If you regularly work at height, or you’re in construction, you’ve likely heard the term thrown about on-site, but what exactly is PASMA?
Working at height, whether using low-level access equipment or scaffold towers, comes with risks. According to the Building Safety Group, working at height remains the biggest danger for workers in the construction industry. Proper training, safety precautions, knowledge, and experience are all required in order to work at height safely – and this is where PASMA comes in.
What is PASMA?
Founded all the way back in 1974, PASMA has been the recognised authority on mobile access towers for decades. As a recognised body across the UK, South Africa, South East Asia and the Middle East, PASMA is responsible for the safety and training standards related to mobile towers and their users.
PASMA work with trades, professional bodies, and industry regulators, providing essential safety regulations and guidance to a range of industries. As a part of this, and most likely the reason why you’ve heard the term, they develop and govern the industry standard training scheme for mobile access towers and working at height. Many individuals require a PASMA certificate to prove their competence and secure job roles – but we’ll get into that later on in the article.
What does PASMA stand for?
The term PASMA is simply an abbreviation which stands for the ‘Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association.
Thanks to their knowledge, expertise, and experience, PASMA has earned its position as the authority on mobile tower training and the safety regulations attached to the equipment.
What is a PASMA Certification?
Many employers today will ask to see proof of a completed PASMA Certification, whether in the form of a Card or a Certificate. Essentially PASMA Certification is what you receive upon completing a PASMA-registered and approved training course. They last for five years and should be renewed when they expire, allowing you to keep up with any new legislation or regulations.
Although a PASMA Certification is not required by law, it is a very common requirement for a range of job roles in a variety of industries. This stems from the 2005 Work at Height Regulations, which states that employers must ensure their employees have received the required training for working at height safely – plus they must be able to prove this during site audits.
A PASMA Certification is the ideal way to demonstrate your knowledge and abilities, as well as your compliance with regulations when it comes to working with mobile towers, platforms and more.
What does PASMA Training cover?
There is a range of different PASMA courses available, each designed for different users depending on their level of experience, the type of access equipment they will be using, and their job role.
However, all PASMA-approved courses are designed to provide you with the essential information you need to be able to set up, check and sign off, and dismantle mobile towers and access equipment safely on-site and at home.
As well as mobile scaffolds, PASMA training courses are designed to provide all users with the fundamental skills, knowledge and experience to use platform equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Plus, the completion of PASMA training courses also means you’re up to date on the latest regulations and legislations for working safely at height.
What’s the difference between IPAF and PASMA?
Just like PASMA courses, IPAF Training Courses are also vital for employees working at height. While both IPAF and PASMA courses are designed to prevent workplace injuries that occur whilst working at height, the difference lies in the type of access equipment they’re based around.
IPAF courses cover the safe use of powered access, whereas PASMA courses revolve around mobile access towers. As the access equipment used in each of these areas is different, so too are the safety regulations and legislation. Therefore it’s vital that you, and your employees, stay up to date on all relevant training.
Who needs a PASMA Qualification?
The target audience for PASMA Training Courses is essentially anyone who regularly uses mobile access equipment, including mobile towers and tower scaffolds. By completing a PASMA course you will be able to safely erect, inspect, use, and dismantle such platforms in a safe manner.
Nevertheless, PASMA qualifications are also beneficial for wider audiences, including anyone who works at height and anyone who uses low-level equipment – including ladders!
PASMA qualifications are required for many job roles in all sorts of industries, including construction, retail, manufacturing, and many more. It ensures you can work safely at height, whilst following best practices and remaining compliant with safety rules and regulations.
Choosing a PASMA Course
When it comes to choosing the right PASMA course for you, it ultimately comes down to your job position and the type of equipment you work with.
However, it’s vital to make sure you book your PASMA course with an approved PASMA Training Centre, like The Safety Maintenance Company. This way you can be sure that your PASMA Certification is approved by the official PASMA body, HSE and the UK Contractors Group.
Here at The Safety Maintenance Company, we offer a wide range of PASMA Training Courses to suit all requirements, including:
- PASMA Towers for Users
- PASMA Towers for Managers and Supervisors
- PASMA Low-Level Access
- Combined PASMA Training (Low-Level Access & Towers For Users)
- PASMA Working at Height Essentials
- PASMA Stairs
- PASMA Cantilever
Need a helping hand in choosing the right PASMA course? No problem! Our friendly team are on hand to answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Simply call on 0800 069 953 or email us at [email protected] today to get started.