Do I Need Outriggers? A Complete Guide to Scaffold Tower Stabilisers

Working safely at height starts with using your scaffold tower correctly. One of the most frequently asked questions from customers is whether they need to fit outriggers (sometimes referred to as stabilisers) to their scaffold tower.

The simple answer is yes—if the manufacturer's instructions require them.

Outriggers play a vital role in maintaining the stability of a scaffold tower, particularly as the working platform becomes higher. Failing to fit them when required can significantly increase the risk of the tower becoming unstable, potentially leading to serious injury or damage.

In this guide, we'll explain exactly what outriggers are, why they're important, when they're required and how to use them correctly.

What Are Scaffold Tower Outriggers?

Outriggers are support legs that extend outwards from the base of a scaffold tower.

Their purpose is to increase the effective footprint of the tower, making it more stable by widening the base and reducing the risk of overturning.

Most outriggers are fitted diagonally from the lower section of the tower to the ground and include adjustable feet to ensure they remain firmly in contact with the surface.

Depending on the scaffold tower manufacturer, you may also hear them referred to as:

Stabilisers
Stabiliser legs
Support legs
Base stabilisers

Although the names vary, they all perform the same essential safety function.

Why Are Outriggers Important?

As the height of a scaffold tower increases, so does its centre of gravity.

A taller tower becomes more susceptible to movement caused by:

Wind
Uneven ground
User movement
Carrying tools or materials
Accidental impact

Outriggers significantly improve stability by spreading the load over a larger area.

Without them, a tall scaffold tower would be far more vulnerable to tipping.

Do All Scaffold Towers Need Outriggers?

No.

Many smaller scaffold towers can be used safely without outriggers because their height remains within the limits specified by the manufacturer.

However, once a tower reaches certain platform heights, outriggers become mandatory.

The exact height varies depending on several factors including:

Tower width
Platform length
Indoor or outdoor use
Manufacturer's design
Applicable safety standards

This is why you should never rely on general advice alone.

Always follow the assembly manual supplied with your scaffold tower.

When Are Outriggers Normally Required?

Although requirements vary between manufacturers, outriggers are commonly introduced as scaffold towers become taller.

Factors that influence this include:

Tower Height

The taller the tower, the greater the need for additional stability.

Tower Width

Single width towers generally require stabilisation sooner than double width towers due to their narrower base.

Indoor or Outdoor Use

Outdoor towers are exposed to wind loading.

This often means stabilisers become necessary at lower heights than for indoor applications.

Ground Conditions

Soft or uneven ground can reduce stability.

Outriggers help distribute loads more effectively, but they should always be used on firm, level ground with appropriate sole boards where necessary.

How Do Outriggers Improve Stability?

Imagine balancing a broom vertically on your hand.

The higher it becomes, the harder it is to keep upright.

Now imagine widening the base.

The broom immediately becomes easier to balance.

Scaffold towers work in exactly the same way.

By increasing the base dimensions, outriggers make the entire structure much more resistant to overturning.

Are Outriggers Difficult to Fit?

Not at all.

Modern scaffold tower systems are designed so outriggers can be installed quickly using simple locking mechanisms.

Correct installation normally involves:

Attaching the outrigger to the designated fixing point.
Adjusting the leg until it contacts the ground.
Ensuring the tower remains level.
Checking all locking devices are secure.

Always follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions during installation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Unfortunately, many scaffold tower accidents occur because stabilisers are not used correctly.

Avoid these common mistakes:

Removing Outriggers to Save Space

Some users remove stabilisers when working close to walls or buildings.

This should never be done unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer's instructions.

Lifting the Outriggers Off the Ground

Outriggers only work when correctly adjusted and firmly supporting the tower.

If they are hanging above the surface, they provide little or no additional stability.

Using Damaged Outriggers

Bent or damaged stabilisers should never be used.

Inspect them before every assembly.

Ignoring the Assembly Guide

Every scaffold tower is different.

The manufacturer's assembly guide should always be followed.

Indoor vs Outdoor Use

Many users assume that if there is no wind, stabilisers are unnecessary.

This isn't true.

Although wind is an important consideration outdoors, stability is also affected by:

User movement
Loading
Tower height
Ground conditions

Even indoors, your scaffold tower may require outriggers depending on its configuration.

What Happens If I Don't Fit Outriggers?

Using a scaffold tower without required outriggers can have serious consequences.

Potential risks include:

Tower overturning
Falls from height
Serious injury
Damage to equipment
Damage to property
Failure to comply with workplace safety requirements

For businesses, failing to follow the manufacturer's instructions could also lead to insurance complications and enforcement action following an accident.

Can I Move a Tower With Outriggers Fitted?

Always follow the manufacturer's guidance.

In most cases:

The working platform should be unoccupied.
The route should be clear.
The ground should be firm and level.
Movement should be carried out carefully.

Some larger towers may require outriggers to be repositioned after moving.

Are Outriggers the Same on Every Tower?

No.

Different manufacturers use different stabiliser designs depending on the tower configuration.

Examples include:

Telescopic outriggers
Fixed-length stabilisers
Adjustable support legs
Integrated stabilising systems

Always use the correct outriggers designed specifically for your scaffold tower.

Never attempt to fit incompatible components.

Routine Inspection

Before every use, inspect your outriggers for:

Bent tubes
Damaged adjustment mechanisms
Missing locking pins
Cracks
Loose fittings
Excessive wear

Damaged stabilisers should be replaced immediately using compatible replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all scaffold towers need outriggers?

No. Smaller towers may not require them. Always follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions.

Can I remove outriggers to fit through a narrow space?

Only if the tower configuration allows it and the manufacturer's instructions permit it.

Are outriggers compulsory?

Yes, whenever the manufacturer specifies their use.

Are outriggers only needed outdoors?

No. Depending on the tower configuration, they may also be required indoors.

Can I use homemade outriggers?

No.

Only use manufacturer-approved stabilisers designed specifically for your scaffold tower model.

Final Thoughts

Outriggers are one of the most important safety features found on modern scaffold towers. They increase stability, reduce the risk of overturning and help ensure your tower performs safely when working at height.

Although not every scaffold tower requires outriggers in every configuration, they should always be fitted whenever specified by the manufacturer. Never assume they are optional simply because conditions appear calm or the tower feels stable.

The safest approach is always to follow the manufacturer's assembly guide, inspect your equipment before every use and ensure the tower is erected on firm, level ground using all required components.

At Leader Pro, we supply industrial scaffold towers, replacement components, stabilisers and outriggers designed to meet recognised industry standards. If you're unsure whether your scaffold tower requires outriggers or need replacement stabilisers, our experienced team is always happy to help.

You may also find these guides useful:

How to Choose the Right Scaffold Tower
What Platform Height Do I Need?
Single Width vs Double Width Scaffold Towers
Aluminium vs GRP Scaffold Towers
Scaffold Tower Safety Checklist
Scaffold Tower Components Explained

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