PASMA Study Guide 2026
Everything you need to pass the PASMA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.
📋 PASMA Exam Format at a Glance
📚 PASMA Topics to Study (39)
✍️ Sample PASMA Questions & Answers
1. When should a rescue plan for mobile access tower work be reviewed and updated?
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.
2. What is a 'ballast' in relation to tower scaffold 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.
3. What precautions must be taken when using a tower scaffold near overhead obstructions?
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.
4. Under WAHR 2005, can a ladder be used as a working platform for tasks from a tower scaffold?
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.
5. What does WAHR 2005 Regulation 14 require regarding the provision of information and training?
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.
6. What should be done with a tower scaffold if a storm is forecast overnight?
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.