Podiums
What is the current product standard for podiums?
All BoSS podiums are compliant with the current standard PAS 250.
PAS 250 is a Publically Available Specification for a low‐level work platform, with one working platform and side protection for use by one person, with a maximum working platform height of less than 2.5 m.
Do I need the manufacturer’s instruction manual to use a podium?
Quite simply – if you don’t have a copy of the manufacturer’s instructions, you cannot use the podium.
Never use the podium until you have fully read and understood the User Guide, ensuring the podium has been properly set up using the information it contains.
When should podiums be inspected?
The podium should be inspected at every use.
- ALWAYS carry out a Risk Assessment for each job before you start work, to ensure the podium, is the appropriate method of access.
- ALWAYS check the workstation safety check list, following the instructions in the User Guide and the labels on the podium. There is a serious risk of injury if you do not follow all the instructions.
- ALWAYS check the podium for damage before you use it and complete an inspection report if necessary.
- ALWAYS make sure that you use the podium on firm and level ground.
- ALWAYS try to position the front of the podium towards the work for maximum stability.
- ALWAYS wear appropriate protective equipment and work-wear, including foot wear with a flat and firm sole with good grip.
- ALWAYS take safety measures when working close to doorways, openings and other traffic paths, to prevent accidental collisions; never block an emergency exit, fire-path or other escape route.
- ALWAYS secure the podium to prevent unauthorised use.
What are the guidelines for using a podium in bad weather?
Can I use other manufactures replacement parts?
What is PAS 250 and how does it affect my products?
PAS 250 is a Publicly Available Specification for a low level work platform with one working platform with side protection for use by one person with a maximum working platform height of less than 2.5 m. These products, commonly referred to as podiums or pulpits, became extensively used following the implementation of The Work at Height Regulations.
What is a Publicly Available Specification?
A Publicly Available Specification (PAS) is a sponsored fast-track standard driven by the needs of the client
organizations and developed according to guidelines set out by BSI. Key stakeholders are brought together to collaboratively produce a BSI-endorsed PAS that has all the functionality of a British Standard for the purposes of creating management systems,
product benchmarks and codes of practice. After two years the PAS is reviewed and a decision is made as to whether it should be taken forward to become a formal British Standard.
What products does PAS 250 cover?
Low level work platforms with one working
platform with side protection for use by one person with a maximum working platform height of less than 2.5 m. These products are commonly referred to as podiums or pulpits.
What products are not covered by PAS 250?
Mobile access and working towers specified
by BS EN 1004 because LLWPs have working platform heights of less than 2.5 m. Mobile elevating work platforms specified in BS EN 280 because LLWPs are not powered. Room scaffolds specified in BS 1139-6 because LLWPs have smaller working platforms and
are only designed for use by one person. Standing ladders with platforms specified in BS EN 131, BS 2037 and BS 1129 and Hop Up type platforms because LLWPs have side protection to the working platform.
Why is it called PAS 250?
PAS stands for Publicly
Available Specification. It is nothing to do with the fact that the PAS was sponsored by PASMA! The 250 is simply a number to identify the PAS but coincidentally the platform height of the products specified in the PAS is less than 250 cm.
Why was PAS250
needed?
Designs that emerged for this type of low level work platform (LLWP) have been developed in the absence of a formal standard. Whilst BoSS’s LLWPs provide a safe solution to low level access, there are aspects of some products that could
be improved by adherence to relevant and specific design criteria. Therefore PASMA, the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association, has sponsored the development of this PAS to provide minimum safety and performance criteria
for these products.
Who was involved in the drafting of PAS 250?
It was sponsored by PASMA (the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association). Its development was facilitated by BSI Standards Limited and published under licence
from the British Standards Institution (BSI). The steering group which developed the final draft was made up with representatives from: the Association of British Certification Bodies (ABCB), the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Hire Association Europe
(HAE), the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), the Ladder Association and PASMA.
How does it affect the products I currently have?
Any product which you may currently have in stock will be unaffected by these changes. Product standards, or specifications such
as this one, cannot be applied retrospectively to existing products. New product entering the market place can be designed and manufactured in accordance with PAS250 and the manufacturer should be able to demonstrate compliance. PAS250 is a public specification
which will help manufacturers to demonstrate a basic level of safety through design. It is not a legal requirement and is not part of any new legislation or regulations coming into effect.