Latest News

We have a NEW YouTube Channel!

30/4/2025

We have been working away in the background for a little while now on ways of offering a better service to our customers and we are pleased to announce the launch of our new YouTube channel.

We have begun by uploading four videos, details of which are described further on in this newsletter. Ongoing we will be looking to add more content to give our customers additional useful information.

Please subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up to date with our latest content.

Do you have an idea for a YouTube video that you think would be helpful? Feel free to contact us with your suggestions on
0203 794 0798 or [email protected]

Employee Race to Zero

27/11/2024

Recently, the team at RSC Training took part in the Employee Race to Zero Competition, a global, UN endorsed sustainability initiative designed to raise awareness of the way employees can drive climate action within their companies.

The competition, run by Giki, took place online over two weeks from 14-27 October 2024, with the first weeks theme being "Go Green At Work" and the second weeks theme being "The Big Switch". The idea over the two weeks was to encourage employees to take "steps" to reduce their carbon footprint.

Why Did We Get Involved?

As a company, RSC Training are always looking at ways to improve our processes with our commitment to sustainability, reducing our carbon footprint and to generally try and be as green as we can be, when we heard about the Employee Race to Zero competition, it seemed like a good opportunity to gauge where we were at, gain ideas and see what more we could do.

RSC Training's Director Richard commented: "We hadn't actually heard of the Employee Race to Zero Competition or of Giki until it came up on a newsletter from the Ladder Association saying they were taking part and were encouraging their members to do the same. As we were already doing some other work on sustainability for another project at the time, we looked into it and decided it would fit in well with what we were doing and to get involved"

So What Did We Do?

The idea of the competition was to take "steps", suggested by Giki, to reduce carbon footprint. When we first started looking into taking "steps", we found that a lot of what was being suggested were things that we were already doing! It was a good realisation and recognition of the work we already do towards sustainability. There were however "steps" we could take and it gave us a good opportunity to implement some ideas we had but just hadn't got around to doing.

Two good examples of this were:

Implementing Recycling and Waste Management at our Training Centre, replacing the single black bin with a range of recycling bins and a food waste bin, to encourage those attending our facilities to better think about separation of their waste.

Reducing Postage, by looking at ways in which we can minimise if not avoid postage needs, such as only sending paperwork to Instructors as needed, encouraging them to send paperwork to us in batches rather than per course and handing training cards/certificates to delegates who are coming to us repeatedly.

New Recycling and Food Waste systems implemented at our Thamesmead Training Centre

Delegate Ellen receiving her LadderCard from Instructor Richard whilst attending her PASMA Combined course

So How Did We Do?

As a team, there were only three of us taking part, but as the competition was designed as such that it didn't take up too much time around normal working procedures, we were all able to contribute to RSC Training's overall result.

As it turns out, despite of some of the other companies taking part having much larger teams involved, RSC Training managed to perform well and achieved 4th place on the overall leader board, narrowly missing out on 3rd place and a prize by only one "step".

As the point of the competition was not about winning prizes but to improve on sustainability, the overall result ultimately doesn't matter as long as everyone learns something and makes positive changes within their companies.

Final statistics for RSC Training for the Employee Race to Zero Competition

Richard commented: "Although maybe slightly frustrating that we missed out on the podium by only one "step", it was a good exercise for us to go through as a company to see where we are at with regards to sustainability. Credit to Lyndsey and Karen for their contributions which were much better than mine, I came bottom of the office leader board!"

Where Do We Go From Here?

After the event had finished, the team at RSC Training took time out to catch up with Sorrel Humphrey, Sustainability Advisor for the Ladder Association, so we could compare notes on how we each felt the competition had gone and what comes next.

We learnt from Sorrel that the Ladder Association finished 12th in the overall leader board, that they had also seen that they were already doing a lot of good things already and that the process had been a positive one to be involved with for them too.

Going forward, RSC Training will be continuing with its ongoing commitment towards sustainability, implementing new processes where applicable and will be supporting the Ladder Association in their future endeavours in regards to sustainability.

Newsletter - August 2024

29/8/2024

Link to our latest Newsletter

1b training introduced into Soham

15/11/2023

As part of our ongoing efforts to introduce IPAF training into our Soham Training Centre, we have this week run our first 1b Static Boom course. This course was arranged for a customer who had already completed their 3a Mobile Vertical and 3b Mobile Boom training at Soham and were adding 1b to this via the Add A Category option.

The 1b Static Boom category is probably the most diverse IPAF category due to it covering a range of different types of machines with similar features, all of which are required to be set up prior to elevating and cannot be driven whilst at height.

Types of machine covered by the 1b category are:

Trailer Mounted - as being used on the course right
Van/Vehicle Mounted
Truck/Lorry Mounted
Track Mounted (commonly known as Spider Lifts)

More information about IPAF Operator training can be found here or by contacting our office.

PASMA Instructor Days

3/11/2023

Recent changes in product standards relating to non standard configuration tower builds have lead to changes in manufacturing requirements to meet the new BS1139-6:2021 standards. Two of the leading manufacturers, Lakeside Industries and Euro Towers, have taken steps to gain third party certification to meet the new standards, with support from the Test & Research Centre.

The changes have also lead to an update on training requirements for PASMA additional module training courses, so with this in mind, the two manufacturers took the decision, in collaboration with PASMA, to open their factories in Redditch and Northampton respectively to PASMA Instructors to come along and learn about their product ranges and take a tour of the factories to see how the manufacturing process takes place and how the manufacturers are meeting the new standards.

Instructors showing off their completed Alto Tower Linked Tower structure

PASMA training courses are run by qualified and knowledgeable Instructors, but in order to maintain their qualification and keep their knowledge up to date, they have to complete Continued Professional Development (CPD) to ensure they deliver training to the high standards that PASMA expect.

Instructors travelled from all corners of the country to attend and get the chance to learn about these products and some hands-on experience building them.

RSC Training Ltd Director and Instructor Richard Chapman, pictured far right, was one of the Instructors who attended both events and he is very much in favour of these events.

Richard said: "These type of events are invaluable as an Instructor as they not only help us to keep up to date with the latest goings on within the industry but also help us gain specific knowledge we might otherwise not learn. Its also the social aspect of it on the day, as an Instructor we usually work alone so its good to get a few of us together now and then as you'd be surprised how much you learn just by chatting with other Instructors, swapping stories and experiences."

Both manufacturers were keen to show Instructors around their facilities, showing the specifics of how they manufacture their towers, how they ensure the high quality of their products and what makes them different from their competitors.

Richard said: "The factory tours were a great insight into what goes on behind the scenes at the manufacturers factories. As Alto towers and Euro towers are quite different products, its not surprising the process of making them is also quite different. It was my first time visiting Lakeside Industries so I was very interested in seeing their place."

Charles Wright, Director of Lakeside Industries, leading Instructors on a factory tour, along with George Lopez of PASMA

Roger Verallo, Managing Director of Euro Towers, leading Instructors on a factory tour

Richard went on to say: "At Alto, there was only a small group of us on the day so Charlie was able to take us all round together, but at Euro Towers there was quite a few more of us so they divided us into smaller groups and we went round with different representatives of Euro Towers."

One of the groups was lead by Roger Verallo, pictured left, who was able to impart his many years of experience within the industry and within PASMA to the Instructors in his group.

Richard laughed: "Roger is a character, he's been in the industry nearly as long as I've been alive so what he doesn't know about towers probably isn't worth knowing! I'm sure all the Instructors in his group were thoroughly entertained as well as learning a lot from him."

The main aim of these events are to broaden the knowledge of PASMA Instructors, to show differences between different manufacturers towers, such as bracing patterns, build methods, even the material they are made from. Not all towers are the same, even if they look similar or are the same heights. This is even more emphasised when you start getting into the non standard configuration builds. Instructors can then pass on this knowledge to those attending PASMA training courses.

PASMA Lead Auditor George Lopez, who attended and helped run both events, stated about the Alto event:

“This was a great experience for instructors to learn more about Alto’s products and manufacturing process, as well as understand how and why they achieved their BS 1139-6 certification. It was also a great experience for them to build the Alto Access tower, as many of them rarely get the chance to build one. This was an excellent chance for everyone to experience this and broaden their expertise in different tower brands.”

Richard added: "Its good to learn about different towers, as well as get to build them too. Fortunately, through doing my Instructor modules for the BS1139-6 non standard configuration builds, I've got a good experience using the Alto Tower, but I know quite a few other Instructors probably haven't seen it in person before.

I'll admit also I don't use Euro Towers equipment that often myself either so its good to get the chance to do so."

Instructors showing off their completed Euro Towers Cantilever Tower Structure

Thanks go to Charles Wright and the team at Lakeside Industries and to Roger Verallo and the team at Euro Towers for putting on the events for the Instructors and to George Lopez and PASMA for helping organise and run them.

IPAF Launch New Harness Courses

6/7/2023

The use of Harness and Lanyards when working with Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs) is a common sight on most sites and a requirement in most instances. According to IPAF data, falls from the platform are one of the major causes of injury or fatality associated with using MEWPs. Training for the safe use of Harness and Lanyards has always been critical to safe use of boom type platforms.

Recently, IPAF have reviewed their Harness course and have made changes to the delivery of this training so that it is better tailored to the individuals taking the course.

So what has changed?

Previously, IPAF had a stand alone half day course that would include all the information a delegate would need to know, including selecting the right equipment, storage and maintenance, wearing the equipment and checking the equipment on a pre-use and thorough examination basis.

This approach was designed to be a "one stop shop" to provide all this information for training purposes, however it was found that a lot of the delegates attending the courses were only really required to use Harnesses for their jobs and that they would not be responsible for thorough examinations.

On review of this, IPAF have replaced the traditional half day Harness course with 3 new Harness courses, designed to tailor better to individual's specific involvement with Harnesses.

So what are the courses now?

IPAF have launched 3 courses to make up 3 new categories, which are designed to work in a tiered system and the courses you take will depend entirely on the level of information each individual requires for their jobs. The new categories are:

Harness Awareness (HA)
Designed for those who require a theoretical understanding of harnesses without the need to use one themselves. Theory based course, approx 3hrs, completed either in person in a classroom or via eLearning.

Harness User (HU)
Designed for those who require to use a harness within a MEWP for their work. Must have successfully completed HA course first and practical is completed in person.

Harness Inspector (HI)
Designed for those who are responsible for completing periodic inspections of harnesses. Must have successfully completed both HA and HU courses first. Classroom based course, no eLearning option.

So how long does Harness training take now?

This depends entirely on what level of training is required, which course(s) are taken and the format in which they are done. For example, typically the majority of delegates will require training to HU level, which could either be done as a half day session at a Training Centre doing both HA and HU categories, or the HA category could be done as an eLearning module and the delegate attends the Training Centre to complete the HU category in person.

If the delegate requires the HI category, this can be done as a half day in the afternoon after completing the HA and HU categories in the morning, making this a full days training, or could be completed on a different day.

IPAF are also allowing the HU category to be integrated into their standard IPAF Operator course (where applicable) to help reduce the time spent at the Training Centre. Delegates would need to have completed the HA category prior to the course.

For more information regarding Harness courses and your specific training requirements, contact us to discuss options.

IPAF revamps Load/Unload Course

30/11/2020

Following on from a comprehensive review of the worldwide data they receive on accident reporting and near misses, IPAF have revamped and updated their Loading & Unloading course.

A small working group of members of the IPAF Training Committee, including Paul Roddis (IPAF Training Manager) and lead by Martin Wraith (IPAF Auditor), took on the task of taking the existing Load/Unload course and, incorporating the information from the accident reporting database, giving it a new look to bring it in line with the current Operator and MEWPs For Managers courses.

The course now includes much more visual referencing, is designed to be more interactive for the course participants and provide a much better learning experience during the theory session. The course has also been adapted to allow for loading and unloading during the practical session to be for other types of plant equipment, such as fork lift trucks or diggers, as well as MEWPs.

Paul Roddis says: “The IPAF Load/Unload course has been reviewed off the back of the accident statistics showing that the people most likely to be harmed in a MEWP-related incident are delivery drivers. We believed that there was more the course could offer in terms of equipping and protecting operatives loading and unloading MEWPs, and we wanted to do more to help protect them. This updated training course does exactly that.

“In terms of visual enhancements, the new course incorporates a new IPAF fleet of delivery vehicles starting with a 4x4 with trailer, a 3.5t flat-bed van, a 7.5t beaver-tail, as well as a 26t rigid and a 40t articulated HGV trailer.”

For details regarding the IPAF Load/Unload course, please contact our office

COVID-19 Update

13/5/2020

On 11th April 2020, the government announced its plan to start easing lockdown restrictions in a phased manner, with the aim being to return life to as close to normal as possible, for as many people as possible, as fast and fairly as possible in a way that avoids a new epidemic, minimises lives lost and maximises health, economic and social outcomes.

Along with a lot of other businesses, RSC Training Ltd is a business that cannot be solely done at home. Following on from the governments decision that businesses who cannot work from home should be actively encouraged to go back to work from 13th April 2020, we have made the decision to reopen our Training Centre and be available to run courses.

We will be putting in place certain new measures to ensure that we are in line with all government requirements for being COVID-19 Secure in our Training Centre and in how we conduct our training courses, to ensure the safety of ourselves and our customers.

Like all other businesses in the UK, we are closely monitoring the current situation with Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how its effects are impacting how we run our business during these uncertain times. We very much respect and support the governments decisions during this time and will continue to do our bit to help overcome the virus during the next few weeks and months ahead.

We sincerely hope you all remain safe and healthy during this time and we look forward to welcoming you back to our Training Centre in the near future.

IPAF launches updated MEWPs For Managers course

10/6/2019

This month sees the International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) launch its brand new updated version of the MEWPs For Managers training course, which now also includes the new E-Learning module, and brings this course up to date and in line with the already existing Operator course.

The MEWPs For Managers course is aimed at managers and supervisors who's work includes or will include planning, supervising and managing of working at height that includes mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) and the operators of this equipment, without them being the person using the equipment themselves.

Paul Roddis, Training Manager at IPAF, is quoted as saying about the new course:
(Quote from article on IPAF website)

“MEWPs for Managers has received a much-awaited upgrade and is also available as eLearning for the first time. This will make it very convenient for project planners, site managers and supervisors to fit this essential training into their busy schedules.
“The updated course has been completely overhauled to make it easier to directly apply the learning in the real world. The redesigned course considers the whole process of MEWP management, from selecting the right machine, properly training the appropriate operators and providing the right protections, through securing the MEWPs to organising safe delivery and collection of the plant to and from work sites. It’s very comprehensive.
“The course is engaging, challenging and rewarding and is a must for all persons who plan, supervise, manage or control the use of MEWPs in the workplace. It now utilises interactive 360-degree graphics and virtual scenarios that contextualise specific hazards and requires candidates to put various pieces of risk assessment and technical and safety guidance together to identify and control identified risks.
“We are confident that the updated course, whether in the eLearning version or the tutor-led modules, promotes higher-order thinking skills and will aid retention of learning. The course is currently being rolled out in English-speaking IPAF territories including the UK & Ireland, North America and the Middle East, while work continues apace to complete translations into all official IPAF training languages. The course will also be released in German, and other languages, during 2019.”

As well as the standard Instructor led classroom based course, the course is now also available as an E-Learning module, meaning you can do the course in the comfort of your home or office, in your own time, at your own pace, on compatible PCs and tablets. This makes getting this training completed much easier to fit around the busy schedules which managers and supervisors may have.

The E-Learning module also makes use of sophisticated facial recognition software throughout the entire module, including the evaluation, to ensure the delegates identity throughout and to prevent fraudulant activities.

RSC Training Director Richard Chapman commented: "The MEWPs For Managers course was long overdue an upgrade to bring it up to date and on par with the Operator course! Its a lot more involved and engaging for those coming along to do the course now and it covers everything a manager needs to know about managing MEWPs in the workplace."

Richard added: "The E-Learning option could also prove to be quite popular, as it makes life so much easier for the customer to schedule the training around their own timetables, which saves them taking time out from their normal jobs to complete the training."

For further information on this course, please visit our MEWPs For Managers page.

Contact us on 0203 794 0798 or [email protected] to discuss your training requirements.

IPAF Loading/Unloading Course now available

7/11/2018

RSC Training is pleased to announce that the IPAF Loading/Unloading training course has now been officially added to our list of IPAF courses we can offer.

Although it has always been an option to offer this course, recently our Instructor Richard has also added this to the list of courses he can run, which gives RSC Training much more scope to offer this course to our customers.

As the process of loading and unloading of mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs) can be potentially risky, with about a third of all accidents reported by rental companies to IPAF involving delivery drivers, there is a need to ensure that those persons involved are suitably trained, have access to any relevant information and are following safe practices.

For further information on this course, please visit our IPAF Loading/Unloading page.

Contact us on 0203 794 0798 or [email protected] to discuss your training requirements.