Aluminium Façade Scaffold Towers – 8 m Without Anchoring

A mobile aluminium façade scaffold replaces frame or tube-and-fitting scaffolding on façade renovations and jobs where the tower moves along the building often: as a scaffold for the façade it may stand without anchoring up to 8 m platform height (EN 1004), assembles in tens of minutes and goes back in the van afterwards. For tradespeople and smaller construction firms that means ALUBERG 770S or 1370S; for two workers on a commercial façade, COSMOS Marte L. Whole multi-storey façades above 8 m remain the domain of anchored frame scaffolding – a mobile tower does not belong there.

But unlike indoor use, outdoor deployment of a mobile scaffold tower is governed by stricter rules – and a construction company that doesn't know them risks not only a fine from the labour inspectorate, but more importantly the safety of its workers.

This article covers what EN 1004 says about outdoor use, how to prepare for it, and which models are best suited to façade work.

The 8 m Limit Without Anchoring – the Key Distinction in EN 1004

Standard EN 1004 (and its equivalents PN-EN 1004, UNI EN 1004) distinguishes indoor from outdoor use: indoors the working platform may stand at up to 12 m without anchoring, outdoors only 8 m – because of wind loading, uneven or soft ground and other outdoor conditions. Why the standard sets these limits and what they mean for each range is covered in our article on maximum tower height without anchoring.

For façade work one thing matters: 8 m is not a recommendation but a certified parameter. A tower used outdoors above that height without anchoring is operated outside its certified conditions, and in the event of an accident liability shifts from the manufacturer to the operator.

Wind – the Greatest Outdoor Risk

Lateral wind loading is a factor that barely exists indoors but can be decisive outdoors. The maximum wind speed for work is not set by EN 1004 but by the manufacturer's instructions: for ALUBERG it is 10 m/s (about 36 km/h), and above Beaufort force 6 the tower must be moved to a sheltered spot or secured. No work is done on an outdoor tower during a storm.

Our guidance for orientation (the binding limit is always in the instructions):

• Beaufort 1–3 (up to 19 km/h): negligible to light breeze, normal work
• Beaufort 4 (20–28 km/h): increased caution, especially at taller configurations
• Beaufort 5 and above (above 29 km/h): better to stop outdoor work; with ALUBERG you are approaching the 10 m/s limit in the instructions

When in doubt about wind speed, the rule is: stop and wait. A strong gust striking a tall unanchored tower can cause rapid tipping.

If you are working in an exposed location – on the corner of a building, on a hillside, or in a wind tunnel between buildings – wind speeds at the worksite will be significantly higher than the nearest weather station reports.

Ground Surface for Outdoor Use – What to Watch Out For

Indoors, the scaffold typically stands on a flat concrete floor. Outdoors the situation is considerably more complex:

Unpaved ground: grass, gravel, or soil are not suitable surfaces for a mobile scaffold tower. The castors can sink in or slip. If there is no alternative, ground pads under the castors are required, or the tower must be used with fixed feet rather than castors.

Uneven surfaces: paving with gaps, kerb stones, thresholds, or other irregularities can cause instability or jamming of castors during movement.

Slopes: a mobile scaffold tower must not be operated on a gradient exceeding the manufacturer's stated limit (typically 1–2% for standard castors). On a slope, the risk of uncontrolled movement is real.

Wet or icy surfaces: dramatically reduce the braking effect of the castors. Operating the tower outdoors under these conditions is not acceptable.

Recommendation for construction companies: always inspect and prepare the ground before assembling the tower. Height-adjustable castors (ALUBERG) and adjustable legs (Marte, up to 40 cm of levelling) are part of the standard assemblies and allow the tower to be levelled on a slightly uneven surface. For more pronounced unevenness or soft ground, ground pads are required.

Outriggers for Outdoor Use – From Which Height They Are Mandatory

Outriggers are critical for outdoor deployment. The height from which outriggers are mandatory is set by the manufacturer's instructions and parts list for the specific system, not by the standard: for ALUBERG 770 from 5 m working height, for ALUBERG 1370 from 6 m.

ALUBERG 770S and 1370S (Standard) are assemblies with outriggers – from the heights above, the outriggers are already in the parts list. Outdoors, never leave them out and fit them exactly as the instructions say; in an environment with wind and uneven ground, a safety margin matters.

On COSMOS Marte S and Marte L, outriggers are part of the assemblies from 4.35 m working height (from the 4th height configuration); larger outriggers for uneven ground can be ordered at extra cost.

Aluminium Façade Scaffold: ALUBERG vs. COSMOS Marte L

Both product ranges are certified for outdoor use under EN 1004. They differ in several aspects relevant to façade work:

Width and manoeuvrability: ALUBERG 770 (width 770 mm, deck 600 mm) is suited to work where the tower needs to be moved along the façade in close proximity to obstacles. The wider ALUBERG 1370 or COSMOS Marte L (1.35 m) offers a larger working area.

Configuration height: Both ranges reach the EN 1004 maximum outdoor platform height of 8 m without anchoring. COSMOS Marte L reaches greater overall heights in standard configurations, which is relevant for multi-storey façades.

Outriggers: ALUBERG 770S / 1370S (Standard) include outriggers in the assembly from 5 m (770) or 6 m (1370) working height. On COSMOS Marte, outriggers are part of the assemblies from the 4th height configuration (4.35 m); larger outriggers for uneven ground can be ordered at extra cost.

Weight and transport: ALUBERG 770S is lighter and more compact – an advantage when moving between multiple sites. COSMOS Marte L is more robust and heavier, but offers a larger platform for work covering a greater façade area.

Recommendation:

• For tradespeople and smaller construction companies working on residential façades and renovation projects: ALUBERG 770S or ALUBERG 1370S
• For industrial and commercial façades with greater heights and two workers: COSMOS Marte L with outdoor accessories

Pre-Work Checklist for Outdoor Use

Before setting up the tower outdoors, verify:

• Platform height does not exceed 8 m (without anchoring)
• The ground surface is firm, level and dry
• Outriggers are fitted and secured
• All castors are locked
• Wind does not exceed the limit in the manufacturer's instructions (we recommend Beaufort max. 3–4)
• Guardrails and toe boards are complete
• Users have been briefed on outdoor use requirements

This checklist does not replace a formal workplace risk assessment, but it will catch the most common errors before work begins.

Summary

Mobile aluminium scaffold towers are an excellent tool for façade work – but only when the rules for outdoor use are respected. The key rules are: maximum 8 m without anchoring, outriggers always fitted, firm and level ground, no work in strong wind.

When buying a façade scaffold beats hiring one is covered in our article Buy or Hire Aluminium Scaffolding; what drives the price of a specific configuration is summarised in the Price section of the ALUBERG page. We sell towers, we do not hire them out – a quote for your façade configuration is ready within 24 hours.

Have questions about choosing a scaffold for façade work, or do you need a quote for a construction company? Contact us.