CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > August 2021 39 “Whilst I had a comprehensive understanding of the workings, designs, regulations and installation processes, I felt that I didn’t have the right to question any discussion as I had never carried out the physical aspect of the job. Everyone assured me I was the right choice, and Gordon guided me through my first meeting as Chair in 2013 after he stepped down. “The great thing about CHIG is the huge amount of support for each other. I have always been a strong believer that whilst we are competitors, we also face the same issues. By coming together and resolving these issues, we improve the industry and each other. The most important aspect is that we have helped create a level playing field, by producing Best Practice guidance on many subjects, assisting hoist manufacturers on new machines to ensure they comply with UK regulations, providing detailed insight to the requirements for principal contractors and designers, and providing training qualifications. There are even a few ladies involved in the group now, which is great to see,” Kirsty told us. CHIG has a Steering Committee of 12 members, comprising hirers, manufacturers, training companies, principal contractors and representatives from the HSE and CPA. The Steering Committee meets twice a year and there is also an open meeting where all CPA members are welcome and new potential members can also attend. Over the years, CHIG has grown significantly and membership increases year on year, with more and more companies joining the meetings. In fact, due to the growth of CHIG, the group even had to change venues to fit everyone in at the last open meeting in 2019 where 60 people were in attendance. Sadly, the pandemic forced the cancellation of the physical 2020 open meeting, but the Steering Committee has remained very active and held two meetings via zoom. Kirsty said: “Our overall objective at CHIG is to provide an open forum for issues to be discussed and resolved, with input from industry bodies and HSE. We strive to continue improving methods, guidance, training and educating tomorrow’s workforce. “Initially there were only a handful of specialist hoist hire companies, and even then not everyone knew when regulations were being revised or updated. CHIG ensures that all members are kept fully up-to-date regarding the latest requirements and potential changes. It allows everyone to plan ahead if any modifications need to be made to equipment. “The group is now an integral part of the industry, and with several access and scaffold companies adding hoists to their equipment fleets, it’s increasingly important that everyone understands the full commitment involved in the provision of hoists from a hirer’s perspective, including installer training and LOLER examinations.” 2019 was a very busy year for CHIG, with the publication of a new Best Practice Guide entitled ‘CHIG 1901 - Guidance on Tying Construction Hoists and Mast Climbing Work Platforms to Supporting Structures’. Despite the challenges posed by the SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: 3