27-ATLAS Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists News 040708

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THE PROFESSIONAL WAY TO CUT THE RISK OF WORKING AT HEIGHT

The construction industry as a whole is in a permanent state of flux at the moment, from new legislation, exponential growth and an influx of foreign workers. One constant that remains of paramount importance is the health and safety of all those onsite. This issue has seen a plethora of new initiatives introduced onsite, ranging from orange hard hat systems to identify bilingual operatives to ever-more thorough daily tool box briefings. However, the undeniable fact remains that according to the Health & Safety Executive there were 77 fatal injuries in the past year. That is a 27% increase on the previous year. 23 of these deaths, 30% were due to falls from height. This is unacceptable.
So how can we halt this appalling trend? One argument is that you leave working at height to only the most skilled of professionals – namely those in Specialist Access. Working at height requires a specific skill set that is unlike any other, not least of which is quite literally a head for heights. This highly specialist area in construction requires a continuous need for through risk assessment and evaluation, very specific tools and health and safety equipment. We asked ATLAS past President, Roger Coonie of Church Conservation to give an insight into the world of Specialist Access.

Who is ATLAS?
ATLAS - Association of Technical Lightning & Access Specialists was formed in 1946 and is the leading trade association of its kind in the industry. ATLAS has helped define health and safety standards, best practice and advises both the HSE and British Standards on a regular basis.
ATLAS promotes true professionalism within an industry that is under constant scrutiny. Its members take their ethical and professional standing very seriously and are known for leading by example. Membership has very strict criteria. As an authority on working at height, ATLAS recommends that all contractors hire a professional Specialist Access contractor whenever they are working at height to ensure that all safety codes of practice and industry regulations are met and maintained at all times.

What is a Specialist Access contractor?
Specialist Access contractors work as consultants who have been trained in all aspects of safety on new and existing construction sites. Specialist Access contractors can advise on anything from regulations of a building’s handicapped access ramps to how construction workers can safely manoeuvre while on a roof. Many provide specialised equipment for specific construction needs, particularly pertaining to the repair, maintenance and or the demolition of high-rise sites such as industrial chimneys. My company, Church Conservation however, specialises in the repair and maintenance of churches and historical buildings.

Why should I hire a Specialist Access contractor?
Hiring a Specialist Access contractor keeps your project in compliance with new industry regulations from the beginning to the end of its construction. Most importantly, Specialist Access contractors advise on safety measures to give you complete confidence that the project will be carried out in a safe and responsible manner. This ensures peace of mind for everyone while minimising risk to those on site.

When should I hire a Specialist Access contractor?
You should hire a Specialist Access contractor when you have a project requiring access at height: e.g. industrial chimneys, difficult locations such as the cables on a suspension bridge, working at depth, shafts and rock faces. Furthermore, you should hire a Specialist Access contractor in all instances when you need a contractor who can not only provide safe access to the project but who can also carry out the necessary work in a competent and safe manner.

What process do Specialist Access contractors go through on a new site?
Primarily, a typical Specialist Access contractor will visit the construction site and write detailed risk assessments and method statements in order to ensure that they can undertake the proposed works without putting themselves, other workers or members of the public at risk.
Depending on the contractor and construction needs as well as the ability of the Specialist Access contractor, they would design, construct and install custom-made equipment for lifting and access. This expertise is something that all ATLAS members possess. The contractor would then complete the job in compliance with the method and work statements created at the beginning of the project. Many contractors will keep detailed tracking via camera or video of all the work completed so that the main contractor or client can review and evaluate the work. For example one ATLAS member has created a 360-degree hot camera that can be lowered into an industrial chimney in temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius so that they can fully evaluate the needs and extent of the job without interrupting the client’s operation.

How do I know if a Specialist Access contractor is qualified?
To ensure the Specialist Access contractor is qualified, first request a copy of his trade association membership certificate and his training plan. I would always ask for an ATLAS member. Then look into the qualifications of his management team and his site operatives and ask to see their CSCS cards.
How will Specialist Access contractors examine my construction site?
Specialist Access contractors prepare reports that assess the level of hazard and risk and prepare site instructions for construction projects. These reports are both qualitative and quantitative assessments based on actual industry accident statistics. As a client you should always ask and are entitled to see these.

What about foreign workers?
The recent influx of foreign workers into the UK has created a need for foreign Specialist Access contractors who are also multi-lingual. Although qualified in their home countries, these skilled foreign workers must learn the health and safety and operating standards recognised by the UK, particularly since the UK now has the strictest health and safety codes in Europe.

What does ATLAS’s new Code of Practice outline?
The new code discusses chimney inspection (concrete & steel) safe access, safe lightning conductor installation and safe installation of fixings for access equipment. It is in effect the new gold standard for best practice in the industry.

What are the fundamental differences between the old code and the new one?
The new code of practice takes all factors into account including: the working at height regulations, British and European standards and it will be produced with guidance from the HSE, as well as acknowledged independent consultants. Consequently, it will be a fully comprehensive document for all companies and operatives in the industry.

Email: info@atlas-1.org.uk