The Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) is still currently recognised as the industry standard training course for building/inspecting mobile access towers in any capacity. While it is a very niche training scheme, if you or your business are going to be working with these structures, then these training courses can’t be ignored.
As such large and complicated tools, there’s a reason PASMA training has gained a reputation for being a rather in-depth series of courses. While the number of different types of PASMA courses may seem a little daunting at first, for the sake of being able to navigate these frameworks both safely and expertly, you really can’t be too prepared.
Read on to find out how these training courses can benefit your business.
What is PASMA training?
PASMA is the international non-profit association for the industry of mobile access towers. As such, they provide a series of courses design to thoroughly train participants in the proper knowledge and handling of mobile access towers structures.
Once completed, those who have taken the courses should have the skills to erect, dismantle, inspect and move these towers safely and efficiently as well as having a proper understanding of the relevant legislation around this technology. As well as having the relevant knowledge of mobile access towers, the successful candidate will also receive a PASMA certification and ID card as official proof of their skill which is valid for five years of service.
Like many other buildings and legislation courses, PASMA training is divided up into sections: the theory presentation, the written assessment, practical training, a practical assessment and a review evaluation. If all of these are finished to the official standard, then certifications will be awarded.
The Different Kinds of PASMA Training
With these towers being relatively large and complicated pieces of equipment, there are a number of different PASMA courses available, each covering a different type of scenario.
PASMA Towers for Users. Their flagship course that is designed for those who will be responsible for inspecting, moving, dismantling and assembling towers when using Advance Guardrail systems.
Work at Height Essentials. A half-day course that covers essential training for working at height. It also provides key information about using mobile access towers and the access equipment needed to maintain them.
Low-Level Access. Another half day course intended for those who will be frequently dealing with access equipment under 2.5m in height. Covers hazard training, an overview of current legislation and regulations as well as the best practices to use.
Towers on Stairs. Covers how to build stepped towers. This course will also go over key hazard information about these specific setups as well as how to inspect, move, dismantle and assemble the structures.
Towers for Managers. This is a mandatory course for those who will be managing or supervising projects involving mobile access towers. This will cover the best ways to oversee all operatives on a site so that all future projects involving these structures will run smoothly.
Towers with Cantilevers. An advanced module designed for more experienced tower builders. This course will provide participants with the skills to build more complex towers as well as detailing requirements for assembling structures with cantilevers. Participants must have already passed PASMA’s Towers for Users course to attend.
Towers for Riggers. This is the most advanced PASMA training course available at present. This is a five-day course that will cover both the theory and practical work needed to assemble, inspect and dismantle the most complex tower structures. This is a training course specifically designed for advanced users who will be working with towers not covered by the EN1004 guidelines.
Instructor Training. For those looking to become PASMA training instructors themselves. MUST already be a member of PASMA or run/work for an existing PASMA accredited centre.
Not all courses are required for you to be certified, so think carefully about which training would benefit your workforce. It’s always best to be overprepared as this can open you up to more complicated jobs in the future as well as making sure that every aspect of any given task will go smoothly.
The Benefits of PASMA Training
Mobile access towers are one of the most commonly used pieces of equipment around construction sites, so having the ability to correctly assemble, inspect and disassemble them is a skill you’ll find yourself needing more often than you might first expect.
This kind of training can open all sorts of doors. If you or your business want to work at height, then a relevant course is then required by law.
PASMA training is the industry standard for courses involving mobile access towers. For many institutions, a PASMA card is the only standard they’ll accept for proof of competence in this area. PASMA itself also acts as the central source of information of mobile access towers, so having their certification will also grant you their clout when it comes to working with these structures. Ultimately, you want to assure clients that you are qualified for any kind of job that you do, and with mobile access towers, a PASMA card is the best and easiest way to do so.
When it comes to working with mobile access towers, not only are safety procedures and appropriate knowledge essential for doing a job well, relevant qualifications are also legally required. PASMA training is recognised industry-wide for their professionalism and will show you and your workforce to be more than adequately prepared to take on jobs involving this equipment.
Courses can be provided in training centres all over the country and most take less than a day to complete. Perfect for adding another qualification to your arsenal and to reassure your clients of your competence.
