Working at height remains one of the most significant safety risks across the built environment. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height continue to be the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries in Great Britain.
For facilities managers responsible for buildings with façade access systems, ensuring competence is not just a best-practice consideration – it is a critical safety and compliance responsibility.
To support this need, SAEMA has launched a ground-breaking digital learning platform designed specifically for those working in, or responsible for, the suspended access arena.
A new approach to industry training
The SAEMA Online Training platform delivers a highly engaging and accessible learning experience built around animated visuals, interactive scenarios and a secure testing environment.
Unlike traditional classroom-based courses, the platform combines flexible online learning with built-in assessment and invigilation, ensuring both convenience and credibility. Each course is designed to inform, engage and inspire confidence before anyone even sets foot on site.
For employers and duty holders, the result is training that is accessible, scalable and fully auditable, providing clear evidence of competence and compliance.
Training for those responsible
One of the most innovative elements of the platform is SAEMA’s Duty Holder Training programme, a fully digital course created specifically for those with legal and operational responsibility for suspended access systems.
Designed for building owners, facilities managers, consultants and other duty holders, the course provides a clear understanding of:
· Legal duties and regulatory compliance
· The fundamentals of suspended access systems
· Inspection and maintenance regimes
· Risk management and operational oversight
· Record-keeping and documentation
Delivered entirely online, the course enables participants to gain essential compliance knowledge in just one hour, providing facilities professionals with practical insight into managing façade access systems safely.
Building competence for operatives
The platform also supports operatives working with suspended access equipment through its Permanent Part 1 and Temporary Part 1 training programmes.
These courses provide the theoretical foundation required before undertaking practical training on site. Using animated real-world scenarios, the modules guide operatives through key safety principles, common hazards and regulatory requirements associated with suspended access systems.
Both programmes feature secure invigilated assessments, with successful participants receiving a digital certificate and virtual competence card that demonstrates recognised knowledge and capability.
For employers, this helps provide reassurance that operatives arriving on site already understand the essential safety principles associated with suspended access equipment.
Supporting safer buildings
For facilities managers responsible for complex building façades and access systems, ensuring competent use of suspended access equipment is a vital part of building safety and compliance management.
By providing accessible, high-quality training for both operatives and duty holders, SAEMA’s digital platform helps bridge the knowledge gap between those installing, operating and overseeing these systems.
As buildings become more complex and regulatory expectations continue to evolve, digital learning platforms such as this are likely to play an increasingly important role in supporting safer working practices across the sector.
Ultimately, the goal is simple: ensuring everyone involved in suspended access systems has the knowledge and confidence to work safely.
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