PASMA – Prefabricated Access Supplier’s and Manufacturer’s Association
PASMA is a none profit association which shares information regarding mobile scaffold towers to its members. This information takes the form of guidance on manufacturing standards, instruction manuals for the safe erection and use of towers, codes of practice and safe systems of work. The PASMA organisation along with member companies has worked tirelessly in pursuit of safety in the workplace when working at height.
PASMA has also developed what has become the premier training qualification for mobile access towers. The PASMA Training Course is widely accepted and recognised by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and the MCG (Major Contract Group) Training is offered at registered PASMA centres throughout the UK, or on-site if suitable facilities are available.
Working at height has often been thought of as a very hazardous activity. In fact, falls from height still account for most accidents and serious injuries in the construction industry. These days, however, there is a large selection of equipment available to buy or hire which can reduce the risk of a fall if used correctly. The Work at Height Regulations (2005) sought to change peoples perception of what ‘work at height’ actually is.
For example, prior to the new regulations most construction trades worked on the premise that anything over 2m in height was ‘working at height’. It therefore went that anything under that height was not. This was always a dangerous assumption as many a victim of a low level accident will testify. You can be seriously injured from a fall no matter what the height off the ground – in fact some argue that you are more likely to fall from low-level due to over confidence.
In addition to the ‘2m rule’ the regulations refer to a ‘hierarchy of measures’.
This is examined in detail in the PASMA Training Course and aims to equip delegates with the knowledge to carry out a risk assessment prior to working at height, select the most appropriate work equipment and use and inspect that equipment safely.
Upon completion of the PASMA Course, successful delegates are issued with a certificate of competence and photo id card.