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Tag: Working at Height

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

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