Mixed Deck — All PASMA Topics Flashcards

When should a rescue plan for mobile access tower work be reviewed and updated?

Answer: Whenever there is a significant change to the work or work environment

A rescue plan must be reviewed and updated whenever significant changes occur to the work, work environment, or personnel to ensure it remains relevant and effective.

What is a 'ballast' in relation to tower scaffold stability?

Answer: Additional weight placed at the base of the tower to lower the centre of gravity and increase stability

Ballast is weight added to the base of the tower (typically kentledge blocks or sandbags) to lower the overall centre of gravity and increase the restoring moment. It must only be used as specified by the manufacturer and must be securely fixed.

What precautions must be taken when using a tower scaffold near overhead obstructions?

Answer: The overhead clearance must be checked to ensure the tower and its occupants will not contact ceiling structures, pipes, cables, or overhead power lines

Overhead obstructions (ceiling beams, pipes, cable trays, overhead cranes, power lines) must be identified and safe clearances maintained. Contact with overhead power lines can be fatal. Head clearance on the platform must allow safe working posture.

Under WAHR 2005, can a ladder be used as a working platform for tasks from a tower scaffold?

Answer: No, a ladder must not be used on a tower scaffold platform as it creates additional height and instability

Placing a ladder on a tower platform creates an additional working at height risk above the guard rails, introduces instability, and increases the risk of the tower overturning due to the elevated centre of gravity. It is prohibited by PASMA guidance.

What does WAHR 2005 Regulation 14 require regarding the provision of information and training?

Answer: Every person involved in work at height must receive adequate training and instruction appropriate to their role

Regulation 14 requires employers to ensure that every person who works at height, supervises it, or manages it receives adequate training, information, and instruction appropriate to the work being undertaken.

What should be done with a tower scaffold if a storm is forecast overnight?

Answer: Dismantle it or reduce it to minimum height, secure all loose items, and consider tying the tower to a fixed structure

If a storm is forecast, the tower should be dismantled if possible, or reduced to minimum height. All loose items (boards, tools, materials) must be removed. If dismantling is not possible, consider tying the tower to a permanent structure and deploying all stabilisers.

How should the scene of a mobile access tower accident be managed while awaiting the arrival of emergency services?

Answer: The area should be cordoned off to prevent unauthorised access while bystanders are kept calm

Cordoning off the accident scene prevents unauthorised access, protects the casualty from further harm, and prevents secondary accidents while emergency services are responding.

Under WAHR 2005, what must be considered regarding the selection of equipment for work at height?

Answer: The most appropriate equipment for the task, considering risk, duration, and the working environment

Regulation 7 requires selecting the most suitable equipment by considering the nature, frequency and duration of the work, the risks, the distance of a potential fall, and the conditions at the worksite.

How should the ground beneath outrigger base plates be assessed?

Answer: By checking that the ground is firm, stable, level, and capable of supporting the concentrated load without settling

Each outrigger base plate location must be assessed for ground firmness and stability. The ground must support the concentrated load without settling. On soft ground, sole boards must be used. On slopes, the outriggers may need adjustment.

Under WAHR 2005, what is the hierarchy for managing work at height?

Answer: Avoid, prevent, minimise

The hierarchy is: first AVOID working at height if possible; if not, PREVENT falls using suitable equipment; if residual risk remains, MINIMISE the distance and consequences of a fall. This hierarchy must be followed in order.

What is the 'wind chill' effect and why is it relevant to tower scaffold use?

Answer: Wind chill makes air temperature feel colder, reducing manual dexterity, increasing fatigue, and raising the risk of hypothermia in exposed operatives at height

Wind chill combines wind speed and temperature to create a lower 'feels like' temperature. At height, operatives are exposed with no shelter. Reduced dexterity from cold hands increases the risk of dropping tools or losing grip. Hypothermia can impair judgement.

Why must outriggers be deployed symmetrically around the tower?

Answer: To ensure equal stability in all directions — asymmetric deployment leaves the tower vulnerable to overturning in the unprotected direction

Outriggers must be deployed symmetrically to provide balanced stability. If outriggers are only fitted on one side, the tower has different stability characteristics in different directions, leaving it vulnerable to overturning towards the unprotected side.

During assembly, where should tower components be stored before being passed up?

Answer: Neatly stacked close to the base but clear of the working area

Components should be stored neatly and close to the tower base for easy access, but clear of walkways and the working area to prevent trip hazards and avoid obstructing emergency access.

What specific inspection is required after a tower scaffold has been moved to a new location?

Answer: A full pre-use inspection including base conditions, levelness, castor locks, and overall stability at the new position

Moving a tower to a new location changes the ground conditions, proximity to hazards, and wind exposure. A full pre-use inspection must verify the new base is adequate, the tower is level and plumb, all brakes are applied, and the tower is stable in its new environment.

What is the minimum platform width recommended by PASMA for a working platform?

Answer: 600mm

The minimum recommended platform width is 600mm (approximately 2 feet). Narrower platforms do not provide adequate space for safe working and increase the risk of overbalancing.

What is the risk of using a tower scaffold near a railway line?

Answer: Electrocution from overhead lines or conductor rails, train-induced wind gusts, vibration, and the need for Network Rail approval and safeguarding

Railway environments include overhead lines at 25kV (electrocution risk at distance), conductor rails at 750V DC, wind gusts from passing trains, ground vibration, and strict access controls. Network Rail approval and a COSS (Controller of Site Safety) are typically required.

After assembly is complete, what final check must be carried out before the tower is used?

Answer: A pre-use inspection covering stability, levelness, brakes, guard rails, toeboards, and platform integrity

A thorough pre-use inspection must confirm the tower is level, plumb, all braces are fitted, guard rails and toeboards are secure, castors are locked, and the overall assembly matches the manufacturer's configuration. This is recorded on an inspection checklist.

What action should be taken if the platform boards become wet or icy?

Answer: Clear the surface, apply grit or non-slip material, or suspend work until conditions improve

Wet or icy platforms create a serious slip hazard. The surface should be cleared and dried where possible, grit or non-slip material applied, or work suspended until conditions improve. This is particularly important on exposed outdoor towers.

What is the recommended minimum overlap for platform boards on a tower scaffold?

Answer: The overlap specified in the manufacturer's instruction manual

Platform boards must be supported and overlapped as specified by the manufacturer. Improper overlap can cause boards to tip, slide, or fail under load. Always follow the specific product instructions.

What should be done with the trapdoor hatch after climbing through it?

Answer: Close it to create a full working platform

The trapdoor must be closed after climbing through to create a complete working platform. An open trapdoor creates a trip hazard and a fall risk, and reduces the effective platform area.