Training Courses for Work at Heights – PASMA or IPAF PAL Card

Work at Height – Why do staff need training?

The short answer is: To keep them and those working around them safely.

More details:

a) Training enables employers to comply with the “Work at Height Regulations 2005” (WAHR 05), to ensure that people involved in working at height are trained and competent. So the employer is complying with the law.

b) Training also helps operators work more efficiently and productively, so it should have a positive effect on the bottom line.

c) Without proper training (and testing), you will not be able to work on properly functioning sites.

The right training for the JOB

To be accepted on the site, you will need to prove that you are a “competent person”. The easiest proof to give is a certificate/card from a recognized training organization to show that you have successfully completed training for the equipment you will be using.

After normal scaffolding, the access equipment used on the site typically falls into one of two categories.

1. Powered Access Equipment: It is subdivided into different types to cover all MEWPs (Mobile Elevated Work Platforms), Scissor Lifts, Cherry Pickers, Boom Lifts, Static Booms, Mobile Booms, Static Vertical, Mobile Vertical, Access Platform, People Lifts, Genie Lifts, JLG, Sky Jacks, etc.

2. Manual towers and access platforms: This category covers access towers, mobile towers, alloy towers, decks, platform towers, scaffold towers, Zip up, Pop up, Razor deck, etc.

The most commonly accepted training and qualification programs are run by IPAF for powered access and PASMA for manual access.

IPAF – Powered Access Training

Training centers accredited by IPAF, the International Powered Access Federation, are authorized to issue PAL (Powered Access License) cards. PAL cards are recognized by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) and the MCG (Major Contractors Group).

IPAF promotes the safe and effective use of powered access around the world. IPAF is a not-for-profit membership organization representing the interests of manufacturers, distributors, users, rental and training companies.

IPAF’s platform operator training program is certified by TUV to ISO 18878. Over 70,000 operators are trained each year through a global network of over 300 training centres. Successful trainees receive the PAL Card (Powered Access License), the most widespread and recognized proof of training for platform operators.

The PAL card is valid for five years. Shows the date the incumbent was tested and the due date when retraining would be required.

Shows the types of equipment the licensee has been trained to operate. Also the level to which the holder has been trained, eg operator, demonstrator and instructor.

It has security features including a holographic logo and the holder’s photograph and signature to prevent misuse.

All successful trainees also receive a logbook to record their work experience.

PASMA – Training in Towers and Access Platforms

PASMA, the Association of Precast Access Suppliers and Manufacturers, supports training certification for manual towers and platforms. Upon completion of the course, students receive certificates of competency and an identification card. PASMA certificates/identification cards are the most recognized proof of competence for the inspection, assembly, use, movement and disassembly of towers and platforms.

The Association put the motto of its PASMA Training Course for Users of Alloy Towers, now universally recognized as the industry standard. PASMA is well known for its training program which has helped more than 24,000 users in the year 2005 alone to improve their safety and operational performance. Only available at PASMA Registered Training Centers, the licensed program is not available from any other source.

The training courses are based on a format and content agreed by all PASMA members and are based on their collective first-hand experience. The courses are widely recognized and recommended by security professionals.

Successful delegates who pass a written and practical test receive a certificate of competency and a credit card-sized encapsulated photo card.

other schemes

There are other schemes available and the law does not state that it has to be a PASMA or IPAF PAL card. However, due to the nature of construction work, which moves from one site to another, it is good to have the proof that any safety manager will recognize.