If you or your team use mobile scaffold towers, there’s a simple question you need a clear answer to: Is training a legal requirement, or not?
The short answer is yes.
In the UK, training is effectively a legal requirement, even if it isn’t always stated that directly.
What The Law Actually Says
The key legislation is the Work at Height Regulations 2005. These regulations don’t name PASMA specifically, but they do set out a clear obligation for employers and anyone responsible for work at height.
The law states that:
“Every employer shall ensure that no person engages in any activity… unless he is competent to do so.”
(You can view the full legislation here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2005/735/regulation/5)
That word, competent, is critical.
In practical terms, if someone is using a scaffold tower:
- they must know how to assemble and disassemble it correctly
- they must understand how to use it safely
- they must be able to identify risks
Without proper scaffold tower training, it’s very difficult to demonstrate that competence.
So, Is Training Legally Required?
While the law doesn’t say “you must take a PASMA course,” it does require that anyone working at height be competent.
In reality, the only widely recognised way to demonstrate competence in tower scaffolding is through formal training, such as a PASMA-accredited course.
That’s why, across construction, facilities management, and maintenance sectors, PASMA training has become the industry standard.
If an incident occurs and there’s no evidence of training:
- employers can be held liable
- insurance may be invalidated
- enforcement action from the HSE is likely
What Counts As “Competence”?
Competence isn’t just experience or “having done it before.”
To meet legal expectations, a worker must be able to:
- assemble and dismantle towers correctly
- use guardrails and safety features properly
- inspect the structure before use
- understand load limits and stability
- recognise hazards (uneven ground, weather, misuse)
This is exactly what structured training is designed to cover. Without it, you’re relying on assumptions, which is where accidents happen.
When Training Is Essential
Training is particularly important if:
- you are assembling or dismantling scaffold towers
- you are supervising others working at height
- you are responsible for site safety
- you are an employer or contractor managing teams
Even for simple tasks, using a tower incorrectly can lead to serious injury or worse. From a legal standpoint, “basic use” does not remove the requirement for competence.
Why PASMA Is The Standard
Although the law doesn’t name a specific course, PASMA is recognised across the UK as the benchmark for tower scaffold training.
A PASMA training course typically covers:
- safe assembly and dismantling methods
- fall prevention and protection
- inspection procedures
- current legislation and guidance
Because it’s standardised and accredited, it gives employers a clear way to demonstrate compliance with the law.
If you’re unsure what type of training is appropriate, our guide explains the options in more detail and when each applies.
What Happens If You Don’t Provide Training?
Failing to ensure proper training can have serious consequences:
Legal risk
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can take enforcement action if workers are not competent.
Financial risk
Fines, legal costs, and project delays can quickly escalate.
Safety risk
Most importantly, incorrect use of scaffold towers significantly increases the risk of falls, a leading cause of workplace injuries in the UK.
A Practical Way To Stay Compliant
If you’re responsible for staff or contractors, the safest approach is straightforward:
- ensure anyone using scaffold towers has formal training
- keep records of certification
- refresh training when required
- use recognised standards (such as PASMA)
This removes ambiguity and gives you a clear audit trail if you ever need to demonstrate compliance.
So, Do You Legally Need Training To Use A Scaffold Tower?
Yes, because the law requires competence, and training is how that competence is proven.
It’s not just about ticking a box. It’s about making sure work at height is carried out safely, correctly, and in line with UK regulations.
If you’re looking to get qualified or need training for your team, you can view our PASMA training courses to find the right option for your site and requirements.
