PASMA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield PASMA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the correct sequence for dismantling a mobile tower scaffold? → Top down, reversing the assembly procedure
2. After an inspection reveals a tower is safe to use, how should this be communicated? → By completing and displaying the inspection record/tag and briefing relevant workers
3. Before commencing work on a mobile access tower, what must be in place according to the Work at Height Regulations 2005? → A rescue plan detailing how casualties can be retrieved
4. WAHR 2005 requires that work at height equipment is inspected. How long must inspection records be kept? → Until the end of the project or 3 months, whichever is greater
5. What is the minimum age for a person to work on a tower scaffold in the UK? → 16 years old, with restrictions for young workers under 18
6. Which Act provides the overarching legal framework under which WAHR 2005 sits? → The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
7. What should an operative do if they need to reach beyond the edge of the tower platform? → Move the tower to bring the work within reach, or consider alternative access equipment
8. What is the first thing an inspector should check when inspecting a tower scaffold? → That the tower is erected on a firm, level base and the foundation is adequate
9. Which legislation primarily governs the requirement for emergency procedures when working at height in the UK? → The Work at Height Regulations 2005
10. When is it acceptable to use a tower scaffold as a support for other scaffolding or structures? → Never, unless specifically designed and approved by the manufacturer for that purpose
11. Before a rescue plan for mobile access tower work can be considered effective, it must have been: → Communicated to and understood by all persons involved in the work
12. What is the legal definition of 'work at height' under WAHR 2005? → Work in any place where a person could fall a distance liable to cause personal injury
13. During assembly, where should tower components be stored before being passed up? → Neatly stacked close to the base but clear of the working area
14. What is the minimum platform width recommended by PASMA for a working platform? → 600mm
15. What should be done if a component is found to be damaged during assembly? → Remove it from use, label it as defective, and replace with a sound component
16. What should the operative do if strong winds develop while working on a tower scaffold? → Descend the tower immediately and consider dismantling or securing it
17. Which UK regulation specifically governs working at height? → The Work at Height Regulations 2005
18. Under WAHR 2005, when must a risk assessment for work at height be carried out? → Before any work at height activity begins
19. Which position should an unconscious, breathing casualty be placed in while awaiting emergency services? → On their side in the recovery position
20. What must outriggers rest on to be effective? → Firm, level ground with base plates to spread the load
21. A near-miss incident involving a mobile access tower should be treated in which of the following ways? → Reported in accordance with company procedures regardless of whether anyone was hurt
22. Which regulation requires that a rescue plan is in place before work at height commences? → The Work at Height Regulations 2005
23. What is the maximum gap permitted between a toeboard and the next guard rail above it? → 470mm
24. What must happen to the castors before any operative climbs the tower? → They must be locked using the wheel brakes
25. Who has duties under the Work at Height Regulations 2005? → Employers, the self-employed, and anyone who controls the work of others
26. How do outriggers improve the stability of a tower scaffold? → They increase the effective base size, thereby improving the height-to-base ratio
27. How should components be passed up to the operative assembling the tower? → Passed by hand from the interior of the tower or hoisted using a gin wheel
28. What is the primary purpose of an emergency evacuation procedure for mobile access tower operations? → To ensure all persons can be safely evacuated in the event of an emergency
29. What should be done with all tower components before assembly begins? → They should be visually inspected for damage, corrosion, and defects
30. When building a tower adjacent to a building, what must be considered regarding the height-to-base ratio? → The ratio must still be maintained unless the tower is tied to the structure