New-style AMM wins approval
NOW a combination of the traditional Annual Members' Meeting (AMM) and Conference format, the inaugural PASMA Members' Conference attracted a record audience comprising of PASMA members and representatives from professional bodies and third parties, including the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
The wide-ranging agenda covered everything from changes to tower standards and guidance to digital communications and the devastating consequences of falls from height.
Highlights of the day-long event at Coombe Abbey in Warwickshire included:
A review of the year by PASMA managing director, Peter Bennett, who explained how the association was working towards achieving several specific objectives, including speeding and simplifying member communications; appointing a new technical officer to support the work of technical director, Don Aers; entering into partnerships with key industry bodies; and reviewing how best to meet the future needs and expectations of members.
He thanked the retiring chair, Carl Evans, for his contribution to the work and role of the association and welcomed the incoming chair, Gillian Rutter, wishing her every success in her term of office.
Presentations by technical director, Don Aers, who addressed the on-going revisions to EN 1004, the European standard for towers, and the implications of the transition from PAS 250 to BS 8620 for manufacturers, specifiers, suppliers and users of low level work platforms.
The future of PASMA training - with reference to the industry standard Towers for Users training course - by chair of the Training Committee, John McNeilly, and top tips on how to avoid the most common training errors by the PASMA auditors.
A powerful, frank and uncompromising panel discussion on the consequences of a fall from height with Jason Anker MBE, Dylan Skelhorn and Paul Blanchard. Joined by Ray Cooke of the HSE and chaired by Shaun Lundy, academic portfolio leader at the University of Greenwich - the panel spent an eye-opening 90 minutes exploring the often-hidden consequences of a fall from height and the tortuous and frustrating road to recovery.
A technology showcase delivered by head of operations, Maarten de Vries and e-learning developer, Sakina Bokary, featuring the latest projects from PASMA including the new training booking system and innovative 3D tower building game.
The day culminated in a successful and highly entertaining charity dinner for a to-be-revealed falls from height focused charity organised by PASMA's new chair, Gillian Rutter and hosted by comedian and auctioneer, Charlie Hale.
