Mobile access towers checklist

Since work at height legislation was introduced in 2005, there has been an increasing need to use safer forms of access in order to carry out such work. With this in mind, use our checklist in order to ensure that all those using a mobile access tower do so safely.

Mobile access towers (mat)

Even though MATs are safer and more stable than ladders, they can be highly dangerous if not erected or used safely. With this in mind, we have created a Mobile Access Towers Checklist. Apart from setting out instructions for use, it’s a useful way of reinforcing staff training on using such equipment safely.

Checklist contents

Our checklist has 17 questions that cover all aspects of the MATs installation and use. However, the first gets you to double-check that the MAT conforms to the relevant British Standard (BS 1139). By doing this, you can then rest assured that the equipment you’re using meets all the relevant technical safety standards. The following questions prompt you to consider whether or not your staff are properly trained to erect the MATs and are adequately supervised when doing so. Other questions look at the suitability of the location and whether the relevant safety features have been deployed, such as stabilisers or outriggers. This is important as one of the key risks of using a MAT is that it may tip over. Another is that the proximity of overhead electrical cables is ignored when the equipment is being erected. As this is likely to lead to fatalities through electrocution, our checklist prompts you to ensure that the MAT is erected at least four metres away from any overhead power lines. A further question involves the need to check that the ground can support not only its weight, but also that of the workmen using it. This can be all too frequently overlooked, especially if the time frame for the work to be completed is tight.