CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > February 2022 39 focus on CRANE interest group (CIG) SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: 2 Following on from our features on the Special Interest Groups introduced in the CPA Bulletin last year, it’s time to put the spotlight on the Crane Interest Group, otherwise known as CIG. CIG is chaired by Peter Gibbs who is Chief Executive Officer of Ainscough Crane Hire. Peter has worked for Ainscough Crane Hire for the past four years and was first appointed as Chief Operating Officer before being made CEO two years later. Prior to joining Ainscough Crane Hire, Peter worked across the distribution and logistics sector for companies such as Brakes and he also served 17 years with the British Armed Forces. During his time with the military, he became an Army Pilot and headed up the Military Aviation Standards wing, and his experience in aviation safety practices has served him well since he entered the cranes sector. Best Practice Peter has been involved with the CPA and CIG ever since he first joined Ainscough Crane Hire in 2018, and he often attends best practice forums such as the Lead Appointed Persons (AP) Forum. Peter was appointed CIG Chair in October 2020, so his tenure as Chair has been during the COVID pandemic which itself has created several challenges. The Crane Interest Group comprises a Steering Group Committee which meets at least twice a year, and there is also an annual open meeting. Once actions have been set by the Steering Group Committee, sub-committees are set up as required to help deliver these actions and the group is also supported by the CPA technical expert team. COVID has impacted on face-to-face meetings being held over the last 18 months or so, but the last open meeting was held in October 2021 in a hybrid format. Members could attend in person or virtually via zoom. CIG members represent over 80% of the cranes that operate in the UK and a total of 12 crane operators are represented on the Steering Group Committee, such as Mammoet, King Lifting, Liebherr, Bronzeshield and Select. The Only National Crane Interest Body Peter told us: “The Crane Interest Group is the only national crane interest body that is able to collectively represent and support the interests of our entire industry. We’re able to consider key issues relating to crane operations, wider equipment and planning standards, and we perform an important function in ensuring these standards are adopted to ensure operations can be conducted safely and effectively. “We’re also the voice of the industry to help influence other trade industry bodies or Government departments, and we play a key role in raising awareness and communicating with the wider construction industry. There is no other body that represents the mobile crane sector in the UK.” Peter himself has been recognised with a prestigious accolade in recognition of both his personal commitment to safety and Ainscough’s wider ‘Make the Safe Choice’ culture. In December 2021 Peter received the Sir Moir Lockhead Safety Award which celebrates individuals across the world who have delivered tangible leadership in safety. Award winners are commended for their work in driving safety initiatives or innovation, safety invention, or for safety leadership, either within the winner’s company or wider industry. Taking the Lead With CAP1096 CIG took the lead on liaising with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regarding CAP1096, whereby the CAA were looking to follow European legislation and implement substantial changes to the height restrictions and reporting of cranes anywhere in the UK. Thanks to interventions from the CIG, CPA and other trade associations, the CAA re-evaluated the proposals and a phased approach has now been adopted, running trials with crane owners, contractors and others. Peter told us: “CAP1096 would have had a major impact on the construction industry if it was implemented in its original format. Whilst the principal responsibility for height notification of cranes sits with our customers across the sector, the expertise and understanding around the requirements the CAA wanted to put in place, clearly sits with bodies like the Crane Interest Group.