Training For Working At Height

Training For Working At Height


Working at height poses a number of serious potential hazards, not only for the individual that is working but for those around them too. Even light items dropped from enough height can become a major hazard below, while the use of ladders, scaffolding, and elevated work platforms all carry their own risks too. In some cases, it is necessary to have taken relevant and certified training, but even if this isn’t the case, you should ensure that all of your team members have taken training because it could help to reduce accidents, minimise injuries, and eliminate damage.

These accidents could end up causing serious injuries and they could cost your business a lot of money while also having a serious impact on your reputation. While you should take steps to ensure that you offer the appropriate equipment and tools, and that you provide safety gear for everybody that needs it, it is equally important to ensure that all of your employees have the appropriate training for the tasks that they will undertake.

Training For Working At Height

The Dangers Of Working At Height

The obvious danger involved when working at height is that of falling. Even seemingly innocuous falls can lead to devastating injuries. An awkward landing, landing on hazardous ground, or even landing on another person can further exacerbate a fall. Other potential dangers including elevated platforms or access platforms collapsing while being used, injuring those on top as well as anybody below or nearby. Objects dropped or that fall from height can also have a major impact on the people below.

IPAF Training

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) are the industry body responsible for promoting the safe use of Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs). One of their roles is to ensure that appropriate and effective training is provided to anybody that uses platforms like motorised cherry pickers or boom lifts. Individuals are taught to analyse the worksite ground, to conduct regular checks of the machinery, and also how to operate the lifts properly. They also receive training on the appropriate safety gear to wear, and how to ensure that others are not put at risk while platforms are being used.

PASMA Training

PASMA training is another form of training for those that work at heights, this time run by the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association. This training is for those that use scaffolding towers and it offers a similar level of training to the IPAF course. Also, in both cases, successful trainees receive a card at the end of their course, which is valid for a period of five years, and it shows that they are trained to safely use these particular types of equipment.

Other Training Courses

IPAF and PASMA training courses are just some of the safety training courses that are available, and there are a large number of courses dedicated to those that face the potential dangers of working at height. Whether you want to ensure that your employees are fully trained or you want training for yourself in order to ensure that you know how to safely operate these types of equipment, you should look for appropriate courses.

The Safety Maintenance Company Limited offers both IPAF and PASMA courses, as well as a wide range of other safety training courses. Ensure your employees are up to date with the latest safety training when working at height.

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