New PAS250 for Low Level Access Platforms

FAQ's:

Q: WHAT IS PAS 250?

A: PAS 250 is a Publically Available Specification for a low-level work platform with one working platform with side protection for use by one person with a maximum working platform height of less than 2.5 m. These products, commonly referred to as podiums or pulpits, became extensively used following the implementation of The Work at Height Regulations.

Q: WHAT IS A PUBLICALLY AVAILABLE SPECIFICATION?

A: A Publicly Available Specification (PAS) is a sponsored fast-track standard driven by the needs of the client organizations and developed according to guidelines set out by BSI.

Key stakeholders are brought together to collaboratively produce a BSI-endorsed PAS that has all the functionality of a British Standard for the purposes of creating management systems, product benchmarks and codes of practice. After two years the PAS is reviewed and a decision is made as to whether it should be taken forward to become a formal British Standard.

Q: WHY IS IT CALLED PAS 250?

A: PAS stands for Publically Available Specification. It is nothing to do with the fact that the PAS was sponsored by PASMA! The 250 is simply a number to identify the PAS but coincidentally the platform height of the products specified in the PAS is less than 250 cm.

Q: WHY WAS PAS 250 NEEDED?

A: Designs that emerged for this type of low level work platform (LLWP) have been developed in the absence of a formal standard. Whilst the majority of LLWPs provide a safe solution to low level access, there are aspects of some products that could be improved by adherence to relevant and specific design criteria. Therefore PASMA, the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association, has sponsored the development of this PAS to provide minimum safety and performance criteria for these products.

Q: WHAT PRODUCTS DOES PAS 250 COVER?

A: Low-level work platforms with one working platform with side protection for use by one person with a maximum working platform height of less than 2.5 m. These products are commonly referred to as podiums or pulpits.

Q: WHAT PRODUCTS ARE NOT COVERED BY PAS 250?

Answer:

• Mobile access and working towers specified by BS EN 1004 because LLWPs have working platform heights of less than 2.5 m.
• Mobile elevating work platforms specified in BS EN 280 because LLWPs are not powered.
• Room scaffolds specified in BS 1139-6 because LLWPs have smaller working platforms and are only designed for use by one person.
• Standing ladders with platforms specified in BS EN 131, BS 2037 and BS 1129 and Hop Up type platforms because LLWPs have side protection to the working platform.

Q: WHO WAS INVOLVED IN THE DRAFTING OF PAS 250?

A: It was sponsored by PASMA (the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association). Its development was facilitated by BSI Standards Limited and published under licence from the British Standards Institution (BSI).

The steering group which developed the final draft was made up with representatives from: the Association of British Certification Bodies (ABCB), the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Hire Association Europe (HAE), the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), the Ladder Association and PASMA.

Q: WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF PAS 250?

A: You can purchase a copy of PAS 250 either from: the BSI Shop at http://shop.bsigroup.com/pas250 or the PASMA On-Line shop at http://www.pasma.co.uk/shop

Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET A COPY OF PAS 250 FOR FREE?

A: No. If you need a copy of PAS 250 you must purchase it from either the BSI Shop or from PASMA. PAS 250 is the copyright of BSI.

Q: WHAT ARE THE PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN PAS 250?

A: You will need to purchase a copy of PAS 250 to get the detailed requirements of PAS 250 but the main requirements include material specifications, design requirements for the working platform, side protection (guardrails), toe-boards, access, mobility, feet and adjustable legs, and the content of markings (labels) and user guides.

Q: HOW ARE THESE REQUIREMENTS ASSESSED?

A: The majority of the requirements in PAS 250 are assessed by tests. PAS 250 includes tests for strength and stability. Specifically there are tests for the strength of: the overall structure, the platform, the side protection (guardrails), the access, the wheels or feet, wheel brakes, and the durability of markings. The tests for stability include: stability against overturning, sliding, stability when climbing, rigidity, security of the platform, wheels and feet.

Q: WHY SHOULD I DESIGN PODIUM PRODUCTS USING PAS 250?

A: PAS 250 is good practice when designing low level work platforms (LLWPs) commonly also known as podiums. Applying PAS 250 allows you to develop and maintain that best practice, attract and assure customers, demonstrate market leadership and create competitive advantage.  LLWPs conforming to PAS 250 demonstrate compliance with a recognised specification which provides you with an effective means of differentiation in a competitive marketplace.  As consumers become increasingly informed about PAS 250, conformity will become a pivotal factor in your future sales. Manufacturers using PAS 250 should also consider the potential benefits and need for third-party verification to its requirements from an accredited and recognised approvals body.

Q: WHY SHOULD I SPECIFY PODIUM PRODUCTS THAT COMPLY WITH PAS 250?

A: Low Level Work Platforms (LLWPs or Podiums) designed in accordance with PAS 250 apply current best practice. Requirements include material specifications, design requirements for the working platform, side protection (guardrails), toe-boards, access, mobility, feet and adjustable legs, and the content of markings (labels) and user guides. Tests in PAS 250 verify strength and stability.

Q: CAN I GET MY LOW LEVEL WORK PLATFORM INDEPENDENTLY TESTED BY BRITISH STANDARDS?

A: Yes. BSI are including products conforming to PAS250 in their Kite Mark scheme. 

To find out more about the scheme including costs please contact: Grahame.Wackett@bsigroup.com

New PASMA Cards and Certificates

As you may be aware, new PASMA certificates have come into circulation this week with a new fresh look and to comply with the latest PASMA branding. To accompany the new certificates the PASMA cards have also been updated and improved. The new cards will come into circulation by the end of March.

The security of the PASMA cards is paramount in being able to assure customers those claiming to be PASMA trained are genuine. With technology as it is now and fraud more of an issue than ever before, it is important that the PASMA cards are difficult to duplicate. With this is mind, the cards have been designed with some important new security features. Click here to find out more about the security features of the new card.

Please note: The old cards will still be valid until their expiry date as we will be phasing in the new cards over a period of time as the old cards expire. There is no requirement for new cards to be issued for existing card holders. All new cards issued from PASMA will be the new design from around the end of March.

New AED & Basic Life Support Training Available!

Our new AED & Basic Life Support course is aimed at anyone who requires a course in AED use. Learning AED skills is becoming more important with the increase in the numbers of units in the community and workplace. They are easy to use with a little training and make a real difference in the chance of survival to someone in cardiac arrest. If you have already completed any other first aid course, you will understand the importance of prompt use of an AED making this an ideal next course to take to develop your skills. To renew, complete the same course again.

The QCF version of this course includes Basic Life Support (CPR) and is longer.

The content of this and all our courses has been independently certified as conforming to universally accepted Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines and come with a Certified CPD Statement as well as a ProTrainings Certificate and for online courses an Evidence Based Learning statement.

Curriculum:

• Introductory First Aid Training
  • Fears of First Aid
  • Asking Permission to Help
  • Scene Safety
  • Chain of Survival
  • ABCD’s
  • Initial Assessment
  • Stop Think Act
  • Barriers
  • Face Shields
• Cardiac Arrest
  • Adult, Child, Infant CPR
  • Adult CPR Hand Over
  • Compression Only CPR
• AED Use
  • AED Intro
  • AED Demo
  • AED Setup
  • Child AED
  • Training AED Units
  • The Zoll AED Plus
  • AED Maintenance
  • AED Pads
  • AED Batteries
  • AED Locations

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria for standard and QCF course:

1      Understand basic life support requirements
1.1 Describe the principles that underpin basic life support
1.2   Explain the circumstances under which resuscitation is performed
1.3   Explain why early intervention is necessary
1.4   Describe different types of cardiopulmonary arrest
2      Be able to demonstrate basic life support techniques and automated external defibrillator use in line with current national guidelines
2.1   Demonstrate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
2.2   Demonstrate compression only resuscitation
2.3   Demonstrate the use of resuscitation barrier devices
2.4   Demonstrate how to manage a choking casualty
2.5   Demonstrate the use of an automated external defibrillator
2.6   Describe the differences when using an automated external defibrillator on a child
3      Be able to demonstrate post-resuscitation procedures
3.1 Demonstrate how to place a casualty in the recovery position
3.2   Identify the risks when placing a casualty in the recovery position
3.3   Describe handover and reporting procedures
4      Be able to carry out basic user maintenance and troubleshoot problems with an automated external defibrillator
4.1 Identify when a defibrillator battery requires changing
4.2   Identify when electrode pads need replacing
4.3   Demonstrate how to troubleshoot problems if the automated external defibrillator does not function correctly
5      Understand the safe use of an automated external defibrillator
5.1 Describe the safety considerations when using AEDs.

Why Use Accredited Providers?

We recommend that when ever searching for a training provider and whatever your training requirements you should always seek to use an accredited training provider if you want to make sure the training is current, safe, legal and to the industry standard.

Training accreditors aren't just another form of trade association; they’re an integral part of the training industry that work in partnership and with cooperation with organisations like the standards agencies, government and the Health and Safety Executive. They ensure training standards are consistent and professional, producing trained candidates who work to a high standard following best practice and the latest legislation; their accreditation is intended to guide employers and individuals towards making the right choice and gaining the best training available.

 

When we make a commitment to seek accreditation as a training provider, we do not just fill out some forms and publish a logo on our website either, the accrediting body carry out audits of our company and our instructors, visit out training centres to see our facilities, sit in on our courses and continue to audit to ensure we meet their standards.

 As a fully accredited training provider;

• We are subject to regular monitoring visits to ensure our quality standards stay consistent
• We follow training course syllabuses which have been approved by the relevant accrediting body
• We only ever employ experienced and fully qualified instructors to deliver our training

All our training courses are delivered at premises that meet the criteria for training as laid down by the training accreditor; whether at one of our own dedicated training centres or an area of your business premises set aside specifically for the purpose.

So next time you want training, make the right choice and call Kentec Training!

Kentec gain Accreditation for QCF First Aid Training

The First Aid at Work qualification will be available as a QCF level 3 course at Kentec Training from March 2013, our first aid training partner ProTrainings in partnership with Future Awards and Qualifications (an Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation) will be able to offer this qualification alongside the HSE Approved 3 Day First Aid at Work Course, which will continue until the HSE no longer approve first aid training which will happen in April 2013 at the earliest.

This new course is not the only option that will be available to employers and employees after the HSE changes, trackable, credible CPD certified certificates from large training organisations such as Kentec Training and ProTrainings will be perfectly acceptable according to the Health and Safety Executive.

The QCF Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course has been available since the onset of the EFAW a few years ago and the FAW is the next development to the QCF qualifications. Employers will not all want or need a QCF certificate, at Kentec we are giving you the choice, the QCF and non QCF course materials and course delivery will be identical and our instructor guidance will soon be amended to comply with the rules of QCF, however delivering QCF level courses requires all trainers to have PTLLS as a minimum under the Ofqual regulations and there are registration requirements, additional checks and centre management. Kentec’s instructors Steve Booker and James Carter are PTLLs qualified and therefore comply with Ofqual’s criteria for delivering these courses.

Please note that until the HSE changes take place the Emergency First aid at Work, 3 Day First Aid at Work and 2 Day re-qualification courses will remain HSE approved and can be delivered and certified through Kentec Training and it’s partner ProTrainings as before.  We will notify you when the changes do take place.

If you need more information, please contact our Training administration Manager, Kandy on 0333-666 0555 or email her at: kandy.booker@kentectraining.co.uk

New C-Scope CAT’s reducing running costs

Are You Paying Recurring Calibration Charges? Now You Don’t Have To...

Cable Avoidance Tools and Signal Generators have moved forward in many ways since their creation as safety products in the early 1980’s. The introduction of Digital Signal Processing technology and the addition of Liquid Crystal Displays and depth measurement have all contributed to a significant improvement in locating performance.Furthermore, developments in case moulding techniques and higher quality electronic component manufacture have made the Cable Avoidance Tool of today a far more robust and reliable tool than was ever possible before. Yet, despite these improvements in the products inherent reliability and performance, there is one area of Locator ‘ownership’ that has not changed at all, the manufacturers’ stipulation that there is a need for their product to be calibrated and serviced periodically (typically once per year). Until now.C.Scope have introduced a new range of digital Cable Avoidance Tools and Signal Generators incorporating better software, hardware and quality control, and as a consequence have completely designed out the need for these periodic calibration checks.

The new CXL, DXL, MXL Cable Avoidance Tools and SGA, SGV and MXT Signal Generators from C.Scope do not require ANY form of annual servicing or calibration and need only be sent to a C.Scope Approved Service Centre if they are actually damaged or faulty and are in genuine need of repair. This development from C.Scope removes the very significant recurring yearly costs traditionally associated with Cable Avoidance Tool ownership. The new CXL, DXL and MXL products from C.Scope embrace all the advantages that digital technology can offer, reducing the cost of ownership, delivering the highest performance and placing C.Scope products firmly at the forefront of Cable Avoidance.

Customers using C.Scope Cable Avoidance Tools and Signal Generators are able to make use of the recently launched and unique Function Checker product to carry out a series of simple and effective functionality checks themselves to identify if the C.Scope unit requires a service or repair. Only then need it be sent away to a C.Scope Approved Service Centre for remedial work to be undertaken.

20% Increase in Trained Tower Users

In 2012 a record breaking 60,000 candidates attended and successfully completed a tower training course at an approved PASMA training centre. This compares with 50,000 for the previous year – an increase of 20 per cent – and reflects the major contribution that the Association and its members are now making to the safety, competence and productivity of tower users in the work at height sector.

Height training has become vital to a number of industries due to the status of work at height as biggest killer in the British workplace. Only this week Middlesbrough firm Silk Road Foods was fined over £12,500 after a 13ft fall left one of their employees with injuries which have prevented him from returning to work.

The fall was the result of “inadequate risk assessments and unsafe scaffolding”, precisely the kinds of dangerous oversights PASMA training is put in place to prevent. Since PASMA first introduced its Towers for Users course back in 2005, it has successfully trained more than 350,000 operatives to avoid such dangers through the safe and effective use of this versatile and increasingly popular piece of access equipment.

The PASMA Photo Card represents demonstrable proof that the holder has been trained to best practice standards based on the latest legislation and most current guidance, which, importantly, PASMA plays a lead role in developing. As a result, the Photo Card is now the only proof of competence accepted by many site managers and health and safety professionals.

The training courses are delivered across the UK and Ireland through a network of some 400 approved training centres. A team of qualified and experienced auditors ensures that the high standards associated with PASMA training are maintained at all times.

PASMA’s Director of Training, Stuart Hopkins, said: “By collating and distilling the collective knowledge and expertise of PASMA members – people who know and understand the equipment and speak the language – we have developed a course that is now recognised as the definitive benchmark for competency when working with towers. Not only in the UK, but increasingly overseas.

“Our input is increasingly being sought by overseas government agencies and trade bodies keen to improve safety and performance standards in their own respective work at height industries. We are also receiving a growing number of enquiries from overseas companies wanting to deliver professional PASMA training – such is the standing and reputation of the courses we provide.”

Courses on offer for 2013 include Towers for Users, Work at Height Essentials, Low Level Access, and AGRs for Towers for Users – a course designed specifically for users wanting to acquire additional knowledge and understanding when using Advance Guardrail mobile towers on site. New courses for 2013 include Towers for Managers, Towers for Riggers and Towers on Stairs. 

For more details please click here