Scaffold Towers for Facades and Construction – What You Need to Know

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Mobile aluminium scaffold towers are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional tube-and-fitting scaffolding on construction sites and facade renovation projects. They are faster to assemble, require no fixings into the facade, and at the end of a job they go back in the van.

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 facade work.

Indoor vs. Outdoor — the Key Distinction in EN 1004

Standard EN 1004 (and its equivalents PN-EN 1004, UNI EN 1004) explicitly distinguishes two operating scenarios:

Indoor: maximum platform height without anchoring is 12 m. The floor is solid, level, and protected from weather.

Outdoor: maximum platform height without anchoring is 8 m. The standard reduces this figure to account for wind loading, uneven or soft ground, and other outdoor conditions.

This is not a recommendation — it is a certified parameter. A tower used outdoors above 8 m without anchoring is operated outside its certified conditions. 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. EN 1004 states that mobile scaffold towers must not be used outdoors in strong wind or storm conditions.

Practical reference values:

Beaufort 1–3 (up to 19 km/h): safe for work — negligible to light breeze Beaufort 4 (20–28 km/h): increased caution, especially at taller configurations Beaufort 5 and above (above 29 km/h): outdoor scaffold work not recommended; prohibited at taller configurations

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. Adjustable levelling feet (available as accessories for both ALUBERG and COSMOS) 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 — Essential Accessory

Outriggers are critical for outdoor deployment. EN 1004 specifies the heights at which outriggers become mandatory — and these thresholds are considerably lower outdoors than indoors.

ALUBERG models are available with the designation Standard (S), which denotes an assembly including outriggers. For outdoor work we always recommend choosing the S version — even at heights where outriggers would not yet be technically mandatory. In an environment with wind and uneven ground, a safety margin matters.

COSMOS Marte S and Marte L are also available with outdoor accessories including outriggers with extended feet, which improve stability on uneven terrain.

ALUBERG vs. COSMOS Marte for Facade Work — Comparison

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

Width and manoeuvrability ALUBERG 770 (platform width 0.75 m) is suited to work where the tower needs to be moved along the facade 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 facades.

Outriggers ALUBERG S (Standard) includes outriggers as part of the standard assembly. For COSMOS Marte, outriggers are an accessory — they must be explicitly ordered for outdoor deployment.

Weight and transport ALUBERG 770 S 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 facade area.

Recommendation:

• For tradespeople and smaller construction companies working on residential facades and renovation projects: ALUBERG 770 S or ALUBERG 1370 S
• For industrial and commercial facades 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 conditions are safe for work (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 facade 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.

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