, protect your health, and keep your tower in great condition for years to come.

Our 5.25 m and 6.25 m towers meet WorkSafe NZ safety standards. They’re perfect for home renovations, painting, and DIY tasks.

Safety rules

These good practice guidelines are designed to help you set up, use, and maintain your scaffolding tower. Following them lets you create a safe system that reduces risks when carrying out scaffolding work around the home.

Before setting up

Check that the ground is firm, level, and stable enough to support the structure’s full load.

Identify electrical hazards, such as overhead power lines, before commencing work.

Inspect every scaffolding component for rust, cracks, or damage.

Make sure all materials and equipment are present and in good working order.

Use a spirit level to ensure the tower is plumb and straight.

Brace all sides for stability, and add plan bracing if the tower’s top platform is over 3 m high.

When erecting scaffolding, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check that all connections and fastenings are secure.

Keep to the correct height-to-base ratio:

For platforms over 2 m in height, the total height should be no more than three times the base width.

For towers under 2 m in height, the height should be no more than twice the base width.

While you’re using the tower

Lock all castors by pressing down the brake levers whenever the tower is stationary. Release only when moving.

Never climb or work on a tower that’s partially erected or appears unstable.

Don’t lean or brace yourself against the guard rails or diagonal braces.

Always climb from inside the tower, using the internal ladder or access hatch.

Avoid using ladders, boxes, or makeshift platforms to gain extra height.

Carefully hand up tools and materials to prevent falling objects.

Never move the tower with anyone or anything still on it.

Before moving, make sure the path is firm, flat, and at least 4 m away from power lines.

Don’t move the tower in windy conditions or on uneven ground.

Don’t attach hoists, suspended scaffolding, or heavy devices to the tower.

Avoid using power tools that generate strong horizontal forces, as this can cause the structure to shift and become unstable.

Load limits & stability

Maximum working load: 90 kg per platform plank, evenly spread.

Maximum concentrated load: 270 kg per deck (3 planks).

Always fit stabilisers where specified.

Use adjustable legs only for levelling, not for gaining height.

In wind force over Beaufort 6, move the tower to shelter or secure it with anchors or outriggers.

Use outriggers or a wider base frame for extra stability on larger towers.

Verify all parts during setup to prevent unsafe movement or collapse.

Find the right roof edge protection for your job

At Trade Tested, we take tower safety seriously. Whether you’re painting a house, fixing gutters, or taking on a bigger DIY project, you’ll find a reliable, easy-to-use system that gets the job done. Browse Trade Tested’s scaffolding range and get the right setup for your next home project.

Real customer reviews & testimonials

Mobile Scaffold Adjustable 1.8m

“Easy to assemble and more rugged than I was expecting for the price. Much easier for cleaning the roof of the campervan and finally able to get enough down force on the hose brush to effectively clean the house solar panels.”

Mobile Scaffold Adjustable 3.5m Set

“Purchased to paint a split 2-story house. Easy to put up and down if you have common sense. I painted the ply to help against rain. But of movement at the top in terms of wobble, but you trust it with the outriggers. Wish I had bought this years ago.”

Scaffolding Tower 6.25m with Outriggers

“Great value, excellent service & communication. Scaffold is sturdy & has all the right safety rails & stabilisers to make it feel secure. Used it heaps already and saved thousands on hire. Got dispatched to Northland way quicker than I thought, and communication & delivery was great.”

Frequently asked questions

How high can I safely go?

Always follow the height-to-base ratio rule. For example, if your tower base is 1.5 m wide, your top platform should be no higher than 4.5 m. For extra stability, fit the supplied stabilisers.

How should I dismantle scaffolding safely?

Take it apart in reverse order of assembly, keeping your hands clear of pinch points. Lower planks and components carefully to avoid dropping them.

Do I need training to use a mobile scaffold tower?

You don’t need a formal certification to use a mobile scaffolding tower at home; just make sure you understand the assembly and safety guidelines. For towers over 5 m, it’s best to have someone experienced supervise the setup.