PASMA, the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association, has released a free guidance document on the forthcoming changes to the access tower standard BS EN 1004.
The document is aimed at anyone who buys, hires, owns or uses mobile access towers, or is responsible for height safety in the workplace.
The new standard, now known as BS EN 1004 Part 1, brings a wider range of towers into its scope, along with a range of new measures designed to make them safer. The old standard is withdrawn in November.
The guidance explains:
- The new definition of a mobile access tower
- The four main areas of change
- A timeline for the introduction
- How and when to start preparing
- How to choose safe towers for work and home.
PASMA participated extensively in the 10-year update process and is now using its experience to help the industry prepare.
PASMA technical director Don Aers said: “The old standard won’t be withdrawn until November, so you have time. The first step is to assess your current situation. Does your purchasing policy include guidance on selecting quality equipment? 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, and PASMA’s guidance talks them through the process, step by step.”
The guidance is available at https://pasma.co.uk/faqs/en-1004-revision/