Focus on: Health & Safety Handling & Safety Matters development of qualifications, such as the Level 3 apprenticeship and NVQ Level 3 for permanent fall arrest technicians, which is part of a broader effort to professionalise the industry. This initiative, driven by BSIF HSG, aims to close the skills gap and ensure that all workers in the fall protection industry are equipped with the necessary knowledge and experience to perform their roles effectively. BSIF HSG member, John Hynes of Autumnal Services Ltd, comments: “Formal, sector-specific qualifications, such as the NVQ Level-3 for installers, should raise the quality of installers and inspectors. And the introduction of BS8681 will make it clear to Duty Holders and others that there are minimum acceptable competency levels.” Inspection and auditing BS 8681 emphasises the importance of thorough inspection and auditing processes to maintain the integrity of fall protection systems. Inspectors must be highly skilled and knowledgeable, capable of identifying potential hazards that could compromise safety. Regular audits, both internal and external, are recommended to ensure ongoing compliance with the Standard, thereby ensuring that systems remain safe throughout their operational life. A positive impact on the industry The introduction of BS 8681 is expected to have a profoundly positive impact on the fall protection industry. By setting higher standards for competence and safety, it aims to drive a cultural shift towards greater accountability and professionalism. Duty holders can now have greater confidence that they are working with competent professionals who can deliver safe, compliant, and effective fall protection systems. BSIF HSG member Ben Haughton of Ocean Technical Safety Services Ltd comments: “The fall protection industry is entering a new era; with the publication of BS 8681and the support of BSIF, professional competency standards within the industry are going to be raised and in turn, greatly improve worker safety.” Hynes adds: “There will be a period where these new expectations and requirements are a challenge to our sector, but in the long term, they are completely reasonable and readily achievable, and they should lead to a significant improvement in the quality of design, installation and record keeping we see for fall protection systems.” Dun concludes: “My message to the companies and people who procure installation, inspection and consultancy services is to use BS8681 as part of the tools available in their due diligence process of selecting competent contractors.” To view the BSIF’s overview of BS 7883, designed to help the understanding of best practice for those designing, installing, maintaining and inspecting anchor devices and systems, visit: www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org The BSIF (HSG) has also produced a webinar that brings together industry experts to discuss the requirements of providers within the industry. The webinar is available via the following link: https://www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org/bs-86812024-personal-fallprotection-equipment-bsif-hsg-webinar For more information: https://www.bsif-heightsafetygroup.org/ combilift.com UNLOCK EVERY INCH OF YOUR STORAGE SPACE! ENHANCE THE SAFETY, STORAGE & EFFICIENCY OF YOUR LOGISTICS WITH COMBILIFT Our pioneering product range of multidirectional, articulated and pedestrian forklifts, straddle carriers and container loaders allows you to manoeuvre long loads safely, reduce aisle widths and increase the amount of space available for storage. For 25 years, Combilift has been revolutionising the way companies handle and store goods. We help companies of all sizes and from every industry to maximise the capacity, safety and efficiency of their warehouse and storage facilities. CONTACT US TODAY To find out how Combilift can help you unlock every inch of your storage space. 2
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=