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RSC Training instructor Richard Chapman has completed the PASMA Access Tower Specialist (ATS) course at the Test & Research Centre in Soham, Cambridgeshire, marking the final stage of his PASMA training.
Held in September 2026, the course was the first Access Tower Specialist programme to take place since 2023, bringing together delegates from Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Stoke and London for a week of advanced access tower training.
The PASMA Access Tower Specialist qualification is the highest qualification available from PASMA for tower users. It is designed for those involved in assembling complex, non-standard tower configurations that fall outside the scope of standard manufacturer's instructions.
Advanced PASMA Training for Complex Access Towers
The course began with an online theory session led by PASMA instructor Lee Choat, covering existing knowledge alongside new terminology, design drawings and Assembly, Use and Dismantle Plans (AUDPs).
Practical training then took place at the Soham Test & Research Centre, where the building's 25-metre clearance height provides space for constructing complex access tower structures.
Throughout the week, delegates worked together to assemble and dismantle several specialist configurations, including:
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Non-Standard Linked Tower: A 7-metre structure incorporating high-clearance frames, walk-through sections and staggered platforms.
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Combination Tower Structure: Two linked towers connected by a bridge to create a large working platform, with additional cantilever and stair tower sections introduced during the exercise.
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High-Level Linked Tower: A 14-metre tower supported by a 10-metre buttress, requiring careful coordination and rope-assisted movement of components.
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Tower Tying-In Methods: Practical exercises involving box ties, through ties and hook anchors.
Each delegate was required to lead either a tower assembly or dismantling exercise, developing practical leadership, communication and safety management skills.
RSC Training's Richard Chapman Reflects on the Course
Richard took responsibility for leading the Combination Tower Structure build, which required the team to follow detailed design drawings while incorporating modifications.
Commenting on the experience, Richard said:
"The build itself was fairly straightforward, which sounds silly to say when you see the complexity of it, but it is just a case of following the design drawing specifically.
That's where the role of team leader is important, as it's also about managing the team so the build gets done correctly and also safely."
The course also provided an opportunity for delegates with different levels of experience to share knowledge and develop their understanding of specialist access tower construction.
Supporting Safer Working at Height
John Darby, General Manager for the Test & Research Centre, highlighted the value of the training:
"It was a pleasure to host the Access Tower Specialist course again here at Soham. We have been the home of PASMA's flagship course since 2020, and each course sees delegates go away with new knowledge about towers that they can implement in their day to day work, thus helping them stay safe when Working At Height."
For Richard, completing the course was also an opportunity to develop his knowledge as a training instructor and gain further practical experience of complex tower configurations.
The programme concluded with delegates completing the final practical exercises and assessments.
Further PASMA Access Tower Specialist Training
The next PASMA Access Tower Specialist course is scheduled for March 2027, with interested delegates advised to contact PASMA directly.
RSC Training continues to provide PASMA training, IPAF courses and working at height safety training, supporting businesses and individuals looking to develop their skills and improve workplace safety.
For further information about available courses, visit the RSC Training course calendar.
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