What is the current product standard for mobile access towers?
Product standard: BS EN 1004
The product standard for mobile access towers is defined under the European standard: BS EN 1004:2004 which covers the manufacturing of mobile access scaffold towers of heights between 2.5m – 8m (external use) and 2.5m-12m (internal use). Any tower with BS EN 1004 certification ensures that the product conforms the minimum safety requirements and is fit for purpose and safe for all users during assembly, use and dismantle.
Its important access towers are regulated as they are pivotal in the work for many traders across London and the UK and need to be safe. For instance, recently a high level specialist decorating company required the use of a cantilever scaffold tower to gain access to an out of reach position on a job at the Wallace Collection Museum, London.
Key changes and transformation of BS EN 1004:2004 to BS EN 1004:2020
Towards the end of 2020, changes were put forth to BS EN 1004:2004 which were to be instated from 30th November 2021, thus changing the standard code from BS EN 1004:2004 to BS EN 1004:2020. In essence, any tower components manufactured past this point must conform to this new product standard to receive the certification. *
These key changes are brought in to make new mobile access towers even safer for all users and to reduce the risk of falling from heights. The changes are as follows:
- Towers of all heights now fall under the scope of BS EN 1004 rather than towers 2.5m or higher.
- Shorter distance between the first platform and the ground. This is now capped at 3.4m, reduced from 4.6m
- Shorter distance between individual platforms. This is now capped at 2.25m, reduced from 4.2m.
- Extra requirement that all platform decks are to be secured at both ends with double wind locks to ensure platforms don’t lift up in windy conditions.
- Extra measures in place to prevent castors from falling out.
Can I still use access towers that comply to BS EN 1004:2004?
Yes, these towers are completely safe if they are in good working condition as these changes only apply to newly manufactured towers. * It is worth checking for updated instruction manuals for the tower you are using as it may change.
Product standard: BS EN 1139-6:2014
BS EN 1139-6:2014 is the other product standard for mobile access towers. This British standard covers mobile access towers outside of the realm of BS EN 1004:2020 but which use the same components and therefore need the same level of due diligence. *
BS EN 1139-6:2014 covers the following tower types:
- Stair Towers
- Cantilever towers
- Bridging or Façade towers
- Towers lower than 2.5m
- High Level towers greater than 12m (internal) and 8m (external)
If you’re involved in a project involving working at height and you’d like to find out more about how Access Towers can help with our range of platforms to suit specialist jobs, get in touch today. For more information about any of our products or services call 0208 665 1181 to speak with a member of our friendly and professional team.