Scaffolding: When is a Certification Required and Why?

Working at any height can be a dangerous task, and with the demand for employees trained to work at height on the rise, it’s important to know all the factors of scaffolding and whether you require training.

From tree surgeons to roofers and especially scaffolders, competency is key. Not all situations will require a certification, but the right level of experience and training can not only prevent any mishaps, but also lower any risk for you and others.

While there is no legal requirement to obtain a qualification, many employers will use training as an indication of competence and your abilities to carry out appropriate tasks. Before allowing any members of staff to work on scaffolding or carry out a job at height, you should make sure they have the sufficient knowledge and skills to perform the task.

In less technical tasks, an employee may only need thorough instructions and a small level of training, however when a higher level of technical experience and skill is needed, for example, drawing up and assembling a complex scaffold structure, existing training and certification schemes such as PASMA would be of significant benefit to both employee and employer. So, what is this certification and how can it help your business?

What is PASMA?

Founded in 1974, PASMA or the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers Association is the recognised focus and authority for mobile access towers, advancing in safety standards and is generally the best practice throughout a range of sectors, including scaffolding.

The Safety Report of the National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) 2017 report has now been published based on the 2016 report and shows an increase of injuries over seven days, however a decrease in major injuries overall.

In comparison to the previous year in 2015, the total number of incidents hasn’t changed, though the frequency rate and incident rate has significantly decreased, even more so from previous years. This is also with an increased number of operatives and companies being on the records.

While the statistics show that accidents occur from various causes, many of these are related to scaffolding structures, working platforms of height and falls of materials from scaffolding.

Why Do You Need PASMA?

Taking into consideration these statistics, we can’t help but wonder how many of these victims were PASMA trained, and if they were, whether the accident could have been prevented through in-depth training.

One of the most prominent benefits of PASMA training is knowing how to stay safe when you are working at height, as well as keeping others safe. Not only will the course teach the trainee the ins and outs of worker safety, but it will also make the individual much more aware of their surroundings, meaning they can recognise potential dangers before they become injuries or even fatalities. Having the ability to identify risks is just as important as being able to prevent them.

Any PASMA trained worker is much more aware of the risks, and their skills and experience in relation safety are of the highest standard.

Not only will the person carrying out the training course learn important factors of health and safety but they will be fully competent in working using a mobile scaffold tower, as well as how to assemble them safely and check for damage, all while following appropriate guidelines.

All training courses will include practical and theory based components, teaching the attendee certain modules such as:

• Health and Safety at Work Act
• Work at Height Regulations
• Accident Awareness and Prevention
• Understanding Instruction Manuals
• Advanced Guardrail and the 3T Method
• Safe use of Mobile Access Tower
• Stability and Ground Conditions

Over 60,000 individuals partake in the course every year either at user or management level, teaching every learner that working at height can be rewarding and satisfying if they equip themselves with the right knowledge, skills and training for the job.

What Type of Training Do You Need?

Whether a manager, employee, employer or business owner, various levels of learning could benefit you greatly. Here at Boss Training, we have a number of courses available, making sure there is one perfect for you and your employees.

PASMA Work at Height Essential Training Course

From the PASMA Work at Height Essential Training course you will fulfil the legal requirements and obtain your PASMA ID Card which is accepted on building sites and other workplaces nationwide. Along with this, you will also have a well-rounded, comprehensive understanding of safe work practices at height, and most importantly a peace of mind that you and the workers around you are completely safe. You will carry out modules such as:

• Work at Height Regulations (2005)
• Aims and Objectives
• Guidance on Working at Height
• Fall Prevention
• Dangers of Falling Objects

The course will last approximately half a day and the certification will be valid for five years. It is structured as training and an assessment in a classroom with a multiple-choice exam.

PASMA Towers for Users Training Course

Anyone whose duties include the need to assemble, inspect, alter, use or dismantle any mobile access towers should attend this course and complete the PASMA training. This course will include practical and written parts, including a test and practical tasks of constructing a tower safely. This is perfect for anyone who feels like a practical session would also benefit them.

Giving an in-depth focus on every component in PASMA, this course is essential for those working on towers in their day to day activities.  

The course is generally lasts a day and once received the certification will last five years.

PASMA Low-Level Access Training Course

PASMA low level training is intended for anyone who uses low level equipment across all industries, including podium steps, scaffolds and low access towers. These are now commonplace in many areas such as schools and hospitals, so will give the attendee full knowledge of how to assemble, move, dismantle and inspect any related equipment.  The course usually lasts half a day and includes both practical and theory modules.

PASMA Combined Course

You can combine the PASMA standard training with the low-level course to blend knowledge and save time and money. The PASMA combined course provides full training on both sides in one day, covering essential training in the use of mobile scaffold towers and low-level equipment with a platform of 2.0m or less. Involving both practical and theory, on completion this certification will be valid for five years.

While working at height presents plenty of obvious risks, if operatives are properly trained within the safe practices, the use of mobile scaffold towers is an extremely reliable and accessible way of working.

Being a recognised accreditation in the construction industry, and also being HSE and UK Contractors Group approved, what better certification to choose to gain knowledge within.

Boss Training is an authorised member of PASMA  and therefore can issue PASMA training photo cards and certificates of competency to those who are successful. Only registered PASMA training centres can deliver this course and issue the relevant documentation, and Boss Training are proud to be a part of this elite group.

We have trained thousands of delegates to work safely at height and you could be next. If you would like any more information regarding how you can get PASMA certified, you can get in touch with our team, or simply enquire about your chosen course online, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.