Our ACCREDITATIONS.

PASMA – Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association.

PASMA, which stands for the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association, is the leading trade association in Europe for the mobile access tower industry. It represents the interests of manufacturers, suppliers, specifiers, and users within the industry. PASMA has several important roles, including overseeing the industry standard training scheme and serving as a major publisher of safety-related knowledge, information, and guidance.

One of PASMA’s primary responsibilities is to provide and govern the industry standard training scheme for mobile access towers. They offer standard and advanced courses that ensure proficiency and competence in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations. The PASMA certificate and ID card are widely recognised as the accepted proof of competence in this field.

PASMA also serves as a central source of information on all aspects of mobile access towers. They offer a variety of resources such as DVDs, pocket cards, guidance notes, posters, and their comprehensive Code of Practice. Their website, www.pasma.co.uk, is an invaluable tool for accessing information related to mobile access towers.

In addition to training and information dissemination, PASMA sponsors research, innovation, and best practices in the industry. They have played a crucial role in advancing training and technical standards for towers through their specialist committees composed of experts in the field.

PASMA actively contributes to the development and enhancement of standards governing the construction, use, inspection, and maintenance of mobile access towers. Their collaboration with industry regulators, key decision-makers, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has helped shape these standards both nationally and internationally.

Furthermore, PASMA plays a significant role in promoting the use of mobile access towers for temporary work at height. This extends beyond construction and building maintenance to include facilities management, the local government sector, and retail. The association actively participates in conferences, seminars, and workshops to educate and raise awareness about the benefits and safe use of mobile access towers.

In summary, PASMA is the leading trade association in Europe for the mobile access tower industry. They provide industry-standard training, publish safety-related knowledge and information, sponsor research and innovation, contribute to setting industry standards, and promote the use of mobile access towers across various sectors. Their dedication to education, safety, and industry advancement is essential in ensuring the competence and well-being of those working with mobile access towers.

IPAF – International Powered Access Federation

IPAF, which stands for the International Powered Access Federation, is an organisation dedicated to promoting the safe and efficient use of powered access equipment like cherry pickers and scissor lifts. They achieve this through their training program for platform operators, which is delivered by approved providers. Successful trainees are awarded the PAL Card (Powered Access Licence), which is widely recognised as the leading proof of quality-assured training for platform operators worldwide.

At Poppy Signs, we prioritise safety and provide an accredited IPAF operator with every powered access hire from our Chorley base. Our customers can rest assured that our operators have a comprehensive understanding of accident prevention, safe operation, and on-site responsibilities when working with the hired platform.

The IPAF/PAL Card is valid for five years and contains important information such as the assessment date, expiry date, type of equipment, and the operator’s level of training. It also includes security features like a holographic logo, photograph, and signature.

Our operators at Poppy Signs always carry their PAL cards and are ready to present them upon request to demonstrate their proficiency as platform operators. Customers can also utilise the PAL Card Online Verification Tool to verify the authenticity of a card.

The IPAF training course covers the key objectives of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and related regulations, including the LOLER regulations for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs). This comprehensive training equips our operators with an understanding of accident prevention, safe operational procedures, emergency descent operations, and the responsibilities of both employers and employees.

When you hire a cherry picker or scissor lift from Poppy Signs, you can be confident that you will have an IPAF-accredited operator. Our operators go beyond simply operating the platform; they proactively think and plan ahead, mitigate hazards, and offer solutions for any technical challenges. They handle every aspect with the utmost care and prioritise safety, providing you with peace of mind throughout your project.

CSCS – Construction Skills Certification Scheme

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) plays a crucial role in ensuring the compliance, safety, and productivity of construction sites. It is vital for all construction workers to possess the necessary training and qualifications to perform their jobs effectively and safely. The CSCS SmartCards serve as tangible proof that workers have acquired the required qualifications for their specific roles on construction sites.

While holding a CSCS Card is not legally mandated, it has become a common practice and expectation within the construction industry in the United Kingdom. The majority of construction sites in the UK now require their workers to hold a CSCS Card as a means to verify their training and qualifications. This requirement serves as a standardised way to ensure that workers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their tasks competently and safely.

By implementing the CSCS Card system, construction sites aim to maintain high standards of professionalism, safety, and efficiency. The scheme helps to establish a level of trust and confidence among employers, contractors, and workers, as it provides a standardised and recognised method of verifying an individual’s competence and qualifications.

The CSCS Card itself contains essential information about the cardholder, including their name, photograph, and details of their qualifications and training. This information can be easily accessed and verified by site managers and employers, allowing them to quickly assess the suitability of a worker for a particular role.

Furthermore, the CSCS Scheme covers a wide range of occupations within the construction industry, ensuring that workers from various trades and disciplines are included. It strives to promote a culture of continuous professional development and lifelong learning by requiring individuals to periodically renew their CSCS Cards. This ensures that workers stay up-to-date with the latest industry standards and best practices.

While the CSCS Card is primarily aimed at construction workers, it also benefits employers and clients. By employing workers with valid CSCS Cards, employers can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a skilled and competent workforce. This, in turn, can enhance their reputation, increase client confidence, and potentially lead to improved business opportunities.

In summary, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) serves as a vital mechanism to uphold compliance, safety, and productivity within the construction industry. The CSCS SmartCards provide tangible evidence of a worker’s qualifications, helping to establish trust and confidence among employers, contractors, and workers. While not legally required, the majority of construction sites in the UK now mandate CSCS Cards as proof of training and qualifications. By implementing this scheme, the industry aims to maintain high standards, promote professionalism, and ensure the ongoing development of a skilled workforce.

CHAS – Contractors Health & Safety Assessment Scheme

CHAS, or the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme, is a government-operated program. Every month, a large number of contractors and consultants apply for opportunities with both public and private sector organisations. To be awarded a contract, these companies and individuals must meet specific health and safety standards.

To streamline the process and avoid each contract having to individually assess suppliers’ health and safety competence, the CHAS Scheme was established. CHAS provides information and assurances regarding the health and safety systems and competence of organisations that have undergone CHAS assessment or accreditation.

In the case of Poppy Signs, CHAS assesses their health and safety policy statement, their overall approach to health and safety, and their specific health and safety arrangements. This ensures that everyone involved works to an acceptable standard.

The CHAS assessment primarily focuses on health and safety management and compliance issues relevant to the work undertaken by Poppy Signs.

The following are the main areas assessed by CHAS, and each area requires documented evidence and examples of Poppy Signs’ competence:

• Health & Safety Arrangements
• Safety Policy Statement
• Work Equipment Procedures
• Health & Safety Training
• Employee Consultation Arrangements
• First Aid Provision
• Fire Emergency Procedures & Fire Risk Assessments
• Display Screen Equipment Assessments
• Manual Handling Assessments
• Electrical Safety & PAT Testing
• Risk Assessments & COSHH Assessments
• Asbestos Awareness Training & Management
• Health Surveillance Arrangements
• Accident Reporting Procedures
• Work Equipment Inspections & Maintenance
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Access to Competent H&S & Construction Advice
• Contractor Management & Competence Assessment
• Workplace Safety Inspections
• Fire Risk Assessments