If you are working in the industry it is likely you will have already come across the PASMA training course. PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers and Manufacturers' Association) is a well known training association which focuses on the safe use of mobile access towers and how to promote best practice in the area.
PASMA is made up of a team of industry experts. The Association works with other professionals to provide essential skills for people working at every level in the height industry. Thousands of people attend the course every near at PASMA approved training centres across the country.
So who should take the PASMA course? The standard training course is aimed at anyone who is involved in the use of Mobile Access Towers. It provides candidates with the necessary training to safely erect, use, inspect and dismantle Mobile Access Towers.
Whilst there are courses such as IPAF which can be undertaken, these are often overlooked as to work with a mobile tower you generally have to show a PASMA card first. According to the 2005 Working at Height Regulations, anyone working from height must prove they are completely competent of using the equipment.
Competent to a legal standard means having the ability to assemble and dismantle a mobile tower. A lot of construction accidents occur when working from height so it is important that you have sufficient knowledge and experience to carry out all site duties. This includes understanding where potential hazards may occur and carrying out sufficient risk assessments.
So, what can you expect to learn about in the standard PASMA training course? There are lots of topics covered over the course of PASMA training including component identification, assembly criteria, stability, hazards and inspection. The course is a one day session with an assessment at the end of it. The assessments include both a written and practical test. The test involves erecting and dismantling a tower, as well as carrying out an inspection on the equipment. The written test ensures that you have an in-depth understanding of any legal issues surrounding working at height as well as equipment standards and potential hazards.
Upon completion of the course, the delegate's details are put onto the PASMA database and the delegate is awarded with a Certificate and photo ID card which can be shown to potential employers. The PASMA course is then valid for 5 years thereafter.
Have you ever undertaken a PASMA course? Would you consider this an alternative to the IPAF course?