CPA Bulletin

More than 50% of reported accidents result in no injuries, he pointed out. The next speaker was Peter Brown , Technical Development Manager from the CPA, with a presentation focusing on card schemes and operator competence. Peter updated the audience about the fact that the CPA has recently carried out a series of four roadshows following discussions at a CPA- hosted Training on Plant in Construction (TOPIC) event in April 2018, which identified that CPA members and other delegates would welcome further clarification and updates on the current status of plant- based card schemes and their interface with construction sector employers. Peter gave a potted history of card schemes, from 1986 when plant card schemes were first originated to the present day, whereby the NOCN Group has recently been announced as the CPCS buyer. A survey carried out among CPA members indicated that 95% of respondents use CPCS, 50% use NPORS and 35% use IPAF. The most important factor for using a named scheme was said to be the fact that is accepted at all sites. Peter went on to outline some facts that are frequently misunderstood about card schemes, such as they are not mandatory under legislation or regulations and it is the employer’s duty to provide instruction, information, training and supervision. Card schemes are separate self-supporting entities, each with their own fee structures, and offer either recognition of training or competence, or a mix of both. Each scheme decides on the overall standards it operates to, entry requirements vary from scheme to scheme and the training and assessment content is unique to each respective scheme. Card renewal criteria, quality assurance, instructor criteria and the extent of health and safety training varies among the schemes. There is no formal association or externally applied code of conduct for card schemes and data and cards held by one scheme are not transferable to others. The presentation was finalised with a summary about the recent card scheme roadshows led by the CPA. Peter updated the audience that the CPA had agreed to start the process of forming an industry-led Sector Representative Organisation (SRO), as such an organisation doesn’t currently exist in the construction plant sector. Although the CPA is willing to provide the secretariat for the SRO, input will be needed from a host of other parties, including colleges and training providers, clients, manufacturers, card schemes, standard setting bodies, plant hirers and owners, safety authorities such as the HSE, awarding organisations and federations. At the end of Peter’s presentation, CPA Chief Executive Kevin Minton outlined the Association’s position regarding the change of ownership of CPCS. The CPA has had a long association with CPCS, dating back to its origins in the Certificate of Training Achievement (CTA) scheme. Many CPA members have employees who hold CPCS cards and the equipment owned by CPA members will be operated by CPCS card- holders. Kevin outlined that the CPA wants to ensure that the investment CPA members have made in training and competence is protected. The CPA has therefore offered support to NOCN, the new owners of the scheme, to help achieve a successful and smooth transition from the public sector into the third sector. Another thought-provoking presentation was made by Ray Cooke from the HSE Construction Sector Safety Team. Ray presented a series of statistics relating to workplace injuries and stated that work at height remains the biggest cause of fatalities. He stated that MEWPs often present the best and safest solution for working at height, providing that they are used in the right hands and that correct planning is made. Ray stressed the importance of the familiarisation of MEWPs and the fact that it is critical that site managers have an awareness and understanding of how MEWPs are selected and operated, due to the wide variety of models and controls available. Ray highlighted that it is a major concern that familiarisation is not taking place amongst both operators and site managers when MEWPs are delivered to site and referred to the availability of IPAF courses such as MEWP Operator (PAL Card) and MEWPs for Managers. He strongly reinforced the message that it is crucial that adequate time and resource are given for the familiarisation of machines and that the user has a distinct responsibility to make sure that operatives know how to operate the machine in question. When MEWPs are delivered to site, people need to be familiar with the controls as MEWPs have both ground controls and basket controls. In the event of an emergency, it is simply not practicable to refer to a user manual and it pays to get it right first time. A further presentation was delivered by CPA Technical Consultant Tim Watson , who has been involved in the MEWP industry since 1974. Tim spoke about the availability of a recently launched SFPSG publication called Rescue of Persons fromMEWPs. Available as a free download from both the CPA and IPAF websites, it is a 10-page A4 document which has been drafted with input from the HSE. Tim outlined that the publication had been devised as there is a risk associated with those in a MEWP work platform becoming stranded at height due to factors such as machines malfunctioning or breaking down. However, risks can be reduced by well-maintained equipment, pre- use inspections and using competent operators. Nevertheless, it is critical that plans are put in place to rescue persons in the work platform. The guidance document outlines that the primary duty for ensuring there are adequate resources for planning and carrying out rescue of persons from a MEWP rests with the user of that MEWP. As well as covering regulatory requirements and responsibility for rescue, the document covers planning for rescue, developing the method and rescue personnel. HEALTH & SAFETY: 2 www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > May 2019 33