Construction sites operated by the Major Contractors Group have begun enforcing the requirement for all personnel on site to carry a relevant health and safety skills competence card.
Construction sites operated by the Major Contractors Group have begun enforcing the requirement for all personnel on site to carry a relevant health and safety skills competence card. This certification scheme has been designed to meet this requirement and is believed to be a lot more relevant to the security and fire sectors than previous schemes.
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The official MCG deadline for obtaining the cards was December 2003. The four trade associations (BSIA, BFPSA, ECA, and Select) report that they are liaising with the MCG for their support in ensuring that this new scheme is implemented. All participating trade associations are urging members to apply for the cards as soon as possible.
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What they say
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BSIA Marketing and Export Services Director Stephen Adams said: ‘In order to work safely on a construction site it is necessary to have some basic knowledge of the proper procedures. This card will ensure that security and fire systems installers have the required competence and the knowledge to operate safely whilst installing equipment. The BSIA is delighted to have reached agreement with the BFPSA and ECA to approach this as a joint venture and is confident that the JIB will deliver a good service.’ BFPSA project manager Daryl Alder said: ‘The BFPSA is very happy with the new Fire and Security Systems Card allowing our members access to MCG construction sites. We see the co-operation between the trade bodies as an important initial step for the industry as many BFPSA member companies belong to all of the associations. We hope that in the future we can work together on other projects for the mutual benefit of the fire and security industry.’ Commenting on this initiative, Alex Meikle, Head of Employee Relations at the Electrical Contractors’ Association, said: "We intend to actively contribute towards greater levels of professionalism within the industry. The overall aim of the ECS initiative is to secure effective levels of competence and the introduction of the fire and security card is a welcome step in the right direction. The fact that our various parties are wishing to contribute towards this initiative demonstrates the continuous move towards greater collaboration within the industry, which is aligned to the wishes of the Government."
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The first companies to register with the new scheme include ADT Fire and Security plc, Group 4 Technology and Wessex Fire and Security. The card is part of the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme, which is jointly administered by the JIB and JIB Scotland. To apply, installers should visit the JIB website.
