What Are The Safety Features of A Mast Climber?

Are mast climbers safe?

It’s probably one of the most common questions heard when project managers and health and safety representatives are considering these platforms for their vertical access.

And following recent HSE alerts people up and down the UK are becoming more aware of mast climbers and their uses within the industry. With that in mind, it’s important to paint a picture of how safe mast climbers really are.

This blog explores the features that make them so helping you better understand what MCWP companies can do to ensure the highest levels of safety.

The Single Platform of A Mast Climber Creates A Safer Working Environment

The most striking thing about a mast climbing work platform, particularly when compared with scaffolding and other vertical access options is its single platform. Because this platform travels up and down the masts on the façade of the building, you can gain access part of the façade at any level while remaining on a single platform.

Not only does this approach have time and cost savings (after all how long will it take to erect scaffolding to the 40th floor?) it also makes mast climbers a far safer place to work in. The single platform means workers are always going to work at the optimum height, reducing the risk of muscular skeletal injuries, while also helping work get completed far quicker.

Mast Climber Safety - Control System

Powered by on-site electricity or a generator, a mast climber has a control system that brings its own degree of safety precautions.

Essentially the ‘brain’ of the mast climber, the control system ensures that the mast climber does what it needs to do and does so to the safest standards. This would include things like ensuring the platform stops in the correct places at the top and bottom of the mast, that the MCWP won’t move if the access gate is unlocked, or the emergency stop button is accidentally activated.

The control system of a mast climber also oversees the ascent and descent of the platform, utilising a “hold to run” system, so that it is level and at a safe speed. In the unlikely event that the twin platform is out of level during travel and one side is travelling slightly higher or lower than the other, then the control system will correct this, maintaining a regular and safe ascent or descent.

The purpose of the control system is to oversee all mechanical and electrical elements of the mast climber. Combined with the now standard centrifugal brake on all drive units, a brake which ensures a steady and gradual decline in the event of a catastrophic failure, mast climbing work platforms continue to provide your construction project with very few health and safety concerns.

Regular Servicing Improves Mast Climber Safety

The level of service that goes into mast climbers also helps highlight the safety of this form of vertical access.

Not only are regular checks completed by an on-site manager, but once the machines are complete and they are returned to BFT’s facilities they undergo further in-depth checks. The equivalent of giving your car an MOT after every journey!

As well as giving each machine a clean, every part of the mast climber is checked over to a strict 45-point checklist. This includes assessing everything from the drive unit and measuring the brake thickness, to greasing the racks and ensuring the ancillary equipment like deck modules, handrails and clips are all still in great condition. The whole process is fully documented for a complete audit trail which you are more than welcome to see.

Only with this approach to every mast climber work platform in the fleet can your safety and the safety of your trades be ensured.

Mast Climbers – Safe Vertical Access

HSE alerts are always welcome in this sector of the construction industry, every precaution to make an already safe form of vertical even safer is a positive.

This blog is intended to not only highlight the amends to the HSE but paint a picture of the safety features that mast climbers have.

There should be no concerns that mast climber safety is of the utmost importance to BFT Mastclimbing and you’ll be safe in the knowledge that each machine is manufactured and maintained to the highest safety standards.

If you’d like to speak to our mast climber experts, better understand what can be done for your project or learn about the levels of IPAF training required, get in touch today.

Understanding the Government Code of Remediation

The Government Code of Remediation is structured into four parts: the scope; undertaking remediation; living with remediation; and general compliance. Each part addresses key aspects of cladding remediation projects, to mitigate fire safety risks that are present within buildings that feature external cladding whilst ensuring the safety and satisfaction of residents. It applies to buildings regardless of occupancy levels, whether fully, partially, or temporarily occupied.

Resident-Centric Approach

The Code puts residents at the heart of remediation. It is a direct response to the Grenfell tragedy, designed to protect residents from potential fire hazards and ensure their concerns are acknowledged throughout the remediation process.

Roles, Responsibilities And Accountability

The Code mandates that roles and responsibilities related to remediation must be clearly outlined and understood by all parties involved in the project. This includes contractors, developers, building owners, tenants, residents, and management companies, so each party knows its duties and is held accountable. Parties involved in the project cannot avoid Code compliance by delegating or subcontracting their obligations.

Effective Communication and Active Engagement

It’s stated in the Code that good communication needs to be maintained from the outset of the project so that residents remain informed and sufficient transparency is achieved. Proper channels should be implemented to ensure that residents can meaningfully engage in the decision-making process. The Code acknowledges potential language barriers and encourages the use of electronic forums to ensure information is disseminated efficiently. Residents should be kept up-to-date with project developments, enabling them to contribute and participate in the design and delivery of the project.

Minimising Impact On Residents

A significant focus within the Code is on minimising the impact of remedial works on residents. Contractors and developers are expected to take measures to reduce disturbances from on-site activity, including noise, dust, and general inconvenience so that disturbances to the residents are kept to a minimum. Balancing health and safety considerations with cost and time factors is another key pillar of Part 3 of the Code. The goal is to create the least inconvenience to the residents and achieve potential cost savings for contractors and developers.

Mental and Physical Health Of Residents

Acknowledging the potential impact on residents' mental and physical health, the Code mandates careful consideration and documentation of these aspects throughout recladding projects. This additional step of record-keeping holds parties accountable for their actions and highlights the seriousness of their responsibilities.

Revaluating Your Access Method

The Government Code of Remediation sets a high standard for remediation projects with a key goal to minimise the effect recladding has on the residents. The core objective of the Code revolves around mitigating the impact on residents' homes and common facilities, while concurrently prioritising the safety and security of the building and its inhabitants.

In this context, the Code calls into question the appropriateness of using scaffolding for extended periods. A two-year presence of scaffolding, according to the principles outlined in the Code, appears incongruent with the commitment to minimise impact and ensure safety, particularly concerning security issues and prolonged inconveniences for residents.