Scaffold types
What is a static tower?
A static tower is a free-standing scaffold tower fixed in one position, used for access to a single point rather than along an elevation.
Use this diagram+
Free to use on your own site, in training material or in a course handout, as long as the credit link stays on it. Paste this where you want the diagram to appear.
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<img src="https://scaffoldoptix.co.uk/glossary/static-tower/diagram.svg" alt="static tower — scaffold diagram from ScaffoldOptix" width="880" height="620" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>
<a href="https://scaffoldoptix.co.uk/glossary/static-tower">What is a static tower?</a> — diagram by
<a href="https://scaffoldoptix.co.uk">ScaffoldOptix</a>
</figcaption>
</figure>A tower is tall relative to its base, which makes stability the governing consideration rather than load. Height-to-base ratio, bracing and ballast or ties all follow from that.
Static means it is not intended to be moved. That distinguishes it from a mobile tower, which has castors and a different set of rules about being moved while occupied.
Towers are frequently erected by people who are not scaffolders, which is where most of the trouble with them starts.
What goes wrong on site
- Height-to-base ratio exceeded without tying or outriggers.
- Erected by somebody without the competence for the structure they are building.
- Bracing omitted at ground level to create a walk-through.