PASMA training is the recognised industry standard for anyone who assembles, uses, inspects or dismantles mobile access towers when working at height. It exists to reduce the risk of falls, collapses and unsafe working practices, which remain some of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries.

Working at height is unavoidable in many industries, but it is also one of the most dangerous activities on site. This blog explains what PASMA training is, why it exists, and why it is considered essential for safe working at height.

What Is PASMA Training?

PASMA stands for the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association. PASMA training provides structured, practical instruction on the safe use of mobile access towers.

In simple terms, PASMA training teaches people how to use access towers properly and safely, rather than relying on guesswork, habits or informal on-site instruction. The training focuses on correct assembly sequences, stability, inspection and safe use in real working conditions.

Because mobile access towers are widely used across the UK, PASMA training has become the most widely recognised way of demonstrating competence when working at height using this type of equipment.

Why Working at Height Is High Risk Without Proper Training

Mobile access towers are often seen as straightforward equipment. This can lead to dangerous assumptions, especially when workers learn by copying others rather than following manufacturer guidance.

Common causes of access tower accidents include:

• Missing guardrails or braces
• Incorrect assembly sequence
• Towers are being moved while occupied
• Poor or rushed inspections

These issues are rarely caused by recklessness. More often, they are the result of insufficient training. PASMA training exists specifically to address these risks and create consistent, safe working practices.

Why PASMA Training Is Essential for Working at Height

PASMA training is considered essential because it directly addresses the main causes of tower-related incidents. It does this by teaching users not just what to do, but why certain methods are required.

From a legal perspective, UK Working at Height Regulations require employers to ensure workers are competent. PASMA training provides recognised evidence of that competence when mobile access towers are used.

From a practical perspective, PASMA training helps workers:

• Identify unsafe setups before work begins
• Understand how stability and height affect risk
• Make safer decisions on live job sites

This combination of legal compliance and practical safety is why PASMA training is so widely required across different industries.

Who Needs PASMA Training?

PASMA training is suitable for anyone whose role involves working at height using mobile access towers. This includes people working in:

• Construction
• Building maintenance
• Facilities management
• Warehousing and logistics
• Fit-out and refurbishment

It is not limited to new starters. Experienced workers often benefit just as much, as PASMA training reinforces correct methods and updates knowledge in line with current guidance.

What Does PASMA Training Actually Teach?

PASMA training combines theory with hands-on practical assessment. Rather than focusing on classroom learning alone, the training requires delegates to physically assemble, inspect and assess access towers.

Key areas covered include:

• Correct assembly and dismantling methods
• Pre-use inspections and safety checks
• Safe positioning and movement of towers
• Identifying hazards and unsafe conditions
• Understanding responsibilities when working at height

This practical focus ensures that PASMA training translates directly into safer behaviour on site.

Mobile Access Towers vs Other Access Equipment

One reason PASMA training is so important is that different types of access equipment require different skills. Mobile access towers behave very differently from ladders or powered access platforms.

For example, powered equipment such as scissor lifts and boom lifts requires IPAF training, which focuses on machine operation and powered movement. PASMA training, on the other hand, focuses on structural stability, manual assembly and inspection.

Understanding which training applies to which equipment is essential for maintaining safety when working at height.

Is PASMA Training a Legal Requirement?

PASMA training itself is not written into law as a mandatory course. However, the law does require competence.

In practice, PASMA training is widely accepted as the industry benchmark for competence when using mobile access towers. As a result, many employers, contractors and site managers require PASMA certification before allowing workers to use towers on site.

Can PASMA Training Be Done Online?

PASMA training cannot be completed fully online. While some theories can be explained digitally, the safe use of access towers depends on practical ability.

Delegates must demonstrate correct assembly, inspection and hazard awareness under supervision. This practical assessment is a key reason why PASMA certification is trusted and recognised across the industry.

How Long Does PASMA Training Last?

PASMA certificates are valid for five years. After this period, refresher training is recommended to ensure that knowledge remains current and working practices continue to meet safety standards.

Why PASMA Training Adds Long-Term Value

Beyond compliance, PASMA training helps create a safer working culture. Workers who understand access tower safety are more likely to:

• Spot unsafe setups
• Challenge incorrect practices
• Reduce reliance on ladders
• Work more confidently at height

For employers, this leads to fewer incidents, reduced downtime and greater confidence in workforce safety.

Final Thoughts

PASMA training exists for one clear reason: to make working at height safer when mobile access towers are used. By teaching correct assembly, inspection and use, it addresses the real causes of many avoidable accidents.

Understanding what PASMA training is and why it is essential helps both workers and employers make better decisions about safety, compliance and risk when working at height.

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