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Category: Working at Height

The Essential Guide to Scaffold Inspection: Why Training is Your Safety Foundation

Posted on by Marketing

In the world of construction, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation upon which every successful project is built. Amongst the many safety measures, scaffold inspection stands out as a crucial component that ensures the stability and security of the working environment.

If you’re in the construction industry, you understand that scaffolds are not just temporary structures but lifelines that support workers at heights. But do you know the importance of regular scaffold inspections and why scaffold inspection training is indispensable?

Why Scaffold Inspection is Critical

Scaffolds are subjected to various stresses and environmental conditions that can compromise their integrity. Over time, wear and tear, weather elements, and daily usage can lead to potentially hazardous conditions. Here’s why regular inspections are non-negotiable:

  1. Prevent Accidents: Scaffolds that are not inspected regularly pose a significant risk of collapse or failure, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
  2. Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to health and safety regulations is mandatory. Regular inspections ensure that your site is compliant with local and international safety standards.
  3. Cost Efficiency: Early detection of issues can prevent costly repairs or project delays.
  4. Reputation Management: Maintaining a spotless safety record boosts your company’s reputation and trustworthiness in the industry.

The Role of Scaffold Inspection Training

Inspection is only as good as the inspector. This is why comprehensive scaffold inspection training is crucial.

  1. Enhanced Knowledge: Training provides in-depth knowledge of scaffold types, components, and the specific risks associated with each.
  2. Improved Skill Set: Participants learn how to identify potential hazards, assess the structural integrity, and document findings accurately.
  3. Increased Confidence: Well-trained inspectors are more confident in their ability to make critical safety decisions.
  4. Legal Protection: Properly trained personnel reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties and legal repercussions.

Introducing Our Scaffold Inspection Training Course in Dublin

We are excited to announce the launch of our first-ever Scaffold Inspection Training Course at our Dublin HQ! This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform thorough and effective scaffold inspections. Whether you are a site manager, supervisor, or a dedicated safety officer, this training is tailored to meet your needs.

What You Will Learn:

  • Comprehensive understanding of scaffold components and their functions.
  • Techniques for identifying common defects and safety hazards.
  • Step-by-step inspection procedures and proper documentation.
  • Practical hands-on sessions with real-world scenarios.

Don’t Miss Out – Book Your Spot Today!

Safety doesn’t happen by chance; it’s the result of dedicated training and vigilance. By enrolling in our Scaffold Inspection Training Course, you’re not just enhancing your skillset—you’re contributing to a safer, more efficient work environment for everyone involved.

Book your spot today and be a part of the movement towards safer construction practices!

Safe Access and Egress: Techniques Taught in PASMA

Posted on by Marketing

In industries where working at height is a common practice, ensuring the safety of workers is paramount. One key aspect of this safety is safe access and egress from elevated work platforms like mobile access towers. The Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) has long been a standard-bearer in promoting safe working at height, and their mobile access towers training is essential for anyone involved in erecting or using these structures.

Understanding the Importance of Safe Access and Egress

Safe access and egress refer to the methods and procedures used to enter and exit elevated work platforms, such as mobile access towers, scaffold towers, or ladders, without risking injury. This aspect of working at height is often overlooked, yet it plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and ensuring the well-being of workers.

PASMA Mobile Access Towers Training

PASMA is a recognised authority in the field of mobile access towers offering training solutions designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to work safely at height. The PASMA Operator’s Code of Practice serves as a comprehensive guide for the use, assembly, altering and dismantle of scaffold towers. New revisions to this code mean that no individual who is assembling or working on a scaffold tower needs to stand on an unguarded platform. Safe access and egress techniques are an integral part of this training.

Some of the key techniques taught in PASMA mobile access towers training:

  1. 3T Method (Through the Trapdoor): This method involves climbing through the trapdoor onto the platform and turning around to face outwards. It’s crucial to ensure the trapdoor is securely closed before using this method. PASMA training teaches individuals how to safely execute this manoeuvre, emphasising the need for balance and stability.
  2. A-Frame Method: The A-Frame method is another way to access the platform. It involves climbing a ladder attached to the tower at an angle, resembling the letter ‘A’. PASMA training provides guidance on setting up the ladder correctly and using it safely.
  3. Toe-Boards and Guardrails: PASMA training highlights the importance of toe-boards and guardrails on mobile access towers. These safety features help prevent falls from the platform and provide a secure surface for workers to step onto or off.
  4. Correct Use of Tools and Equipment: The training also covers the proper use of tools and equipment required for safe access and egress, such as handrails, stabilisers, and climbing devices. Candidates will learn how to inspect and maintain these components to ensure they are in good working condition.
  5. Fall Protection: PASMA training emphasises the significance of fall protection measures, such as the use of harnesses and lanyards. Workers are taught how to use these devices when ascending or descending mobile access towers.
  6. Risk Assessment: Part of safe access and egress involves identifying potential hazards and assessing the risks associated with the task. PASMA training instructs participants on how to perform risk assessments to ensure safe working conditions for examples ensuring the suitability of the site ground conditions.
  7. Emergency Procedures: In the event of an emergency or equipment malfunction, PASMA training provides guidance on how to safely descend from the tower. This knowledge can be invaluable in critical situations.

Ultimately, the techniques taught in PASMA mobile access towers training extend far beyond the training room. They become ingrained in the practices of those who undergo the training, creating a culture of safety that extends to every job site. PASMA training ensures that those who work at height are well-prepared to meet this challenge, making it an invaluable asset in our ongoing quest for workplace safety and well-being.

At Industry Training Services we offer comprehensive PASMA Mobile Access Towers Training for more information, contact us:

Portadown: 02838398700

Dublin: 018916105

info@industrytrainingservices.com

TETRA Ladder Safety Training: Step Up Employee Safety

Posted on by Marketing

Ladders are ubiquitous tools used across various industries, from construction and manufacturing to maintenance and utilities. Despite their commonplace presence, they pose significant risks when not used correctly.

This is where TETRA Ladder Systems Training can step in. It provides candidates with the knowledge and skills needed to mitigate these risks, ensuring that every ascent and descent is a safe one.

Understanding TETRA Ladder Systems Training

TETRA Ladder Systems Training is a comprehensive programme designed to equip workers with the skills and expertise necessary to use ladders safely and effectively. Some key elements of the training include:

1. Ladder Selection: Participants learn how to choose the right ladder for the task at hand. This includes understanding the ladder’s load capacity, height, and type.

2. Proper Inspection: An essential aspect of ladder safety is inspecting the equipment before use. TETRA training teaches workers how to conduct thorough inspections to identify any signs of damage or wear.

3. Safe Set-up: The correct setup of a ladder is crucial to its stability. Training covers how to position and secure ladders, ensuring they remain stable during use.

4. Climbing Techniques: Participants learn safe climbing techniques, including maintaining three points of contact, facing the ladder, and using both hands for stability.

5. Fall Prevention: TETRA emphasises fall prevention strategies, such as avoiding overreaching and not standing on the top rungs of a ladder.

6. Emergency Procedures: Workers are trained in how to respond in case of ladder-related emergencies, including falls and accidents.

Benefits of TETRA Ladder Systems Training

  1. Reduced Accidents: Proper training significantly reduces the risk of ladder-related accidents, helping organisations save on medical costs and lost workdays.
  2. Legal Compliance: TETRA training ensures that organisations comply with workplace safety regulations and standards, mitigating the risk of fines and legal issues.
  3. Enhanced Productivity: A well-trained workforce is a more efficient one. Workers can perform tasks confidently and safely, resulting in increased productivity.
  4. Improved Morale: Knowing that their employers prioritise safety and invest in their well-being boosts employee morale and job satisfaction.
  5. Savings: Preventing accidents and injuries through training can result in substantial cost savings for organisations in terms of workers’ compensation claims and insurance premiums.

Tetra Ladder Safety Systems Training with ITS

ITS are the only public training centre in Ireland offering Tetra training!

We offer both: Tetra Leaning & Roof Ladder Candidate Course (Level 3) and Tetra Leaning Ladder Candidate (Level 1-2).

We aim to provide each candidate with the underpinning knowledge and practical skills to safely use fall protection equipment with leaning and roof ladders when accessing property elevations and working on pitched roofs. During this training candidates will be introduced to items of personal fall protection equipment which always enables the individual to safely reach their working position maintaining 3 points of contact.

Certification and ID Cards are issued upon successful completion of the course and assessments. This will be valid for 3 years from the date of course.

Conclusion

TETRA Ladder Systems Training is not just about adhering to regulations; it’s about protecting the lives and livelihoods of the workforce. It is a commitment to creating safer work environments and fostering a culture of safety within organisations.

TETRA Ladder Systems Training is essential in ensuring every step is secure, every ascent is safe, and every descent is uneventful. It’s an investment in safety that pays dividends in peace of mind and a safer, more productive workplace for all.

Contact Us:

Portadown HQ: 028 9592 2765

Dublin HQ: (01) 536 9328

info@industrytrainingservices.com

The Importance of Training for Commercial Roof Access

Posted on by Marketing

Why Does Commercial Roof Access Require Training?

For many, elevated working is often an unavoidable part of their day-to-day work, with regular access to roofs and tall structures required. Without proper training, workers are more vulnerable to the risk of falling from a height, which, in the construction industry, is the leading cause of fatality and one of the main causes of both minor and major injuries. Ensuring safety and the safeguarding of staff in such high-risk environments requires comprehensive training, careful planning, and strict adherence to safety protocols.

Working at height often involves working on large, elevated spaces with unprotected edges, skylights, and other hazards that increase the risk of falls and therefore injury. These dangers are often amplified by factors such as:

  • Uneven, fragile, or slippery surfaces
  • Adverse weather conditions
  • Presence of dangerous equipment such as cables and electrics

Training for elevated work specific to commercial roofing gives workers the tools to identify and manage these risks effectively while reviewing the importance of using the correct fall protection systems, which are vital for preventing accidents.

 

 

 The Benefits of Commercial Roof Access Training with ITS

All personnel who may be involved in accessing commercial-type roofs for any reason should be appropriately trained on how to safely access and work on a typical commercial/agricultural roof. At ITS we offer comprehensive Commercial Roof Access training through classroom-based tutorials and practical training exercises, all led by an industry-experienced trainer.

Candidates will finish the course with awareness of the following:

  • Legislation, regulation, and guidance affecting work at height
  • Safe use of ladders including a variety of methods for stabilising and securing ladders
  • Use of ladders to access and work on commercial-type roofs
  • Use of roof anchor systems in conjunction with harness and lanyards both in theory and practically
  • Safety around skylights
  • Alternative methods for gaining access to a commercial roof

Ongoing training for elevated work is essential for reinforcing safety protocols, whilst staying up to date with the latest regulatory requirements and practices. This not only keeps workers safe but also improves overall site productivity by reducing downtime due to accidents or safety violations.  

Conclusion

Elevated work is one of the most hazardous tasks in the construction industry, but with appropriate training and adherence to safety protocols, these risks can be managed effectively.

By prioritising proper training for working at heights, companies can protect their workers, enhance productivity, and maintain compliance in this critical area of construction by giving staff the tools they need to recognise risks and keep themselves and others safe.

At ITS we offer a wide range of training programmes that cover most aspects of working at heights, including Commercial Roof Access.  

If you would like to book or enquire about any of these courses, contact us on:

Dublin HQ: 01 891 6105

Portadown HQ: 028 3839 8700 

info@industrytrainingservices.com

 

Boom Lift Safety: Key Principles Learned in IPAF Mobile Elevated Work Platform Training

Posted on by Marketing

Introduction to Boom Lift Safety:

Boom lifts, also known as aerial work platforms (AWPs) or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) are indispensable tools in various industries, enabling workers to safely reach elevated heights and carry out tasks efficiently. However, operating these powerful machines requires proper training and adherence to safety protocols to minimise risks and prevent accidents. IPAF (International Powered Access Federation) is a globally recognised organisation that provides comprehensive training on operating elevated work platforms, including boom lifts. In this blog post, we will explore the key principles learned in IPAF elevated work platform training, emphasising the importance of boom lift safety.

  1. Familiarity with Boom Lift Types and Features:

IPAF training begins with an in-depth understanding of the different types of boom lifts available in the market and their unique features. Trainees learn about various models, including telescopic and articulated boom lifts, their maximum reach, weight capacity, and manoeuvrability. This knowledge enables operators to select the appropriate boom lift for specific tasks, ensuring both safety and efficiency.

  1. Pre-Use Inspections and Maintenance:

One of the fundamental principles taught in boom lift safety training is the importance of pre-use inspections and regular maintenance. Trainees learn how to conduct thorough inspections of the boom lift before each use, checking for any signs of damage, hydraulic leaks, faulty controls, or worn-out components. Identifying and addressing potential issues before operating the machine is crucial for preventing accidents caused by mechanical failures.

  1. Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Usage:

IPAF training emphasises the significance of wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) while operating boom lifts. Trainees learn about the essential safety gear, such as hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety harnesses, and non-slip footwear. Wearing the appropriate PPE ensures the operator’s safety and minimises the risk of injuries caused by falling objects or accidents at height.

  1. Safe Operating Procedures:

IPAF’s elevated work platform boom lift safety training focuses on safe operating procedures for boom lifts. Trainees learn about best practices, including correct positioning and stabilisation of the boom lift, safe entry and exit procedures, and secure attachment to anchor points when using a harness. They are also taught to assess ground conditions, avoiding unstable or uneven terrain that could compromise stability.

  1. Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment:

Recognising hazards and assessing risks is a critical skill taught in IPAF training. Operators learn to identify potential hazards such as overhead power lines, uneven ground, confined spaces, or obstructions that may pose a threat while operating a boom lift. Through risk assessment, trainees gain the ability to evaluate the severity of risks and implement appropriate control measures to mitigate them effectively.

  1. Communication and Emergency Procedures:

Effective communication and emergency procedures are essential elements of IPAF training. Operators are taught boom lift safety techniques such as, how to communicate with ground personnel, ensuring clear and concise instructions for safe manoeuvring of the boom lift. Additionally, trainees are taught emergency protocols, including responding to equipment malfunctions, power failures, or rescuing personnel in the event of an accident or medical emergency.

IPAF Resources

Alongside the invaluable training, IPAF provides a wealth of additional resources, including FREE toolbox talks. These resources cover a range of topics relevant to the powered access industry, such as equipment inspection, safe working practices, and emergency procedures. They serve as valuable references, aiding your continued professional growth and supporting safe practices in your workplace.

Conclusion:

IPAF’s elevated work platform training equips boom lift operators with the necessary knowledge and skills to operate these machines safely and efficiently. By understanding the different boom lift types, conducting thorough inspections, using proper PPE, following safe operating procedures, identifying hazards, and communicating effectively, operators can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace. Remember, boom lift safety is a shared responsibility that demands continuous vigilance and adherence to the principles learned in IPAF training.

At Industry Training Services we are an approved IPAF training centre with training facilities in both Portadown and Dublin, providing a variety of IPAF training including MEWP Scissor 3A and Boom Lift 3B and 1B as well as IPAF Harness use and Inspection. All machines named are available for training at our centres or alternatively, we can come to your site with our van and vehicle mounted 1B Boom if clients require on-site group training.

For more information visit: https://www.industrytrainingservices.com/training-courses/ipaf-training/
Alternatively, call us at: Portadown HQ 028 3839 8700 Dublin HQ 01 891 6105
OR E-Mail: info@industrytrainingservices.com