Having a difference of opinion with a colleague, I am from a cobnstruction background currently working within the FM/ buidling manintenance and servicing industry. I would ALWAYS suggest that anyone erecting, dismantling or altering an Alluminium Mobile Scaffold (tower) have a PASMA (prefabricated accesses suppliers and manufacturers assoc.) accreidted training certificate as an abolute minimun. what say you?

Clark. Yes you are correct. Category T on the PASMA card qualifies the holder for the erection of an alloy tower. The qualification lasts for 5 years. Allan's also correct in that a lot of scaffolders have other levels of competence on their PASMA card, but not necessarily the tower. So look out for these.

There is no requirement in legislation to be PASMA trained, however there is a requirement of adequate training and the person erecting to be competent. The manufacturer or supplier of an alloy tower type scaffold has a duty to provide an instruction manual which explains the erection sequence, including any bracing requirements. If the tower has been hired, the hirer has a duty to provide this information. This information must be passed on to the person erecting the tower. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 requires an assessment to be undertaken before starting any work at height. I for one would rather have an operative with a basic scaffolding card erect a tower rather than a Pasma card holder erecting the tower armed with their knowledge from one days training.

PASMA is a one day course, many other reputable training organisations are available which offer competent tower scaffold training with the appropriate competence certificates being awarded when the criteria has been met. However armed with the instruction manual of the particular tower (of which there are many variations) a skilled Scaffolder in my opinion is still more experienced than any operative with one days knowledge I do believe the relationship between the HSE and PASMA is one of co-operation only. No more no less.

We insist on our construction sites that not only the person erecting the tower but also the user has to be PASMA trained. This then takes away the problem that the user didnt realise that the tower had not been erected correctly or had been tampered with whilst they are away from the tower. Since we have had this policy the number of towers that we have found being erected/used incorrectly has fallen.

Good call Keith. This also takes away the chance of an untrained person over reaching, standing on the mid or top guardrail or using a pair of step ladders on the top platform, should they require a bit of extra height.

Though it’s crucial that those who erect and dismantle lightweight tower scaffolds know how to do so safely, it’s equally crucial that those who use the towers are either effectively supervised or appropriately trained, e.g. ensuring stability if a tower has to be moved and keeping outriggers appropriately adjusted. Forum users involved with schools will or ought to be aware that there is an increasing trend for schools, including primary schools, to have such scaffolds for various tasks in school halls such as adjusting lights for performances and even replacing spent bulbs or tubes of normal light fittings in such locations – so as to reduce their costs and dependence on external contractors. Though some schools buy brand new tower scaffolds (either individually or to share), I’ve found that quite a number have notably older scaffolds which are either bought at reduced price or accepted as gifts from local firms, including some run by parents of their pupils. Though some second-hand scaffolds held by schools have all the necessary parts, I’ve found that some do not - especially with regard to toe-boards. Also, even when all parts are available, I’ve found that enthusiastic users of such scaffolds, e.g. caretakers, teachers and volunteer parents helping with school events, have not had appropriate knowledge and training. In cases where there are no toe boards available, it’s very simple for a secondary school technology dept or someone with basic DIY facilities and skills to make them from suitable pieces of plywood. Furthermore, I’ve found that asking headteachers and others at schools to imagine how easily even a small implement falling from a tower scaffold can cause significant injury to anyone below is pretty effective as an incentive for them to obtain and ensure the use of toe-boards! Though the thought of a screwdriver tip plunging through a skull is usually sufficient, it can be greatly enhanced by a discussion of all the related adverse consequences, including media publicity. In addition, I’ve advocated to schools with tower scaffolds that they have someone who is suitably trained and knowledgeable to be designated as the co-ordinator for such equipment regarding erection, dismantling and use. As some pupils, irrespective of age, who see a tower scaffold perceive them as a climbing frame, it’s essential to have suitable arrangements to prevent pupils accessing unattended tower scaffolds. Though some forum users might think the above comments about tower scaffolds in schools comprise too much of a diversion from the main gist of this thread, I think they are fairly relevant to those involved with schools. This includes forum users with kids at school and who may encounter tower scaffolds as parents helping their children’s schools. On the subject of tower scaffolds generally, it is feasible I reckon for OS&H practitioners with reasonable knowledge and experience of tower scaffolds to discern just from discussion with erectors and users the adequacy of their understanding and knowledge, e.g. awareness of the height to minimum base dimension ratio with regard to ensuring stability - and the need for toe boards!

frankc - Seems you've made an error at #14, as the middle paragraph of what you suggest I wrote appears to be your response to the first paragraph which I certainly did write. Anyhow, I certainly agree with you about toe boards. Unless there is certainty that a tower scaffold is to be used to gain height solely for visual inspection purposes or other work not involving any tools or other items being placed on its platform, it should be fitted with toe boards. No doubt some erectors regard toe boards with disdain and resent the slightly extra time and effort involved in fitting them. As for my point about discussions with erectors and users, the purpose of such discussions is to get an overall impression about the degree of understanding and knowledge which such people have - or don't have - about the main safety principles and practice for tower scaffolds, not specific ratios for particular makes of scaffolds. However, when dealing with any particular tower scaffold, it's certainly appropriate to ask for the maker's instruction manual. If it isn't readily available, then prompt steps should be taken to obtain it. This might extend to contacting the maker to obtain a copy (perhaps a photocopy of one for a model which is no longer made) though this might not always be feasible. Out of interest on behalf of forum users like me who can't be bothered/are too busy to search, how often does PASMA advise that holders of its training certificate should undergo re-assessment and/or refresher training?

frankc - Many thanks on behalf of indolent or busy forum users like me for the useful information you've provided, including the fact that downloads of MIMs are available from the PASMA website and for how long PASMA certificates/cards remain valid.

I'm with Clairel on this one. The best way of showing competence with a 'pass' ticket in hand.

The PASMA certificate is purely evidence of training and is NOT evidence of competence as Graham correctly identifies. Competence = Skill + Knowledge + Ability + Training + Experience + Attitude + Behaviour Training is a relatively modest component of the overall composition

As long as his course does not claim the trainees to be competent at the end. Also remember claire's advice re HSE - It is very difficult to prove any course any course as equivalent to or better than PASMA regardless of experience. I have had 30+ in construction and would still not try to design one without competent support from such as the manufacturer I regularly use. Bob