Podium standard replaced

The PAS 250 specification for low level work platforms (LLWPs) has been superseded by British Standard 8620:2016.

Designs for LLWPs, commonly referred to as podiums and pulpits, had previously been developed in the absence of a formal specification and required improvement by a relevant and specific design criteria, which PAS 250 - originally sponsored by mobile access tower association Pasma and first published in 2012 - introduced.

With the conversion to BS 8620 by the British Standards Institution (BSI), safety and performance criteria has been enhanced with a change to side protection and modification to two specific tests.

Pasma is quick to point out that the conversion of the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 250 to a full British standard does not mean that existing PAS 250 compliant LLWPs are obsolete. “Far from it,” says the chairman of PASMA’s technical committee, John Darby. “You can continue to use PAS 250 type-approved podiums and there is no necessity to change product immediately. You can introduce the upgrade when the time comes for replacement.”

“BS 8620 type-approved product should start to become available from April 2017 and we encourage users to update their procurement policies accordingly to guarantee that future equipment meets the very latest criteria for strength, access, stability and rigidity.”

The steering group which first contributed to its development includes: the Association of British Certification Bodies (ABCB); the Health and Safety Executive (HSE); Hire Association Europe (HAE); the Ladder Association; Pasma; and BuildUK.

Standards publishing manager for Built Environment at BSI, James Wilson, said,”BSI acknowledges the work that Pasma and other stakeholders have completed towards the conversion of PAS 250 to a British Standard. Its publication should ensure wider recognition of the product standard for low level work platforms.”

To assist over this transitional period, Pasma has introduced a fact sheet on its website.