October 2022

Working at Height
TRAIN TO GAIN
In the third instalment of this mini-series, Trevor Rabson, Werner’s Training Manager, looks
at why training is so important when it comes to working at height safely.
There are a variety of work at height training
courses available within the construction
industry, depending on what equipment
users utilise.
Most of these courses can be completed within
one day and are a cost effective way of ensuring
that workers are safe and competent when using
equipment to work at height.
But what are they, who organises them and where
can they be undertaken?
Ladder Association affiliated safety training
The Ladder Association is a not-for-profit lead
industry body dedicated to promoting the safe use
of portable ladders.
As part of this remit it works closely with
organisations, such as Werner, to support codes of
good practice, minimum standards for equipment
and education in the work at height sector.
Courses comprise practical and theory
assessments and cover when and how to choose
and use, how to handle and how to store a ladder,
understanding the law and standards, as well as
how to highlight potential hazards.
They include:
Ladders & Stepladders for Users
This course is for anyone who regularly uses
ladders or stepladders as part of their daily work. It
consists of practical and theory assessments and
covers when and how to use a ladder, handling and
storage, understanding the law, standards, and
potential hazards. (Half day course)
Ladders & Stepladders Inspection
This course is aimed at anyone who is responsible
for inspecting and maintaining ladders or
stepladders in their workplace.
It is as comprehensive as the Ladder & Stepladder
User course, and covers practical guidance on
assessing the need for inspection, fault-finding and
recommending actions, record keeping, as well as
the law. (Half day course)
Combined User & Inspection
This course is aimed at anyone who is responsible
for using AND inspecting ladders or stepladders in
their workplace.
It covers Legislation and Criteria for Ladder Use,
Ladder Types, Components and Standards, Hazard
Assessing Risks – S.T.E.P, Storage, Transportation
& Maintenance and Inspection of Ladders & Step
Ladders. (Full day course)
Steps and Step Stools for users
This is a shorter course (minimum 2.5 hours),
aimed at more occasional users of stepladders
and step stools – those working in shops, offices,
schools, hospitals and other sectors where using
this equipment to access height is infrequent.
The course covers essential information in the
safe use of ladders, ladder standards, hazards
and regulations.
Werner works with the Ladder
Association and PASMA to provide ladder
safety and tower training courses for both
individuals and businesses
At the end of these Ladder Association courses,
users will receive a certificate and LadderCard,
which is valid for five years, to demonstrate
competence when working with ladders.
PASMA affiliated access tower and
podium safety training
Founded in 1974, the Prefabricated Access
Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association
(PASMA), is the recognised focus and authority for
mobile access towers.
PASMA advances safety, standards and best
practice across a wide range of sectors and
represents the interests of its members.
Through PASMA affiliated trainers, such as Werner,
there are a range of courses available that will
equip users with the specialist knowledge they
need to work safely with mobile access towers.
For users who purely use towers, there is a one-
70 T I OCTOBER 2022
PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST