SAB scaffold tower hire
Tower height guide
Start with the height of the job, then compare it with the platform and approximate reach shown for your tower. The top of the tower is not the level you stand on.
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Choose the right height
Three heights to check before you hire
Platform height: the level you stand on.
Handrail / overall height: the physical top of the tower, approximately 1m above the platform.
Working / reach height: approximately 2m above the platform. Reach varies with the person and task; it is not a safety limit.
Choose a comfortable working position
Measure the surface where work will happen. Choose a platform height that lets you work from within the protected platform area without leaning out or standing on guardrails.
Never add a ladder or other height extension to the platform. Check the selected product’s actual dimensions.
Match the job to your measurements
Planning examples: start with the measured work height
On smaller screens, scroll the table sideways to compare all columns.
| Example job | What to measure | What can change the choice |
|---|---|---|
| Bungalow or low-level maintenance | Height of the surface you need to reach, from the intended tower position. | Ground level, eaves and available setup space vary; a low-level platform may suit some jobs. |
| Conservatory work | Work height and the horizontal distance from a safe setup area. | A roof or glazed area can obstruct access. Do not support a tower on a conservatory roof or assume extra height solves outreach. |
| Typical two-storey house | Actual gutter, soffit or wall height at the work location. | Storey heights and sloping ground differ between properties. Check width and stabiliser space as well as height. |
| Gutters and roofline | Height at each part of the roofline you will work on. | Overhangs may prevent a safe working position. A tower is not automatically suitable for stepping onto a roof. |
| Larger commercial or site work | Work height, access route, obstructions and usable ground area. | Site conditions, loading and task duration may call for a different access solution; ask the team before booking. |
These are planning examples, not standard property heights or equipment recommendations. Measure your actual work area and follow the instructions for the equipment supplied.
Turn your measurements into a choice
- Measure the jobActual height, ground and obstructions
- Compare the towerPlatform, handrail, reach and setup space
- Choose with confidenceUse the finder or ask our team
Record all three heights
Use platform height for where you stand, handrail height for the physical top and approximate working height for initial reach planning. Compare like-for-like figures when looking at different tower families.
Check the available tower range
The product selection shows the heights offered for that family. Do not extrapolate a tower beyond the available options or its manufacturer’s limits.
Does a 4.2m working height mean a 4.2m platform?
No. In the illustrated example the platform is 2.2m, the handrail is approximately 3.2m and the approximate reach is 4.2m. Always check which measurement the product selector uses.
What if the job cannot be reached without leaning out?
Stop and reconsider the access arrangement. Tell SAB the measured height, any horizontal obstruction and the available setup area. More tower height alone may not solve the problem.
Ready to choose your tower?
Find the right tower for your job, with free nationwide delivery. If you’re unsure about height or access, our team can help.