If you’re planning to work with mobile access towers or engage in activities that involve working at height, PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association) training is essential for ensuring both safety and compliance. PASMA training equips workers with the skills and knowledge to safely assemble, dismantle, and use mobile access towers, whether on-site or in other work environments. In this blog, we’ll provide an overview of PASMA, the types of courses available, and what you can expect from the training.
What is PASMA?
PASMA is the UK’s leading authority on mobile access towers and represents both the manufacturers and suppliers of this equipment. The association’s training programs are designed to help workers meet industry standards, focusing on best practices for mobile access towers, safety at height, and low-level access equipment. PASMA’s courses are widely recognized in industries such as construction, maintenance, and facility management.
Types of PASMA Training Courses
PASMA offers a range of training courses, each catering to different access tower configurations and work environments. Below is an overview of the different PASMA courses and the equipment they cover.
1. PASMA Towers for Users
This is the most common PASMA course and is ideal for those who will be using mobile access towers regularly. It covers the key safety principles for working with access towers, including how to safely erect, move, inspect, and dismantle them. The course also includes a strong focus on fall prevention, ensuring workers understand the hazards of working at height and how to mitigate them.
Equipment Covered:
- Mobile access towers for general use
- Tower components and stabilisers
- Inspection and maintenance protocols
2. PASMA Combined Tower and Low-Level Access
This course is a great option for workers who need to operate both standard mobile towers and low-level access platforms. It offers comprehensive training on both types of equipment and ensures that workers understand the different hazards and safety measures required for each type.
Equipment Covered:
- Mobile access towers
- Low-level access platforms (less than 2.5 meters in height)
The combined course is efficient for those who want a broad range of skills in a short amount of time.
3. PASMA Low-Level Access
This specialised course focuses exclusively on low-level access equipment, which is typically used for tasks that don’t require the height of a full access tower. It’s perfect for those who need to work at lower heights but still require a safe, stable platform.
Equipment Covered:
- Podiums
- Folding room scaffolds
- Other low-level platforms under 2.5 meters
4. PASMA Towers on Stairways
This course is tailored to working on stairways, a situation that presents unique challenges for setting up access equipment. It teaches workers how to safely erect and use access towers on stairways or uneven surfaces, focusing on maintaining stability and ensuring safety in these challenging environments.
Equipment Covered:
- Mobile access towers configured for stairways
- Stairway-specific components and stabilising equipment
5. PASMA Cantilever Towers for Users
Cantilever towers are used in situations where it’s necessary to overcome an obstruction, such as a wall or machinery. This course provides specialised training on assembling and using cantilever towers safely, ensuring workers can navigate complex environments without compromising on safety.
Equipment Covered:
- Cantilever mobile towers
- Special components such as cantilever frames and beams
6. PASMA Working at Height Essentials
This course focuses specifically on the safety aspects of working at height. It doesn’t involve practical assembly or dismantling of towers but covers the fundamental principles of height safety, including the legal responsibilities, fall protection, and risk assessment.
Topics Covered:
- Fall prevention and protection
- Legal and safety regulations
- Risk assessment procedures
- Safe use of ladders and steps
7. PASMA Towers for Managers
This course is designed for managers and supervisors responsible for overseeing teams working with access towers. It ensures that those in managerial roles understand their legal obligations and can effectively plan and supervise tower-related work.
Topics Covered:
- Responsibilities of managers under current regulations
- How to assess tower assembly and dismantling risks
- Safe planning of work at height
- Legal and regulatory framework for working with mobile access towers
8. PASMA Linked Towers for Users
Linked towers are used when there is a need to cover a broader area by connecting multiple towers. This course teaches how to safely link multiple access towers together and move between them. It’s ideal for workers who need to operate across larger or more complex workspaces.
Equipment Covered:
- Linked mobile towers
- Special connection systems and stabilizers
9. PASMA Towers with Bridges for Users
Bridging towers allow for access between structures or over obstacles such as gaps or small pits. This course offers specialised training on the safe setup and use of towers with bridge components.
Equipment Covered:
- Mobile access towers with bridge components
- Platforms designed to span obstacles
- Stabilisation and safety measures for bridging towers
What to Expect During Your PASMA Training
Each PASMA training course follows a similar structure, combining both theoretical and practical elements to ensure participants leave with a full understanding of how to use the equipment safely and efficiently. Here’s what you can expect during your PASMA training:
Theoretical Training
- Introduction to PASMA and legal requirements: Each course begins with an overview of relevant legislation, including the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Participants learn about their legal responsibilities and the importance of safe working practices.
- Equipment overview: You’ll be introduced to the specific types of towers or access platforms covered by the course, including their components, uses, and safety features.
- Risk assessment: Identifying potential hazards and understanding how to assess and mitigate risks when working with mobile towers is a key component of the theoretical training.
Practical Training
- Tower assembly and dismantling: In most courses, participants will get hands-on experience assembling and dismantling mobile access towers. This practical element is closely supervised to ensure safety at all times.
- Inspection and maintenance: You’ll learn how to inspect towers for damage, ensure they are stable and secure, and carry out basic maintenance tasks.
- Safety tests and assessments: Each course ends with an assessment, where participants must demonstrate their understanding of both the theoretical and practical elements of the course.
Conclusion
PASMA training courses are essential for anyone working with mobile access towers or engaging in activities at height. The training ensures that both workers and managers are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to operate safely, in compliance with current regulations. Whether you’re working on low-level access platforms or advanced cantilever towers, PD Training has a course that will meet your needs and help you work more safely and efficiently. COntact us today on 01344 830015 or email us on enquiries@pd-training.co.uk for more information or to book your course.
