Construction Solutions - Mast Climbing Work Platform



Solution: Mast Climbing Work Platform
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	Description:	The mast climbing work platform, or mast climber, is an alternative to traditional scaffolding. It consists of a modular work platform system that climbs a vertical truss structure. The platform typically includes a lower level of scaffold planking that projects toward the building face as well as a higher main materials platform. The vertical truss structure can be configured as either a twin or a single mast. The base unit consists of a power drive system and feet that bear on the ground. Climbing speeds vary from 3 to 40 feet per minutes, depending on the model and manufacturer. For jobs higher than 30 feet mast climbers usually need to be tied to the building, otherwise they can be used as freestanding structures, depending upon ground conditions. Mast climbers are useful for tall and short structures. Their modular design allows contractors to tailor the platform to most building shapes. Masonry magazine reports that many contractors use mast climbers for wide buildings. The two main kinds of drive systems are hydraulic systems that lift with hydraulic cylinders powered by a small gasoline engine (most common in North America) and rack-and-pinion-driven electric systems (most common in Europe and Asia). All manufacturers provide training classes to teach contractors how to properly install, use and maintain the equipment. More Detail Less Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Musculoskeletal disorders due to overhead work, stooped postures, manual materials handling, and kneeling/squatting Injuries due to falls and falling objects
	How Risks are Reduced:	Compared to traditional scaffolding or manual crank tower scaffolding, the mast-climbing scaffold allows the work platform to be easily raised or lowered, keeping work between knee and shoulder height. A materials platform can be established to allow easy handling of materials. The platform may be moved vertically with the work. Unlike with traditional scaffolding, the work materials do not need to be moved each time the work platform is raised. This reduces the risk of developing work-related low back pain by decreasing heavy lifting and manual material handling at work. Quality of Evidence Independent published studies have found a risk reduction. Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction. Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction. Research has shown that workers who spend more time working in a stooped posture or other awkward back postures are at a higher risk for developing low back problems. Studies have reported a decrease in low back pain and lumbar stress among those working with materials kept at or near waist height. Manufacturers also report that the ability to set the scaffold to any height allows workers to arrange their materials to be between knee and shoulder height. Materials do not have to be moved as frequently, so there is less manual material handling of supplies and scaffolding parts. There have not been independent published studies measuring the effect of using mast climbing work platforms on reducing musculoskeletal disorders. Regardless, health and safety experts believe that worksites that use mast climbing work platforms may have fewer incidents of musculoskeletal disorders among their workers due to reduced exposure to known risk factors.
	Effects on Productivity:	Mast climbers may effect productivity due to: reduced injuries, shortened production time, reduced labor costs, and a reduced need for heavy equipment. Quality of Evidence Manufacturers or vendors have reported an increase in productivity. Safety and health experts believe there is an increase in productivity. Based on a 2002 article in Masonry Magazine, there is evidence that using mast climbers can reduce injuries, shorten production time, and cut labor costs by 30 percent or more. The average set up time for mast climbing work platforms is about 30 percent faster than traditional scaffolding. The platform can be easily lowered to the ground for restocking, thus reducing or eliminating the cost of using heavy equipment to delivery materials to high levels of scaffolding. Some manufacturers report that two laborers can do the work of five for the same job size. Health and safety experts believe reducing the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders may lead to increased productivity because: 1) individuals can work for longer periods with fewer breaks and less fatigue, and 2) there may be a reduction in lost time injuries.
	Return on Investment:	No specific calculation ROI information exists for this particular solution, however, there are some general approaches that might be useful for a “Return On Investment” analysis. For a general discussion of these approaches, visit our “Return on Investment Calculation” page.
	Availability:	It is possible to buy or rent mast climbing work platforms. Here are a few links to individual manufacturer websites: Fraco Dunlop Mastclimbers Hydro Mobile Scanclimber Hydek Mastclimbers.com is a website for the mast climbing industry. Their site has a long list of manufacturers and links their websites. Keep in mind that not all of these companies build mast climbing platforms that are built specifically for the masonry trade.
	Additional Considerations:	It is important to follow the manufacturer guidelines and standard safety procedures when using mast climbing work platforms. Here are some specific points to consider: User modifications of platforms to fit structures should be evaluated by a professional engineer. Several of the reported fatalities associated with mast scaffolds involved modifications performed on site. The platform must be properly loaded to maintain balance and must not exceed the length allowed by the manufacturer. Guard rails must be removed to load the platform therefore safety harnesses are required at those times. The mast must be tied to the structure at intervals established by the manufacturer (typically at 20 foot intervals). The anchor point must be sufficiently strong in tension and compression to meet requirements (usually 3,000 pounds). Tie-in requirements may increase if heavy wind loads are anticipated. Workers must be trained on the erection and use of the scaffold and a competent person designated
	Sources:	Various