Leach 1298-IM-EN User manual

MEDIUM DUTY
SINGLE WIDTH LADDERSPAN TOWER
Mobile Aluminium Access Tower
ISSUE 6
Instruction Manual EN 1298-IM-EN
The MD Ladderspan Tower is certified to BS EN 1004:200
3T - Through The Trapdoor Method
01432 346800 | [email protected] | www.leachs.com

Page 2
MD Single Width Ladderspan Tower |Assembly Guide
Introduction
Please read these instructions carefully and ensure that you fully understand all of the information
contained herein. All of the information in this document is vital for the safe utilisation of your
Medium Duty Tower.
All products are professional quality engineered equipment designed primarily with safety in mind
and meet or exceed all standards, recommendations and guidelines. Used properly, the equipment will
keep you safe when working at height.
This manual contains all of the information necessary to correctly assemble your Medium Duty
mobile access tower and incorporates all of the requirements of the PASMA 3T method of assembly as
endorsed by the HSE.
This manual should be used in conjunction with your Risk Assessment and Method Statement and in
line with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 which place an obligation on employers to eliminate or
minimise risks. This manual must be made available to the user/assembler at all pertinent times.
Only competent and qualified personnel should undertake erection, dismantling or alteration, organisation,
planning or supervision of mobile access towers. In the case of any doubt, sufficient relevant additional
training must be given beforehand to ensure safe use. For further information on the use of mobile
access towers consult PASMA (www.pasma.co.uk; Tel [phone]). For any additional technical
information or specific advice please contact LEACH'S, TEL: [phone]
or EMAIL: [email protected]
Certifications
The Medium Duty Tower is a mobile access tower certified to EN 1004 Class 3. If the application is
outside the scope of EN 1004, reference should be made to EN 1139 to ensure that the configuration of
the equipment meets the relevant requirements. This tower is manufactured in our ISO 9001 accredited
facility. This manual complies with EN 1298-IM-EN.
Maximum Safe Working Loads
The safe working load of the tower is 2,000kg including its own weight. The maximum safe working load
of any individual platform is 282 kg evenly distributed.If the tower is to be used in an application
outside the scope of EN1004, contact your supplier LEACH'S, for advice on loadings.
TEL: [phone] or EMAIL: [email protected]

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Products |LEACH'S
Inspection Care & Maintenance
The equipment is designed and manufactured to the highest standards in the industry and is
stronger, more robust and safer than any comparable competitor product. Properly cared for, it will
give a long and productive service life.
•The equipment should be inspected and maintained as outlined in the “MD Tower Inspection
Procedures”. A free downloadable copy is available at www.leachs.com
•Equipment should always be inspected before and after each use.
•Whilst equipment is extremely robust, care should be exercised in loading, transporting and
handling components to avoid damage or injury to either the equipment or persons.
•Repairs should only be carried out by LEACH'S or their authorised repairers.
•In case of any doubt as to the integrity of any items of the equipment, the part should be
withdrawn from use, quarantined and subject to detailed examination to determine whether
repair or replacement is required. If returned to the factory, Lakeside Industries Limited will
provide a free of charge evaluation of any damaged components.
Safety
Check that all of the necessary components and equipment for the particular tower configuration to be
built are on site, undamaged and functioning correctly. Damaged or incorrect components must not be
used.
•Check that the surface on which the tower is to be located is capable of supporting the tower and
its payload.
•The safe working load of the tower is 2,000kg including its own weight. The maximum safe
working load of any individual platform is 282 kg evenly distributed.
•If the tower is to be used in an application outside the scope of EN1004, contact your supplier or
the manufacturer, Lakeside Industries Limited, for advice on loadings. Tel: [phone] or
Email: [email protected].
•Towers must always be climbed from the inside using the built in ladders only. If the work
carried out from the tower requires frequent carrying of equipment and materials up or down the
tower, a stair tower should be used in preference to a ladderspan tower.
•The tower must be levelled when erected using the adjustable jack or castor legs.
•Two or more persons are required for the safe erection and dismantling of a tower.
•It is recommended that the tower be tied in when left unattended.

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MD Single Width Ladderspan Tower |Assembly Guide
•Always comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 when erecting, dismantling & using
the tower.
•When lifting components, always use reliable lifting equipment and fastening methods and always
lift from within the footprint of the tower structure to prevent risk of the tower overturning.
•See “Moving the Tower” below for safety guidelines affecting the relocation of the tower.
•Beware live electrical installations, cables, moving machinery or other obstructions when
erecting, dismantling or using the tower. The tower is a conductive metallic structure.
•The maximum safe lateral force for a freestanding Medium Duty tower is 30kg.
•Do not use boxes, ladders or other items to gain additional height.
•Do not stand on guard rails for any reason.
•If the tower is to be used in connection with hoisting arrangements, this is outside the scope
of EN1004 and requires specific advice from the manufacturer to ensure safety.
•Contact LEACH'S for advice on loadings, TEL: [phone] or EMAIL: [email protected]
•Fit guard rails to all Platforms.
•Fit toe boards to all working platforms.
•Intermediate (rest) platforms are installed every 2m.
•The tower is not designed to be sheeted. Sheeting massively increases wind loads on the
structure. If sheeting is to be attached, contact LEACH'S for advice on loadings ,
TEL: [phone] or EMAIL: [email protected]
•The tower is not designed to be lifted or suspended.
•Every erected tower must be inspected at least every seven days and any tower which has been
left unattended should be inspected before use to ensure that:
1 no components have been removed or relocated incorrectly;
2 the tower is still vertical; and
3 no environmental or other factors have arisen which will influence safe use of the tower.
•Unattended towers should be tied in to a rigid structure.
•Stabilisers or outriggers and ballast shall always be fitted when specified.
•Where there is insufficient clearance to fit the specified stabilisers, contact your supplier or
the manufacturer for specific advice. Where ballast or kentledge is used, it must be of solid
material, placed on a platform on the lowest rung of the tower and secured against unauthorised
removal.

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Products |LEACH'S
Wind Speeds
Persons using or responsible for towers must beware of the effect of wind on the structure. Wherever
possible, as a precaution, it is advisable to tie the tower in to a rigid structure if it is to be used where it is
exposed to potential windy conditions. Users should beware the potential tunnelling effect of open ended
or unclad buildings and narrow openings between buildings. We recommend that the use of the tower is
discontinued in conditions where the wind speed is above 17mph (force 4).
WIND
DESCRIPTION
BEAUFORT
SCALE
AVERAGE
SPEED INFORMATION
Medium Breeze 4 13-17 mph Safe to work on tower.
Strong Breeze 6 25-31 mph Tie the tower to a solid structure. Do not work on tower.
Gale Force 8 39-46 mph Towers must be dismantled. Towers must not be assembled.
Erecting & Dismantling the Tower
All towers must be built and dismantled in accordance with the step by step instructions in the
following pages corresponding to the particular tower configuration involved and having regard to the
working at height regulations and Health & Safety legislation.
Moving the Tower
Before moving the tower, its overall height should be reduced to 4m working platform height or less. No
persons, tools, equipment or materials shall be permitted to remain on the tower when it is being moved.
The tower should only be moved by pushing it by the lowest frames.
When moving the tower, users are to be particularly careful of the following:
•Obstructions, moving machinery or electrical cables and equipment
•not to move the tower in wind speeds of 18mph (force 5) or above
•the effect of rough, uneven or sloping ground on the stability of the tower
•locking and unlocking the castors to allow and prevent the tower moving at appropriate
times
•after completing the movement, use a spirit level to ensure that the tower is vertical and
safely supported on an appropriate surface
•after completing the movement check that the tower is correct and complete.

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MD Single Width Ladderspan Tower |Assembly Guide
Frames
Braces
Stabilisers
1.6m SW
3100mm (upto 7.5m)
4100mm (7.5m & above)
3100mm (upto 7.5m)
4100mm (7.5m & above)
2.4m SW
3350mm (upto 7.5m)
4350mm (7.5m & above)
3350mm (upto 7.5m)
4350mm (7.5m & above)
Diagonal braces must always be located
with the claw opening facing down.
Horizontal braces must be located with
the claw facing either down (on the rung)
or outwards (if on the upright).
All braces are fitted with spring loaded
pins that automatically lock the brace
into position when attached to a tower.
Brace hooks must be located either over
the rung screw heads, between 2 screw
heads or between the frame upright and a
screw head to prevent lateral movement.
Frames must always be assembled with
the offset conical head fitting pointing
inwards towards the centre of the tower.
Stabilisers should always be attached to
the tower so as to maximise the base area
of the tower structure. Set the stabilisers
so they form a square around the tower
as per the diagram below. The correct
size stabilisers must always be used - see
component schedule for details.

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Products |LEACH'S
3T Method Explained
The “3T” or “through the trapdoor” method is one of the two permitted ways of assembling a tower
without the assembler being at risk of falling. This tower is a 3T tower.
Tying In
Towers must be tied into a suitable rigid structure once they go beyond the freestanding working heights
specified in EN 1004 2004 - 8m working platform height outdoors and 12m working platform height
indoors - or if the tower is unstable or is in danger of being unstable.
Standard scaffold tubes and fittings can be used with the products. Ties should be spaced at no more
than 4m intervals. Ties must be rigid and be secured to both frame uprights. For further details
regarding tying in, please contact your supplier or the manufacturer: LEACH'S.
Step 1:
As each new level of platform is installed, the operative
takes up a working position in the trap door of the
platform, standing on the ladder and leaning back
against the edge of the trapdoor aperture.
Step 2:
From this position the operative fits the horizontal
braces 500mm and 1000 mm above the platform level
(i.e. on the first and second available rungs). If the far
end of the guardrail braces don’t fully engage when they
are put in place, the operative fully engages it when first
climbing up onto the platform. This process ensures
that operatives never have to stand on an unguarded
platform.

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MD Single Width Ladderspan Tower |Assembly Guide
COMPONENT SCHEDULE
1.6m Long x 0.8m Wide (Single Width) MD Ladderspan Tower
SINGLE WIDTH MEDIUM DUTY SPAN TOWER TO BS EN 1004:2004
Using the 3T (Through The Trapdoor) assembly method
PLATFORM WORKING HEIGHT (m)
INTERNAL & EXTERNAL USE INTERNAL USE ONLY
CODE PART DESCRIPTION Wt 2.2 2.7 3.2 3.7 4.2 4.7 5.2 5.7 6.2 6.7 7.2 7.7 8.2 8.7 9.2 9.7 10.2 10.7 11.2 11.7 12.2
2239 125mm Dia. Castor Wheel 2.5 444444444444444444444
3076 MD Adj. Alum Leg (black collar) 1.3 444444444444444444444
3036 MD 1.6m S/W Toeboard 7.3 111111111111111111111
3008 MD S/W 4 Rung Frame 6.5 112122323343445455656
3012 MD S/W 4 Rung Ladder Frame 8.9 112122323343445455656
3010 MD S/W 3 Rung Frame 5.01111111111
3013 MD S/W 3 Rung Ladder Frame 6.91111111111
3011 MD S/W 2 Rung Frame 3.6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3014 MD S/W 2 Rung Ladder Frame 4.8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3015 MD 1.6m Horizontal Brace (blue) 2.0 6 8 10 10 10 12 14 14 14 16 18 18 18 20 22 22 22 24 26 26 26
3016 MD 1.6m Diagonal Brace (green) 2.4 333444455556666777788
3021 MD 1.6m Trap Platform 12.5 122222333344445555666
3023 MD Small Stabiliser 4.7 44444444444
3024 MD Large Stabiliser 5.9 4444444444
TOTAL SELF WEIGHT OF TOWER (kg) 97 117 124 131 135 142 163 170 174 181 201 213 217 224 245 252 256 263 283 290 294
MAX No. WORKING LEVELS 122222333344445555555
BUILD METHOD A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A

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Products |LEACH'S
COMPONENT SCHEDULE
2.4m Long x 0.8m Wide (Single Width) MD Ladderspan Tower
SINGLE WIDTH MEDIUM DUTY SPAN TOWER TO BS EN 1004:2004
Using the 3T (Through The Trapdoor) assembly method
PLATFORM WORKING HEIGHT (m)
INTERNAL & EXTERNAL USE INTERNAL USE ONLY
CODE PART DESCRIPTION Wt 2.2 2.7 3.2 3.7 4.2 4.7 5.2 5.7 6.2 6.7 7.2 7.7 8.2 8.7 9.2 9.7 10.2 10.7 11.2 11.7 12.2
2239 125mm Dia. Castor Wheel 2.5 444444444444444444444
3076 MD Adj. Alum Leg (black collar) 1.3 444444444444444444444
3037 MD 2.4m S/W Toeboard 10.4 111111111111111111111
3008 MD S/W 4 Rung Frame 6.5 112122323343445455656
3012 MD S/W 4 Rung Ladder Frame 8.9 112122323343445455656
3010 MD S/W 3 Rung Frame 5.01111111111
3013 MD S/W 3 Rung Ladder Frame 6.91111111111
3011 MD S/W 2 Rung Frame 3.6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3014 MD S/W 2 Rung Ladder Frame 4.8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
3017 MD 2.4m Horizontal Brace (yellow) 2.6 6 8 10 10 10 12 14 14 14 16 18 18 18 20 22 22 22 24 26 26 26
3018 MD 2.4m Diagonal Brace (brown) 3.0 333444455556666777788
3022 MD 2.4m Trap Platform 18.2 122222333344445555666
3023 MD Small Stabiliser 4.7 44444444444
3024 MD Large Stabiliser 5.9 4444444444
TOTAL SELF WEIGHT OF TOWER (kg) 111 137 146 154 158 166 193 201 205 213 240 253 257 265 292 300 304 312 339 347 351
MAX No. WORKING LEVELS 122222333344445555555
BUILD METHOD A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A

Page 10 MD Single Width Ladderspan Tower |Assembly Guide
Step 1
Insert the leg & castor assembly into
the base of the first main frame and
ladder frame. When fully inserted,
ensure the spring loaded pin is
engaged into the hole in the side of
the frames. Ensure all 4 wheels have
the brakes applied.
Step 2
Connect 2 horizontal braces to the
uprights of the first frame in the
area below the bottom rung. Make
sure that the braces are connected
from the inside of the tower facing
outwards. Make sure that the frame
head fittings are pointing inwards
into the tower.
Step 3
Connect the 2nd frame to the
horizontal braces in the same
position that they are located on
the first frames. Make sure that the
frame head fittings are pointing
inwards into the tower.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS - All Platform Working Heights

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Products |LEACH'S
Step 4
Connect 2 diagonal braces to the
frames as shown. Keep the diagonal
braces as close to the frame uprights
as possible. Ensure that they run in
opposite directions to each other.
Step 5
Install a trap platform on the 2nd rung
up and 4 horizontal braces as guard
rails. Using a spirit level, ensure that
the framework is completely level by
adjusting the legs. Twist the serrated
collar above the wheel to adjust up
& down.
Step 6
Once the framework is in position
and level, connect 4 stabilisers to
the corners. Fix the shorter arm
to the lowest part of the frame,
then connect the longer arm to
the upper part, ensuring the foot is
firmly placed on the ground. Small
vertical adjustments can be made
to either arm to guarantee a sturdy
placement.

Page 12 MD Single Width Ladderspan Tower |Assembly Guide
Step 7.1
Working from the temporary
platform, install a 2 rung main frame
& a 2 rung ladder frame onto the
4 rung frames. Then, clip onto the
top rung a diagonal brace. Diagonal
braces always run parallel to the
braces below.
Install another 4 guard rails above
the 4 already in place for when the
platform is relocated.
Step 7.2
Remove the lower 4 guardrails by
using the 3T method or uninstalling
them from the ground. Relocate
the platform to the top rung of the
first frames. If a 2.2m tower is being
assembled, go straight to Step 10.
From this new platform position,
install a 4 rung frame and a 4 rung
ladder frame. Clip on one standard
diagonal brace on the same side
of the tower as the one form step
7.1. The start position of the brace
should be on the same rung height
as the finishing position from the
brace below - running in the same
parallel direction.
Proceed to Step 9
Build Method A 2.2m, 4.2m, 6.2m, 8.2m, 10.2m

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Products |LEACH'S
Step 7.1
Working from the temporary
platform, install a 3 rung main frame
& a 3 rung ladder frame onto the
4 rung frames. Then, clip onto the
top rung a diagonal brace. Diagonal
braces always run parallel to the
braces below.
Step 7.2
Relocate the platform down one
rung to the bottom rung of the
first frames and add 2 additional
guardrails. Working off this, install a
2nd platform 4 rungs above.
Step 7.3
Using the 3T method install 4
guardrails to the upper platform. If
a 2.7m tower is being assembled,
go straight to step 10. The platform
on the bottom rung of the tower
and the 4 guardrails can now be
removed. Make sure that there
are still 2 horizontal braces on the
bottom rung and the 4th rung up on
the tower.
Proceed to Step 8
Build Method B 2.7m, 4.7m, 6.7m, 8.7m, 10.7m

Page 14 MD Single Width Ladderspan Tower |Assembly Guide
Step 7.1
Working from the temporary
platform, install a 4 rung main frame
& a 4 rung ladder frame onto the
first set of 4 rung frames. Then, clip 1
diagonal brace on. The start position
of the brace should be on the same
rung height as the finishing position
from the brace below - running in
the same parallel direction.
Step 7.2
Install a 2nd platform 4 rungs above
the first platform. Using the 3T
method install 4 guardrails to the
upper platform. If a 3.2m tower is
being assembled, go to step 10.
Proceed to Step 8
Build Method C 3.2m, 5.2m, 7.2m, 9.2m

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Products |LEACH'S
Step 7.1
Working from the temporary
platform, install a 2 rung main frame
& a 2 rung ladder frame onto the 4
rung frames. Then, clip onto the top
rung of one frame a diagonal brace.
The other end connects to the rung
3 below on the opposite face.
Install another 4 guard rails above
the 4 already in place for when the
platform is relocated.
Step 7.2
Remove the lower 4 guardrails
by either using the 3T method or
uninstalling them from the ground.
Then relocate the platform to the
top rung of the first frames. Working
off this new platform position, install
a 3 rung main frame and a 3 rung
ladder frame. Then clip 1 more
diagonal brace.
Step 7.3
Lower the platform down 1 rung
and relocate the guardrails into
the correct positions using the 3T
method. Install another platform 4
rungs above and install 4 guardrails
using the 3T method. If a 3.7m tower
is being assembled, go to step 10.
Proceed to Step 8
Build Method D 3.7m, 5.7m, 7.7m, 9.7m

Page 16 MD Single Width Ladderspan Tower |Assembly Guide
Step 8
Working from the top platform,
install a 4 rung main frame & a 4
rung ladder frame. Then clip 1 more
diagonal brace onto the same side
as the previously installed diagonal
brace. The start position of the brace
should be on the same rung height
as the finishing position from the
brace below - running in the same
parallel direction.
Step 9
Install a trap platform 4 rungs above
the previous platform. Using the 3T
method install 4 guardrails to the
upper platform.
Now, repeat steps 8 and 9 until the
required platform working height
is achieved. Once the final step 9 is
complete, move to step 10.
Step 10
Finally, working from the guard
railed platform, install a toeboard,
ensuring that the sides are hooked
securely over the outside edge of
both platforms.
All Platform Working Heights

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Products |LEACH'S
Step 1
The dismantling procedure requires
a minimum of 2 operatives to
complete the task safely. To start,
first remove the aluminium toeboard
assembly.
Step 2
Now, relocate the uppermost
diagonal brace downwards so the
top hook is located on the same
rung as the uppermost platform.
This can be done by either using
one operative on the top platform
and one operative on the platform
underneath, or by disengaging the
top hook then climbing down onto
the platform below and disengage
the 2nd hook.
Step 3
Next, remove the 4 guardrails. To
remove braces or guardrails, firs
disconnect each brace at the end
furthest away from the platform trap
door. Then immediately take up the
protected position detailed in the
3T method. Whilst standing through
the trapdoor as per the 3T method,
disconnect the braces completely.
DISMANTLING INSTRUCTIONS - All Platform Working Heights

Page 18
MD Single Width Ladderspan Tower |Assembly Guide
Step 4
Now, working from the platform
below, the upper platform can be
removed. Once this is fully removed,
the recently relocated diagonal
brace(s) can now be taken off. This
can be done by one operative from
the platform.
Step 5
Now remove the final 2 frames o
the top of the tower.
Now repeat steps 2 to 5 until the
tower is dismantled or the new
platform height is achieved.
DISMANTLING INSTRUCTIONS - All Platform Working Heights

Page 19
Products |LEACH'S
2239 - 125mm castor wheel
3076 - MD Adj. Leg
3008 - MD S/W 4 Rung Frame 3012 - MD S/W 4 Rung Ladder
Frame
3010 - MD S/W 3 Rung Frame 3013 - MD S/W 3 Rung Ladder
Frame
3011 - MD S/W 2 Rung Frame
3014 - MD S/W 2 Rung Ladder
Frame
3015 - 1.6m Horiz. Brace (blue)
3017 - 2.4m Horiz. Brace (yellow)
3016 - 1.6m Diag. Brace (green)
3018 - 2.4m Diag. Brace (brown)
3023 - MD Small Stabiliser
3024 - MD Large Stabiliser
Components
3021 - 1.6m Trap Platform
3022 - 2.4m Trap Platform
3036 - 1.6m S/W Toeboard
3037 - 2.4m S/W Toeboard

Manufacturing Member
For further information regarding our range of access products and services, please get in touch with us:
LEACH'S
Beacon Park,
228 Holme Lacy Road,
Hereford
HR2 6BQ
t: [phone]
e: [email protected]
w: www.leachs.com
01432 346800 | [email protected] | www.leachs.com