If you work at height, choosing the correct certification isn’t optional – it’s a legal and practical requirement. Two of the most recognised qualifications in the UK are PASMA and IPAF, yet many workers and employers are unsure which one applies to their role. Although both relate to working at height, they are designed for very different types of access equipment.

Understanding the difference between PASMA and IPAF training will help you stay compliant, avoid delays on site, and ensure the right people are using the right equipment.

Why Working at Height Training Is Equipment-Specific

Under the Working at Height Regulations, employers must ensure workers are trained for the exact access method they use. This is where confusion often starts. PASMA and IPAF are not interchangeable because they cover different risks, equipment, and methods of access.

The distinction is not based on job title or industry, but on how height is assessed during the task. Whether you assemble a tower or operate a powered platform determines which certification is required.

What PASMA Training Is For

PASMA training applies to the use of mobile access towers, which are assembled and repositioned manually. These towers are commonly used for short-duration tasks in construction, maintenance, and facilities management, particularly where powered access isn’t suitable.

Rather than focusing on machinery operation, PASMA training develops competence in the correct assembly, dismantling, inspection, and safe use of towers. Many incidents involving towers occur because of incorrect setup, which is why PASMA places strong emphasis on practical, hands-on training rather than theory alone.

Tyne and Wear Access explains how PASMA training supports safe working at height by aligning tower use with current regulations and best practice, helping workers understand not just how to assemble a tower, but why specific procedures matter.

PASMA certification is particularly relevant for contractors and teams using temporary access solutions. Businesses across the North East, including Newcastle, often rely on PASMA training to ensure staff remain compliant when towers are used regularly on site.

What IPAF Training Covers

IPAF training is required when working at height involves powered access equipment, known as MEWPs (Mobile Elevating Work Platforms). This includes machines such as scissor lifts, cherry pickers, static booms, and push-around verticals.

Because these machines introduce additional risks, including powered movement, ground conditions, and emergency descent, IPAF training focuses heavily on safe operation, hazard awareness, and correct positioning.

Operators are trained to assess their environment before use and respond safely if something goes wrong at height.

Tyne and Wear Access delivers IPAF training across multiple machine categories, ensuring operators are certified only for the equipment they actually use. Our IPAF training programmes are commonly used by construction firms, maintenance contractors, and industrial operators throughout the region.

For those unfamiliar with how IPAF categories work, understanding the difference between 3A, 3B, 1A, and 1B machines is essential before booking a course, as each category relates to a specific type of powered platform.

PASMA vs. IPAF: The Practical Difference on Site

The most important difference between PASMA and IPAF comes down to manual versus powered access.

PASMA training applies when height is accessed using towers that are built and moved by hand. IPAF training applies when height is accessed using machinery that lifts personnel using powered controls.

On many sites, both methods are used depending on the task. A maintenance team might use towers indoors but rely on scissor lifts or booms for external work. This is why some workers require both certifications to remain flexible and site-ready.

Rather than viewing PASMA and IPAF as alternatives, it’s more accurate to see them as complementary, each covering different access risks.

Do You Need PASMA, IPAF, or Both?

You only need PASMA if your role involves assembling, using, or inspecting mobile access towers and no powered access equipment is used. This often applies to contractors, facilities teams, and site supervisors responsible for tower safety.

You only need IPAF if you operate powered access platforms such as scissor lifts or cherry pickers. This is common in construction, industrial maintenance, and logistics environments.

You may need both certifications if your work involves mixed access methods or if your employer requires wider competency to reduce downtime caused by uncertified operators.

For employers planning training budgets, Tyne and Wear Access outlines PASMA and IPAF training costs in Tyne and Wear, making it easier to compare options and plan certification without surprises.

Why Local Training Makes a Difference

Choosing a local training provider isn’t just about convenience. Local providers understand the types of sites, industries, and access challenges common in the area. Tyne and Wear Access delivers accredited training across Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and Gateshead, supporting both individuals and businesses throughout the North East.

There are clear advantages to choosing local IPAF training in Tyne and Wear, particularly for businesses managing multiple operators or requiring flexible scheduling. Local centres can also offer better continuity when refresher training or additional categories are needed.

In addition to training, access requirements often extend beyond certification. Many businesses pair operator training with equipment provision, which is why machine hire services are frequently used alongside IPAF courses to ensure operators are trained on the same equipment they use on site.

Making the Right Certification Choice

PASMA and IPAF serve different purposes, but both play a vital role in keeping people safe when working at height. Choosing the correct certification ensures legal compliance, reduces risk, and helps work run smoothly without avoidable delays.

If you’re reviewing your training requirements or planning upcoming courses, understanding whether your work involves towers, powered platforms, or both is the first step. From there, selecting the correct PASMA or IPAF training becomes straightforward.

Book PASMA or IPAF Training in Tyne & Wear

Ready to Book the Right Working at Height Training?

Whether you need PASMA training for mobile access towers, IPAF training for MEWPs, or guidance on which certification is right for your role, the team at Tyne and Wear Access is here to help.

We deliver accredited PASMA and IPAF training across Tyne & Wear, Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham, and Gateshead, with flexible weekday and weekend options available.

📞 Call: 0191 483 3700
📧 Email: tyneandwearaccess@outlook.com
👉 Book Online: Contact Tyne & Wear Access

PASMA vs. IPAF – Frequently Asked Questions