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
