Looking for some guidance, we have a large village hall with very high ceiling in main area, lighting is provided by  fluorescent tubes set into panels in the ceiling. These and the tiles require regular maintenace.

Currentythis is undertaken by using a scaff tower belonging to a theatre group which lives under that stage ( they use it for a lighthing rig).

 I am a bit concerned about this as its not clear who assembels and dissassembles the tower or if it is actually ever checked, or who is doing the work.

I know that its under the 2m limit so PASMA not required, but would appreciate some thoughts and advice on putting some form of guidlines in place.

 Bothe the hall committee and the theatre group are of the opiomion that WAH does not apply as they are doing it of their own voilition, and they have been doing it for years with no problems.

In the UK, PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association) training is not legally required for erecting mobile access towers under 2 metres in height, but it is generally recommended. PASMA offers a specific Low-Level Access course designed for towers below 2m, focusing on the safe use of podiums, low-level platforms, and access towers that don’t exceed this height.

For structures under 2m, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 still apply, which require employers to ensure that anyone involved in work at height is competent and trained to perform their tasks safely. While PASMA is not a strict requirement, having employees PASMA-trained is one way to demonstrate competence and good practice.

In summary, PASMA training is recommended, even if it’s not legally mandated for towers under 2m.

You have also quite correctly identified that there are inspection requirements associated with the tower scaffold. The required inspection details can be found in the WAHR. Just because it is less than 2m, it does not exclude it from these requirements. 

Hope it helps,

Tony.

Edited by user 11 November 2024 09:06:07(UTC)  | Reason: Typo corrections

Originally Posted by: nic168

they have been doing it for years with no problems

Until something happens: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/hampshire/7477461.stm

 Thank you, teh links and advice have helped enormously, I agree this is onerous of those "we've always done it this way" situations and the case posted by Roundtuit should rattle a few cages.

 The tricky bit is going to be explaining that they need to have some basic systems in place.

When I became H&S Manager of a shop fitting company I was told about all the contracts that were on the go and instructed to frequently visit each site to report on the H&S procedures in action, with the exception of one contract, which was a popular high street store in the centre of Liverpool.  I followed that instruction but there was an accident in that project and the boss told me to visit. One of the sub contractors suffered a foot injury that resulted in him losing the front part of his foot.

When I first walked into the site I was horrified at the pandemonium I saw.  To get to my main point there was an electrical contractor standing on a low level Tower scaffold using wall fixtures to pull him and the tower along stopping at various places to do some work then moving along to do more.

The floor was full of waste materials from the works, timber offcuts, wiring, stepladders and other stuff with no organisation at all.

I did my best to speak with the site foreman but I soon realised he wasn't listening because, as stated here previously they "always did it this way". Back at the office I reported back to the MD about the accident also the state of the site.  

After purchasing some safety boots for himself he and `I visited the site where he rollicked the Foreman and told him I get whtever I want in future.  It took a few further visite but they soon got the message.

Peter, the reason the MD bought his new safety boots is because I told him to.

After my appointment as H&S Manager I completely overhauled the company H&S, including for sub contractors who worked on our sites.  They were very supported of my efforts, they had to be or they would lose the work.

After going self employed most of the subbys employed me to help with their H&S.

Edited by user 17 November 2024 11:47:29(UTC)  | Reason: Typo

DH - problem with this case in Teesside like MOST other reports on health and safety prosecutions is that the defendant chose to please guilty - entirely understandable for many reasons but not necessarily because, if properly advised, they actually believed themselves to be guilty.

We don't know all the evidence that was available and the report doesn't give any indication whatsoever that the fatal fall was in any way due to the access ladder being defective. For all we know the victim could have just "fallen from a ladder", Just as people slip and trip on pavements that have no defects or contaminants in daylight and good weather.

The case would be much more instructive had it been defended and the prosecution evidence tested in trial. However, opting for trial could have cost a charity defendant more than the fine that was levied + attract adverse publicity from a public likely to apply hindsight bias to the circumstances aka "Person dies whilst working. Someone HAS to be held accountable." 

Even Heinrich in 1931 concluded that a few accidents are.........accidents.