PASMA guidance for new tower scaffold standards

The Prefabricated Access Suppliers‘ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) has released a free guide on the revised BS EN 1004 European product standards for tower scaffolds.

The association, which represents the interests of manufacturers, suppliers and users of mobile access towers, said its “comprehensive” document aims to help organisations understand the regulation updates due to come into effect later this year.

Tower scaffolds conforming to the standard must meet minimum safety requirements and PASMA’s guidance outlines and explains the key items being introduced by the new standards.

These include the new definition of a mobile access tower, the four main areas of change and advice on how and when companies should start preparing.

Don Aers, Technical Director at PASMA.

According to Don Aers, technical director at PASMA, the first step for purchasers, hirers, owners and users should be to assess their current situation

Aers said, “If you own towers, are they certified to the right standard? Are they in good working condition? These are the things organisations should be focused on now and PASMA’s guidance talks them through this audit process, step by step.”

Alongside the free guidance, PASMA is also holding a webinar on the BS EN 1004 standards. Suitable for safety professionals, managers and company directors, the online event is scheduled to take place on March 9, 2021. 

The old BS EN 1004 tower scaffold standard is due to be withdrawn in November, with the new changes coming into effect shortly after.