PASMA Towers for Users study plan
PASMA Towers for Users · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Product Standards and Tower Standards
Identify the key product standards and tower standards relevant to mobile access towers, such as BS EN 1004 and PASMA guidance, and list at least five core requirements for each.
Explain the difference between a standard, a code of practice, and a guidance document in the context of tower safety.
Describe the load classes and duty ratings for mobile towers and match them to typical site tasks.
Define the terms 'working platform', 'guardrail', 'toe board', and 'stabiliser' according to the standards, without referring to external notes.
Your checkpoint
Create a one-page summary sheet listing the key standards, their scope, and three critical compliance points for each.
Product Standards and Tower Standards & Guardrails, Toe Boards and Platforms
Compare the requirements for guardrails, toe boards, and platforms across at least two relevant standards (e.g., BS EN 1004 and PASMA guidance).
Explain how platform loading and access methods influence the choice of tower configuration.
Identify the minimum dimensions and strength requirements for guardrails and toe boards in mobile towers.
Describe the purpose and placement of platforms in a tower, including the difference between a working platform and a rest platform.
Your checkpoint
Produce a labelled diagram (hand-drawn or digital) of a tower showing guardrails, toe boards, and platforms with annotations of the standard requirements.
Product Standards and Tower Standards & Guardrails, Toe Boards and Platforms
Outline the inspection criteria for guardrails, toe boards, and platforms before each use.
List common defects or damage that would render a guardrail or toe board unfit for use and explain why.
Describe how to check that platforms are correctly fitted and secured, including the use of locking mechanisms.
Explain the role of toe boards in preventing falls of materials and how they interact with guardrails.
Your checkpoint
Write a 10-point pre-use inspection checklist for guardrails, toe boards, and platforms, with a brief rationale for each point.
Buying and Hiring Safe Towers
Identify the factors to consider when buying or hiring a mobile access tower, including load capacity, height, and intended use.
Explain the importance of purchasing or hiring towers that meet the relevant standards and come with a declaration of conformity.
Describe the information that should be provided by the supplier or manufacturer, such as assembly instructions and user manuals.
List the questions to ask a supplier to verify that a tower is safe and suitable for the task.
Your checkpoint
Draft a supplier checklist with at least eight criteria for evaluating the safety and compliance of a purchased or hired tower.
Buying and Hiring Safe Towers & Safe Use of a Scaffold Tower
Explain the legal duties of employers and users under the Work at Height Regulations and other relevant legislation when selecting and using towers.
Describe the risk assessment process for tower use, including hazard identification and control measures.
Outline the safe use requirements for tower assembly, movement, and dismantling, including ground conditions and wind loading.
Identify the training and competence requirements for users of mobile access towers.
Your checkpoint
Create a risk assessment template for a typical tower task, covering at least five hazards and their controls.
Safe Use of a Scaffold Tower
Describe the correct sequence for assembling and dismantling a mobile access tower according to the 3T (Through the Trap) method.
Explain the AGR (Advanced Guardrail) method and how it differs from 3T, including advantages and limitations.
Identify the safety checks required before, during, and after tower assembly, including stability and guardrail installation.
Outline the procedures for moving a tower safely, including the use of outriggers and stabilisers.
Your checkpoint
Produce a step-by-step guide for assembling a tower using the 3T method, with key safety checks at each stage.
Safe Use of a Scaffold Tower & Inspections and Assembly (3T and AGR)
Explain the inspection requirements for mobile access towers, including pre-use checks and periodic inspections.
Describe the role of the responsible person in inspecting and maintaining towers.
List the items to inspect on a tower, such as braces, platforms, guardrails, and castors.
Outline the actions to take if a defect is found during an inspection.
Your checkpoint
Develop a tower inspection form that covers all critical components and includes a sign-off section for the responsible person.
Product Standards and Tower Standards & Buying and Hiring Safe Towers & Safe Use of a Scaffold Tower & Guardrails, Toe Boards and Platforms & Inspections and Assembly (3T and AGR)
Review all domains and consolidate key knowledge into a personal study summary.
Practice answering scenario-based questions that integrate multiple domains.
Identify any remaining weak areas and revisit the relevant standards or procedures.
Complete a full mock exam under timed conditions and review incorrect answers.
Your checkpoint
Achieve a score of at least 80% on a self-made 30-question mock exam covering all domains.
Milestones
Week 2: Explain the key requirements of BS EN 1004 and PASMA guidance for guardrails, toe boards, and platforms without notes.
Week 4: Complete the supplier checklist and correctly identify at least three non-compliant tower examples from given descriptions.
Week 6: Demonstrate the correct 3T assembly sequence and state the critical safety checks at each step.
Week 8: Pass the mock exam with a score of 80% or higher and list three areas for final review.