If you work at height or manage teams who do, safety is the priority. Formal training is not a legal requirement in the UK. However, employers are legally required to ensure that their employees are properly trained to work at height.
PASMA courses give you the skills to work securely with mobile access towers, which are one of the most common and safest ways of working at height.
PASMA is a practical, one-day training session that covers everything you need to know about assembling, dismantling, and inspecting these towers. By completing the course, you not only protect yourself and your colleagues but also ensure you comply with legal safety standards.
Why PASMA Training Matters
According to the Health and Safety Executive, there are around 5,000 injuries each year, and around 40 fatalities from accidents caused by working at height. It’s the leading cause of accidents in the UK.
When you learn the correct procedures, you help to prevent injuries and create a safer work environment for everyone. Additionally, having a PASMA certificate boosts your professional credibility. Employers value certified training because it demonstrates your commitment to good working practices and regulatory compliance.
What You Learn in a PASMA Course
With PASMA courses, you gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. The course is typically divided into two main parts:
Theoretical Learning
· Regulations and Legislation:
Study the current laws and safety guidelines that govern working at height. This includes an in-depth look at the Work at Height Regulations and other relevant legislation. Understanding these rules is crucial, as they form the backbone of safe practices in the industry.
· Hazard Identification:
Learn how to spot potential dangers before they become problems. This includes identifying unstable ground, improper use of equipment, and other risk factors that could lead to accidents.
· Risk Assessment Techniques:
Learn how to conduct thorough risk assessments. The course explains how to evaluate potential hazards and plan your work accordingly. This helps you make informed decisions when setting up and operating mobile access towers.
· Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
The course covers the correct selection, use, and maintenance of gear such as hard hats, gloves, eye protection, and safety harnesses. This ensures you’re fully protected while working at height.
· Maintenance and Inspection:
Learn about the regular checks and maintenance procedures that are necessary to keep towers in safe working order. This includes what to look for during inspections and how to document your findings.
Practical Training
· Step-by-Step Assembly:
Hands-on training in assembling a mobile access tower. Instructors guide you through each step, ensuring you understand how each component fits together. This practical approach reinforces the theory you’ve learned.
· Safe Dismantling Procedures:
Practice the correct sequence for taking down a structure, which minimises the risk of collapse or injury.
· Stability and Safety Checks:
Perform critical stability checks. You learn how to confirm that the tower is secure and balanced before use. This part of the course emphasizes the importance of verifying every detail before beginning your work.
· Real-World Scenarios:
Most PASMA training includes simulated scenarios. These exercises prepare you for unexpected challenges you might face on the job.
Assessment and Certification
At the end of the course, you undergo both a written test and a practical assessment. Passing earns you a PASMA photocard and certificate, which are valid for five years.
Who Should Take This Course?
There are different versions of the course tailored to various roles:
Towers for Users: Best for those who directly assemble and dismantle towers.
Combined Courses: Perfect if you work with both towers and low-level access equipment.
Towers for Managers: Ideal for supervisors who need a comprehensive understanding of safety protocols without the hands-on component.
How to Enrol and Prepare
Finding a PASMA-approved training centre is simple. You can search online or contact local training providers to book a session that fits your schedule. Before attending, review basic safety procedures and ensure you have all required PPE.
Typically, you’ll need a hard hat, gloves, eye protection, and other personal safety gear, but the training provider will give you more details.
Final Thoughts
A PASMA course is an important part of safe working at height. Combining essential theory with practical, hands-on training, gives you a comprehensive understanding of mobile access tower safety. You learn to navigate regulations, assess risks, and operate towers with confidence. With PASMA training, you not only safeguard yourself and your team but also enhance your professional standing.
