SEMA, the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association, and the CSCS, the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, have now joined forces with an initiative to further increase safety levels on major construction sites.
Under this joint initiative, installers of storage equipment who need to carry out work on sites controlled by the MCG (Major Contractors Group), will have to demonstrate that they are operating to the Storage Equipment industry codes and guidelines, in addition to a knowledge of general site Health and Safety
This now means that installation team members will need to be in possession of a valid SEIRS qualification prior to applying for the relevant CSCS ID card.
Mike Tucker of SEMA elaborates, "SEIRS is the industry specific safety qualification for installers in the UK storage industry. Within the SEIRS programme all installers must successfully complete storage industry-specific training in order to qualify for a SEIRS 'pass' in the form of an ID card".
"The SEIRS ID card, which must be renewed every three years, demonstrates a level of knowledge and a commitment on behalf of individuals operating in this labour intensive sector. SEIRS is both a training and an individual installers' registration scheme which was first introduced in 2000 at the request of and in consultation with, the HSE", and has been developing and improving ever since.
The training involves providing a clear understanding and the importance of working to industry best practice including safe system of work which are based on the SEMA Codes of Practice. These deal with the array of applicable legislation such as the Work at Height Regulations and correct use of appropriate PPE, but specifically focussed on the installation of storage equipment. "Essentially", continues Mike Tucker, "SEIRS is now a very comprehensive programme.
In parallel the CSCS have developed a system for the construction industry whereby site workers must be qualified in traditional construction industry skills.
However, when contractors from other industries work on construction sites they must now demonstrate relevant industry specific qualifications related to their own industry to supplement the general health and safety requirements of the CSCS in order to ensure that safety levels are maximised on site.
"Accordingly", comments Gordon Jenkins of the CSCS, "it is now a pre-requisite that installers of storage equipment seeking to work on an MCG site must be in possession of a valid SEIRS ID card".
Gordon Jenkins, goes on to say, "we are delighted to be working with SEMA and the SEIRS initiative to promote safe practice on our construction sites where storage equipment is being installed. SEMA is the organisation representing the interests of the UK storage equipment industry and, as a safety initiative regulating the installation process, all installers must now be in possession of a valid SEIRS ID card before being allowed to work on a MCG Site".
"This system will be policed on MCG sites thus ensuring that subcontractors to the construction industry are appropriately qualified".
SEMA and the CSCS are jointly delighted to now see this initiative in place and are confident it will further improve safe systems of working on all sites.
For more information please contact SEMA
National Metalforming Centre
47 Birmingham Road
West Bromwich
B70 6PY
Tel: 0121 601 6350
Email: enquiry@sema.org.uk