www.MonkeyTower.co.uk
Scaffolding in Seconds
Monkey Tower
Monkey Tower Mini User Manual
Version 1.1 EN 1298 IM en
01/02/2012
Monkey Tower Ltd
North Wing
Ingatestone Hall
Ingatestone
Essex CM4 9NS
01277 356172
sales@monkeytower.co.uk
Mini
Contents
Contents
1 Safety Rules 3
2 Operating Instructions 4
3 Pre-Use Inspection 7
4 Hazardous Situations 10
5 Fault Finding 13
6 Specifications 14
User Manual 2 Monkey Tower Ltd
Chapter 1. Safety Rules
Chapter 1
work methods (practices) and adequate facilities/ resources (including work equipment)
are provided to eliminate or minimise risks,
Work at Height Regulations 2005, Regulations 6, 7, 8 and Schedule 3 Part 2.
Do Not Operate Unless:
Safety Rules
Failure to obey the instructions and
safety rules in this manual may result
in death or serious injury.
Important Information
• This manual should remain with the
machine at all times.
• If you have any questions contact Monkey Tower Ltd.
Introduction
• You learn and practice the principles
of safe machine operation contained in
this operator’s manual. You must:
1. Know, understand and follow the
safety rules in this Chapter.
2. Follow the operating instructions,
Chapter 2.
3. Avoid hazardous situations, Chapter 4.
4. Always perform a pre-operation
inspection at the required interval,
Chapter 3.
5. Always perform function tests
prior to use, Chapter 3.
6. Inspect the workplace, Chapter 3.
• You read, understand and obey the
manufacturer’s instructions and safety
rules including the safety and operator’s manuals and machine decals.
This instruction manual contains all the information required to correctly use the Monkey Tower Mini to provide collective measures
enabling full compliance with the Work at
Height Regulations 2005.
This Manual should be used in conjunction
with a suitable Risk Assessment and Method
Statement relative to the project to be undertaken, Work at Height Regulations 2005,
Regulation 6(1). It must be noted that all
employers have a responsibility to ensure that
User Manual 3 Monkey Tower Ltd
• You use the machine as it was intended.
• You read, understand and obey em-
ployer’s safety rules and worksite regulations.
• You read, understand and obey all applicable governmental regulations.
• You are properly trained and experienced to safely and competently operate the machine.
Chapter 2. Operating Instructions
Chapter 2
Operating
Instructions
Fundamentals
• Follow the Setup procedures in the
Function Tests section.
Raising Platform for Use
1. Position the machine directly below the
desired work area. Make sure castors
are locked in position by firmly pressing foot operated brake lever. (If cas-
tors can spin on vertical axis the castor
lock is not fully engaged.)
The Operating Instructions section provides
instructions for each aspect of machine operation.
It is the operator’s responsibility to follow all
the safety rules and instructions in the operator’s manual.
If more than one operator is expected to use
a machine at different times in the same work
shift, each operator is expected to follow all
safety rules and instructions in the operator’s manual. That means every new operator should perform a pre-operation inspection, function tests and a workplace inspection before using the machine.
Setup
• Check that work area is suitable according to the details given in the Site Inspection / Machinery Selection section
of Chapter 3.
2. Insert stabilising legs into back of Mini
Monkey Monkey Tower.
3. Lock stabilising legs into position with
the spring loaded leg pins at base of ladder.
User Manual 4 Monkey Tower Ltd
Chapter 2. Operating Instructions
4. Lower stabiliser leg upright by lifting
spring loaded catch and letting upright
drop. Make sure upright is in firm contact with the ground and release catch.
lower. Platform will lock into position
resting on runglocks.
7. Check rung-locks are fully en-
gaged. If locks are not engaged repeat
steps 5 to 14.
5. Check that the rung-lock bungey cord
on ladders is loose by pulling the top
end of the cable straight up and releasing.
Climbing Ladder & Entering Platform
Before the ladder is climbed the following
checks must be made each time:
• Check that the assembly is still correct
and complete including stabiliser legs in
position.
• Check that ladder locks are locked into
place.
• Climb ladder using rungs and built in
handles for handholds and maintaining
3 points of contact at all times.
6. Raise platform above desired height by
lifting from side of platform and slowly
User Manual 5 Monkey Tower Ltd
• Climb through spring loaded door onto
platform.
Chapter 2. Operating Instructions
Do not extend the height of the
platform by climbing on the guardrails
or by using ladders, boxes etc.
Exiting and Lowering Platform
Do Not raise or lower platform
or undo any locks when personnel are
on Monkey Tower
Never move the Monkey Tower with
workers on board.
When platform raised do not move
unless ground is smooth, level and free from
drop-offs, ledges or debris.
If windspeed is over 17mph (beaufort force 4) or ground conditions are poor
fully lower the tower before moving.
Avoid sudden starts and stops. Keep personnel away from the machine when moving.
1. Open spring loaded door and exit platform via ladder.
2. Pull rung-lock bungee upwards to apply
tension and sideways to lock the bungee
in the plastic holder.
3. Raise platform approximately 10 cm
(4”) to disengage runglocks and lower
platform.
Moving on Castors
The Monkey Tower can be moved on the the
castors.
1. Unlock castors by lifting castor-lock by
hand.
2. Move Monkey Tower Mini.
User Manual 6 Monkey Tower Ltd
Chapter 3. Pre-Use Inspection
Inspection Record MTMIN-001
The inspection regime given here is not exclusively for Monkey Tower but based on the HSE guidelines for work platforms (Scaffold Towers or
MEWPS) http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis47.pdf and the working at height regulations 2005
1. Name and address of company for whom inspection carried out.
2. Site address
3. Location of the place of work.
3. Time & Date of inspection
5. Name and position of inspector
6. Daily / pre-operation inspection completed & recorded – Yes / No
8. Site inspection / machinery selection complete – Yes / No
9. Wind speed measured – Yes / No
10. Operator familiarized & competent to use Monkey Tower Mini– Yes / No
12. Details of any matter identified that could give rise to a risk to the health or safety of any person.
13. Can work be carried out safely – Yes / No
14. If work cannot be carried out safely name and position of person informed
15. Details of any other action taken as a result of matters identified in 12 above.
16. Details of any further action considered necessary.
17. Name and position of the person making the report.
18. Date and time report handed over
19. Name and position of person receiving the report
.
Daily / Pre-use Inspection (see
maintenance manual for more
information)
Serial Number
Operators Manual Present
Decals Present
Damage, Dirt, Missing Parts,
Corrosion, Unauthorised Changes
Stabiliser Leg Function
Slider Function
Lock Function
Door Function
Chapter 3
quired. If damage or any unauthorized variation from factory delivered condition is discovered, the machine must be tagged and removed from service. Repairs to the machine
may only be made by a qualified service technician, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Pre-Use
Inspection
The pre-use inspection is a check on the
correct functioning of the Monkey Tower
Mini, operator competency and site conditions. The pre-use inspection is carried out
in conjunction with the Inspection Record
MTMIN-001 (a copy of which can be found
on the back cover of this manual).
Frequency of inspection
The pre-use inspection should be made at the
following frequency:
• After installation in any position (note:this does not mean every time that the
Monkey Tower is moved on site)
• After exceptional circumstances which
are liable to jeopardise the safety of
the Monkey Tower or other work equipment.
• At suitable interval not exceeding every
7 days.
Function Test
The pre-use inspection also serves to determine if any maintenance procedures are re-
User Manual 7 Monkey Tower Ltd
It is the responsibility of the operator to perform a function test. The function test is a
visual inspection performed by the operator
prior to each work shift. By following the
order laid out here the funtion test can be
performed whilst erecting a tower.
Operators Manual Present
Be sure that the operator’s manual is complete, legible and readily accessible by users.
Chapter 3. Pre-Use Inspection
Decals Present
Be sure that quick reference decal, ce badge
and stabiliser leg warning decals are legible
and in place.
Damage, Dirt, Missing Parts,
Corrosion, Unauthorised Changes
Check the following components or areas for
damage, excessive dirt or contamination, improperly installed or missing parts and unauthorized modifications:
• Base components.
• Legs.
• Stabilizers.
• Ladders.
Stabiliser Leg Function
Check the following function on all four of the
stabiliser legs:
• Soring-loaded pins slide in and out of
holes easily.
• stabilisers slide horizontally without
undue force.
• Friction locks on upright hold upright
in position.
• Spring on friction locks function.
• Counterbalance cables (check for kinks,
frays, abrasions).
• Pulleys.
• Cable attachments.
• Castors.
• Nuts, bolts and other fasteners.
Check the entire machine for:
• Dents or damage.
• Corrosion or oxidation.
• Cracks in welds or structural compo-
nents, missing rivets.
Be sure that all structural and other critical components are present and all associated
fasteners and pins are in place and properly
tightened.
• Castors function correctly (spinning
and locking into position - caster should
not spin around vertical axis when
locked in position).
Door Function
Check that the spring-loaded door swings
back into position.
Lock Function
Check that the locks on the ladders are in
good condition and move in and out of position easily and that the bungey cables are in
good condition.
User Manual 8 Monkey Tower Ltd
Chapter 3. Pre-Use Inspection
Site Inspection / Machinery Selection
The site inspection determines if the workplace is suitable for safe machine operation.
Workplace inspection should be performed by
a competent person prior to moving the machine to the workplace.
Be aware of and avoid the following hazardous situations:
• Low ground bearing capacity.
• Drop-offs or holes.
• Bumps and floor obstructions.
• Debris.
• Sloping surfaces.
be checked at the beginning of work and
rechecked if any changes in the windspeed are
noticed. The windspeed can be measured by
use of an anemometer measuring the windspeed in two perpendicular direction. Alternatively the beaufort scale can be used (Beaufort force 4 is described by dust and loose
paper being raised and small branches beginning to move. For Beaufort force 5 branches
of a moderate size move and small trees in
leaf begin to sway.)
Be aware that local windspeed conditions can
be higher than surrounding areas especially in
cases such as working between buildings, on
the corners of buildings, open ended buildings
etc.
• Unstable or slippery surfaces.
• Overhead obstructions.
• High voltage conductors.
• Inadequate surface support to with-
stand all load forces imposed by the machine.
Check that the Monkey Tower Mini is suitable for the intended job i.e. is there sufficient height to reach the workplace, can the
workplace be reached from within the platform.
Wind Speed Measurement
The maximum windspeed that a freestanding Monkey Tower shall be used in is 17mph
(beaufort force 4). The windspeed should
User Manual 9 Monkey Tower Ltd
Chapter 4. Hazardous Situations
Chapter 4
Tip-over Hazards
• Do not raise the platform unless the legs
have been fully extended, lowered and
locked, the casters are in full contact
with the ground and the base is level.
Hazardous
Situations
Fall Hazards
• Do not use the machine as a personnel
lifting platform. Monkey Tower is not
to be used to lift or lower people.
• If occupants of the platform are required to wear personal fall protection
equipment (PFPE) due to job site or
employer rules, PFPE equipment and
its use shall be in accordance with the
PFPE manufacturer’s instructions and
applicable governmental requirements.
• Do not impose a side load of more than
200N. Be aware of possible sideloads
arising from work (pressure blasting,
drilling etc.)
• Do not raise the platform unless the
leg retainer pins are properly inserted
through the leg and the base.
• Do not raise the platform unless the
machine is on a firm surface and levelled.
• Do not level the machine with blocks or
other means.
• Do not operate the machine in strong
or gusty winds (max windspeed 17mph,
beaufort 4).
• Do not increase the surface area of the
platform or the load.
• Do not place ladders or scaffolding
against any part of the machine.
• Do not sit, stand or climb on the platform guard rails.
• Maintain a firm footing on the platform
floor at all times.
• Keep the platform floor clear of debris.
• Ensure platform trapdoor is closed
when working.
User Manual 10 Monkey Tower Ltd
• Do not use the machine on a moving or
mobile surface or vehicle.
• Do not exceed the rated load capacity.
(See Specifications Section).
• Do not adjust or remove the outriggers
while the platform is occupied or raised.
• Do not place or attach overhanging
loads to any part of this machine.
Chapter 4. Hazardous Situations
• Do not push off or pull toward any object outside the platform.
• Do not operate the machine near dropoffs, holes, bumps, debris, unstable or
slippery surfaces or other possible hazardous conditions.
• Do not modify or alter the Monkey
Tower without prior written permission
from the manufacturer.
• Do not exceed the Safe Working Load see specifications chapter.
Electrocution Hazards
Crushing Hazards
• Do not raise or lower the platform unless the area below is clear of people and
obstructions.
• Keep hands and fingers away from potential pinch points.
Collision Hazards
• Check the work area for overhead obstructions or other possible hazards.
This machine is not electrically insulated and
will not provide protection from contact with,
or proximity to, electrical current.
• Keep away from the machine if it contacts energized power lines. Personnel
must not touch or operate the machine
until power lines are shut off.
• Keep away from electrical power lines
and apparatus. Allow for machine
movement and electrical line sway or
sag, and be aware of strong or gusty
winds.
• Do not use the machine as a ground for
welding.
• Do not operate the machine during
lightning or storms.
• Do not lower the platform unless the
area below is clear of personnel and obstructions.
• Be careful when transporting on an incline.
• Be careful when moving by hand and
avoid obstacles.
Damaged Machine Hazards
• Do not use a damaged or malfunctioning machine.
• Conduct a thorough pre-operation inspection of the machine and test all
functions before each work shift.
User Manual 11 Monkey Tower Ltd
Chapter 4. Hazardous Situations
• Immediately tag and remove from service a damaged or malfunctioning machine. Any damaged parts or incorrect
components shall not be used.
Routine Maintenance
Details of routine maintenance can be seen in
the Monkey Tower Maintenance Manual.
User Manual 12 Monkey Tower Ltd
Chapter 5. Fault Finding
Chapter 5
Fault Finding
Fault Finding Diagnostics
Platform Fails to Raise
If none of the solutions below fix the problem
please refer to your Monkey Tower distributor or Monkey Tower Ltd.
• Check that there are no obstructions on
the sliders or ladders.
• Check that platform is not loaded.
Platform Fails to Lower
• Check that rung-locks have been released. (Platform may need raising to
release rung-locks).
• Check that rung-lock cables are intact.
• Check that there are no obstructions to
the ladder, slider or brace-lock.
User Manual 13 Monkey Tower Ltd
Chapter 6. Specifications
Chapter 6
Specifications
Weight (minimum) - 90 kg.
Weight (working) - 140 kg.
Safe Working Load - 150 kg.
Max Platform Height - 1.95m.
Maximum Working Height - 3.95m.
Height Increment - 0.25m.
Wind limits
Windspeed Windspeed Action
(mph) (Beaufort)
0-17 0-4 Use as normal
0-21 5 Tie platform to
solid structure
or lower tower
21 + 6 + Do not use
and lower tower
User Manual 14 Monkey Tower Ltd
placeholder
Inspection Record MTMIN-001
The inspection regime given here is not exclusively for Monkey Tower but based on the HSE guidelines for work platforms (Scaffold Towers or
MEWPS) http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/cis47.pdf and the working at height regulations 2005
1. Name and address of company for whom inspection carried out.
2. Site address
3. Location of the place of work.
3. Time & Date of inspection
5. Name and position of inspector
6. Daily / pre-operation inspection completed & recorded – Yes / No
8. Site inspection / machinery selection complete – Yes / No
9. Wind speed measured – Yes / No
10. Operator familiarized & competent to use Monkey Tower Mini– Yes / No
12. Details of any matter identified that could give rise to a risk to the health or safety of any person.
13. Can work be carried out safely – Yes / No
14. If work cannot be carried out safely name and position of person informed
15. Details of any other action taken as a result of matters identified in 12 above.
16. Details of any further action considered necessary.
17. Name and position of the person making the report.
18. Date and time report handed over
19. Name and position of person receiving the report
.
Daily / Pre-use Inspection (see
maintenance manual for more
information)
Serial Number
Operators Manual Present
Decals Present
Damage, Dirt, Missing Parts,
Corrosion, Unauthorised Changes
Stabiliser Leg Function
Slider Function
Lock Function
Door Function
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