Mast climbing is a valuable modern method of building work, used for all areas of building facades – new build construction, repair and maintenance and facilities management. These motorised mast climbers travel up and down vertical structures, allowing masons to complete work faster and more efficiently. They can also be adjusted to the optimum position for work, reducing the risk of shoulder and lower back injuries. Built-in guardrail systems and small base footprints make them ideal for projects with limited space.
However, like any other form of equipment in use at height, these machines present hazards to workers. Fall accidents on mast climbers and scaffolding are common, with some resulting in fatality. These can be caused by a range of factors, including:
Safety First: Best Practices for Mast Climbing Operations
Incorrect or inadequate preparation, setup, and dismantling of the equipment; load issues, such as overloaded platforms; and equipment failure involving two systems simultaneously failing at the same time. The majority of these incidents involve the incorrect use of anchoring, although some can be attributed to other causes.
Having the right training and familiarity with your particular mast climber model is important. The manufacturer’s guidelines should be followed for the installation and operation of the equipment, as well as regularly checking the power drive and platform planking to ensure it is in good condition. This will help to reduce the amount of unplanned and unnecessary movement of the mast climber. When a mast climber is in motion, a personal fall-arrest system should be used for added safety.
