Using scaffolding and working at height are critical components of construction, maintenance, and repair work.
Most workers in this industry will be working at height regularly, and so will require specialised skills and knowledge to ensure the safety of workers, the public, and the job site.
Two of the most common forms of training for working at height are PASMA and scaffold training. In this blog, we will explore the differences between these two types of training, so you can decide which one suits you and the needs of your company best.
PASMA stands for Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association. They offer a training program that covers the safe use and erection of mobile access towers (also known as mobile scaffold towers).
PASMA training teaches workers how to safely assemble, dismantle, and move these towers in a range of different job sites. The program includes theoretical and practical components that cover relevant health and safety regulations, risk assessment, and the proper use of equipment.
One of the main benefits of PASMA training is that it is specific to the use of mobile access towers. Workers who complete PASMA training gain the knowledge and skills needed to safely work at height using these towers.
PASMA training also covers a range of tower types and configurations, ensuring that users are familiar with a variety of setups that they may encounter on different job sites.
Scaffold training covers a broad range of topics related to working at height. This training program is designed to teach workers how to safely erect, use, and dismantle whole scaffolding systems. Scaffold training covers a range of scaffold types, including tube and fitting scaffolds, system scaffolds, and birdcage scaffolds.
Scaffold training covers a wider range of topics than PASMA training, including more in-depth coverage of health and safety regulations, risk assessment, and the safe use of equipment. It also covers topics such as scaffold design, inspection, and maintenance, which are not covered in PASMA training.
The main difference between PASMA training and scaffold training is the focus of each. PASMA training is specific to the use of mobile access towers, while scaffold training covers a wider range of scaffold types.
Another key difference is the length of the training programs. PASMA training typically lasts one day, while scaffold training can last up to several days or weeks, depending on the level of training.
The choice of which training program to undertake will depend on the specific job requirements of your business, and the type of access equipment being used. If you are only going to be using mobile access towers, then PASMA will cover everything you need to be safe while using this equipment. However, if you will be using a broader range of equipment for working at height, a scaffold training course would be more beneficial to you.
Pop Up Products Limited are leading manufacturers of innovative low level access equipment. We offer a large range of access equipment and have an exceptional customer service team on hand to answer any questions you may have, both before and after sales. Contact our customer service team here.
