Wates bans Razordeck scaffold towers after collapse

Wates Construction has taken all Razordeck self-erecting scaffolding towers on its sites out of service after one of the towers collapsed.

The accident left the operator with minor injuries.

The tower was hired from A-Plant and following the incident the contractor’s local health and safety officer sent an internal Safety Alert asking for all similar platforms on Wates sites to be removed from service, while an investigation is completed.

Wates told CJ that those investigations are continuing and the Razordeck currently remains withdrawn from service.

However distributor DLJ Engineering Services said the unit had been examined on site and had “… collapsed due to the operative not locating the lower 'secondary safety catch', which is located opposite the ladder end (step 5 of the setup procedure), and is not a design or manufacture fault.” It said the Safety Alert “had been sent out before the manufacturers had inspected the unit in question..”

DLJ said although the catch is spring loaded, it should still be checked to ensure it has engaged properly before the tower is used because dirt and debris can affect the self-locking operation. The distributor recommends everyone read the instruction manual carefully before erecting and using the Razordeck and has put a copy on its website.