CPA Bulletin

42 CPA Bulletin > August 2023 www.cpa.uk.net SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS: 3 could find a resolution. This was the birth of CHIG, many rental companies coming together to discuss a common problem in an open forum. All those in attendance were members of the Construction Plant-hire Association and we voiced our concerns to CPA for guidance. Not only did CPA listen, but they also formed a specialist group to liaise with members and talk about common problems and provide guidance. Here we are today 27 years later with more members joining each year. For the last 10 years I have been the Chair of the group; a position I have been extremely fortunate to hold. The wealth of knowledge and experience held in one room is remarkable, with many members helping each other and developing relationships between member companies. So I bet you’re all wondering - how do you get such a group of experts in the industry under one roof???!! Well, the answer is simple - a nice dinner and drinks at the bar seems to work! Seriously, it really is simple - we put all our differences aside to work together on issues and common values to make the industry better for all and improve standards in the UK. Our experts are not only rental companies and manufacturers, but include Health and Safety advisers, training providers, main contractors, etc. With this great combination we have made huge strides and work together to provide Best Practice Guides and working groups for British Standards, IPAF and NASC. Although CHIG is for the UK, it includes input from manufacturers around the world. The numerous Best Practice Guides are available to download on the CPA website at www.cpa.uk.net . These are regularly reviewed and revised to ensure latest H&S compliance, taking new technology and improvements into account; they are guidelines offered to minimise risks and improve safety. CHIG also developed a recognised qualification for Hoist Installers, providing a higher standard of knowledge with health and safety at the forefront of the qualification. So how have we achieved this work? Education, knowledge and development. CHIG and IPAF have come together to work on a training course for hoist installers which will act as a starting point for new entrants into the industry, and lead to progression through to the existing higher qualifications, further enhancing the calibre of hoist installers. Working together, CHIG and IPAF have developed the Hoist Operator course and the MCWP/Hoists for Managers course, as we are happy to give our knowledge on hoists freely to educate the industry and ultimately maximise potential to grow the industry, whilst providing a safer environment for all. Following on frommy speech in Berlin, it has become clear of the need for such important groups to exist in each country, with many others now looking at ways to make this possible and increase knowledge and safety worldwide.