Working at height on a domestic or commercial project raises one immediate practical question: what’s the right access solution? Ladders are fine for light, short-duration tasks. But for jobs where you need both hands free, a stable platform, or extended time working at the same height, a scaffold tower is significantly safer and more productive.
We hire alloy scaffold towers from our Newton Abbot depot regularly, to both trades and homeowners tackling their own projects. Here’s what you need to know before you book.
What Is an Alloy Scaffold Tower?
An alloy tower scaffold is a modular, freestanding access platform built from aluminium tubing. Unlike traditional tube-and-fitting scaffolding (which requires erection by trained scaffolders), alloy towers are designed to be assembled by the user following a set of instructions. The result is a stable, moveable work platform that can be repositioned as the job progresses.
Our standard double alloy tower has a platform width of 1,450mm, giving you a proper working area rather than a narrow plank to balance on. They come with a gate, guardrail, toe board and stabiliser outriggers for safe use at height.
What Jobs Are Scaffold Towers Used For?
External painting and rendering — working across the face of a building at consistent height without repositioning a ladder
Guttering and fascia work — cleaning, repairing or replacing gutters, soffits and fascias safely
Roof inspection and minor repairs — getting a proper platform at eaves level for felt repairs, ridge tile work, or aerial installation
Interior ceiling work — plastering, painting or installing ceiling features at height in rooms where a ladder would be both difficult and unsafe
Window cleaning and maintenance — cleaning or painting window frames above ground floor level
Wall and chimney pointing — repointing brickwork or stonework safely, with both hands free
What Working Height Can You Reach?
The working height of a scaffold tower depends on the number of frames used and the ground conditions. As a general rule, the usable platform height should not exceed three times the shortest base dimension for indoor use, or three times for outdoor use with outriggers fitted. Our team can advise on safe configuration for your specific working height when you hire.
Our alloy double tower is priced from £70.00 per week excl. VAT — making it one of our most cost-effective hire items for the access it gives you.
Do You Need Training to Use a Scaffold Tower?
Scaffold towers are covered by the Work at Height Regulations 2005, which require that anyone using access equipment at height is appropriately trained or supervised. For professional tradespeople, PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers Association) training is the recognised standard.
For private homeowners working on their own property, there’s no legal requirement for formal certification — but that doesn’t make working at height any less serious. When you hire from us, we provide clear assembly instructions and advice on safe use. Take them seriously, work within the load limits, and always ensure outriggers are properly deployed.
Hire a Scaffold Tower in Newton Abbot
We’re at Unit 21, Olympus Business Park, Kingsteignton Road, Newton Abbot TQ12 2SN (next to the B&Q roundabout). We offer both collection and delivery across Newton Abbot, Torbay, Exeter and the surrounding area.
Call us on 01626 333823 / 01626 332059 or email hire@olympustoolhire.co.uk to check availability and discuss your project.
