CPA Bulletin

40 CPA Bulletin > February 2022 www.cpa.uk.net “Supported by the CPA, the CIG very much took a lead with engaging with the CAA. Interestingly, my background proved useful as I used to be a Military Pilot and was responsible for standards, so that helped facilitate mutual understanding. CAP1096 was due to be imposed on the sector from April 2021 and it would have affected every single lift in the country, but it’s now been re-evaluated by the CAA and trials have been run with alternative measures that are more practical. “This was a defensive intervention but an important one. Without the CIG this would not have happened and it’s very likely we would have been living with a legal requirement that would have had significant consequences across the construction industry.” Roadworthiness Document CIG also worked closely with the CPA regarding the introduction of the new 2021 CPA Model Conditions to ensure that everything representing mobile cranes was considered, and the group is introducing a roadworthiness document for mobile cranes. This follows the introduction of the voluntary MOT scheme that was originally introduced by the CPA in 2019, to address the fact that mobile cranes are exempt from mandatory MOT testing. The Roadworthiness Scheme extends the previous MOT scheme to cover all aspects of annual servicing which aligns to DVSA’s (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) focus on year round roadworthiness. The new document will be endorsed by the DVSA and although the scheme still remains voluntary, the new document will introduce a formal standard that the whole mobile crane sector can work to. In addition, the CIG is working alongside local authorities regarding clean air zones, and the group has worked with the CPA on the recent training needs survey. In recent months, one of CIG’s objectives has been to establish formal liaisons with wider interest groups across construction, both in the UK and worldwide, to help cascade information to key target markets and to form alliances when required. For instance, CIG worked very closely alongside the Lead AP Forum to generate feedback from many of the largest construction companies in the country to communicate with one voice the objections to the original format of CAP1096. Outside the UK, CIG has links with organisations such as ESTA, the European association for the abnormal road transport and mobile crane rental industry, who are working on developing a European operators’ crane licence (ECOL). Peter added: “It’s all about best practice and supporting crane operators working to a consistent, safe standard, not just in the UK, but across Europe and worldwide. It also means that supply of qualified and competent labour is easier if international crane operators are working to a consistent and endorsed standard.” SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: 3