Mast and Tower Safety Group | MATS Newsletter – AutUMN 2021

8point8 Training become a BSIF Member!

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:34:19 GMT

We are excited to announce that 8point8 Training has recently become a member of the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) ! This significant milestone marks a new chapter for 8point8 Training as they join a network of leading organisations committed to promoting safety and ethical trading within the UK safety industry.

The BSIF is the key independent voice representing the interests of the UK safety industry to a wide audience, including the Government, enforcement agencies, standards-making authorities, and safety equipment users. By joining the BSIF, 8point8 Training demonstrates its strong commitment to safety and ethical practices, aligning itself with other industry stakeholders to enhance safety messages and opportunities for market development1.

As a member of the BSIF, 8point8 Training will benefit from extensive networking opportunities, training, accreditation, and strong PR opportunities.

8point8 Training has been actively involved in the development of qualifications for the industry, working closely with the BSIF Height Safety Group and other members to ensure the highest standards of safety and competence. This collaboration has led to the creation of various qualifications, including the NVQ Level II qualification – Accessing Operations and Rigging – Pathway 7 Fall Arrest, and the delivery of the Level 3 Fall Protection Technician Trailblazer apprenticeship.

The BSIF membership will enable 8point8 Training to continue its mission of providing top-quality training and assessment services while contributing to the overall safety and well-being of the Working at Height Industry. This partnership will also help 8point8 Training stay at the forefront of industry developments and standards, ensuring that their clients receive the best possible training and support.

NEW COURSE - Health and Safety in a Construction Environment

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 10:12:29 GMT

New Qualification Offer for 2023

New for 2023 - 8point8 Training are delighted to offer the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety within a Construction Environment. This qualification is designed for learners working in, or aspiring to work in the construction industry. Its objective is to prepare learners for employment in construction, giving learners the knowledge required to undertake their jobs safely.

Successful learners who also complete the CITB Operatives Health, Safety and Environment knowledge test can apply for the CSCS Labourer’s card.

Delivery

This qualification is delivered to learners by completing an e-Learning course. The course is designed to allow learners to benefit from:

Learning at their own Pace
Learning in their own Time

Upon completion of the course, Delegates will be required to complete a Multiple Choice Exam where they can choose to either:

Complete at our Doncaster Training Centre
Complete using Remote Invigilation at Home (Laptop and a Mobile Phone with a Camera will also be required)

Upon completion of the exam delegates will be notified whether they have passed or failed, should a resit be required this can be booked instantly and the examination re-sat Free of Charge!

Certification

Certification is provided by Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance and the completion certificate will be emailed to you to enable booking of your CITB Touch Screen Test at your local test centre. (The cost to book the test is £22.50+ vat and is payable to CITB) speak to our team and we can book this for you however the cost will be added to your booking).

Applying for your CSCS card

Once you have passed your CITB touch screen test you will then be able to apply for your CSCS card (£36) payable to CSCS directly.

Introductory Offer

For the remainder of July we are pleased to offer 2 basic packages:

Package 1 - £95+ vat

Level 1 Health and Safety Within a Construction Environment (Qualification Enrolment)
E-Learning Registration
Multiple Choice Exam (Remotely Invigilated at Home) - FREE RESITS

(CITB Touch Screen and CSCS card chargeable separately)

Package 2 - £85+ vat

Level 1 Health and Safety Within a Construction Environment (Qualification Enrolment)
E-Learning Registration
Multiple Choice Exam (Invigilated at 8point8 Training Centre) - FREE RESITS

(CITB Touch Screen and CSCS card chargeable separately)

To Book onto this course simply drop us an email or give us a call .

8point8 Training Feature in MATS Spring 2022 Newsletter

David.Ravensdale@8point8training.com (David Ravensdales) — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 07:21:33 GMT

Download the MATS Spring 2022 Newsletter

8point8 Training's article focussing on recruitment in the Telecoms industry and how the Wireless Communications Rigger Apprenticeship can help to bridge the gap has been published in the MATS Spring 2022 Newsletter.

The newsletter also features articles including:

MATS Conference 2022

Urban Small Cell Sites by Wireless Infrastructure Group

To download and find out more, Follow this link:

8point8 Training Signs Mental Health at Work Commitment To Improve and Support the Mental Health of their Employees and Learners

David.Ravensdale@8point8training.com (David Ravensdales) — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 09:40:01 GMT

8point8 Training Signs Mental Health at Work Commitment To Improve and Support the Mental Health of their Employees and Learners

8point8 Training signed the Mental Health at Work Commitment today, demonstrating their ambition to develop a workplace environment and culture where all employees can thrive.

By signing the Mental Health at Work Commitment, 8point8 Training has committed to achieving better mental health outcomes and a genuine longer-term positive impact on staff and learners' wellbeing, joining a growing movement of over 1000 organisations including including: Avon Cosmetics, B&Q, Barclays Bank, BT, Bupa UK, Deloitte UK, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Historic England, Marks and Spencer, Pets at Home, Santander UK, Save the Children UK and many more. Developed with the knowledge and expertise of mental health charities, leading employers and trade organisations, the Mental Health at Work Commitment provides a simple framework for employers who recognise the importance of promoting staff wellbeing.

This framework sets out six clear standards based on what best practice has shown is needed to make a difference and better equip employers to create an environment where employees can thrive. David Ravensdale, Business Development Manager of 8point8 Training said: “By signing up to the Mental Health commitment, 8point8 Training has made a declaration to not only our employees, but also to learners who pass through our training school. We have recently recruited a Mental Health First Aid trainer and courses are now offered commercially which are accredited via NUCO, with both Awareness and full Mental Health First Aid qualifications offered. In addition to this, as a approved provider of apprenticeships, we also believe in positive promotion of Mental Health for younger (and potentially more vulnerable) learners and have embedded Mental Health Awareness training as part of all our apprenticeship programmes, that all apprentices will have access to during their learning journeys. In November we also started issuing a monthly Wellbeing newsletter to apprentice learners. These are all parts of a wider business strategy to promote Positive Mental Health in Telecoms. By signing the commitment today, this will ensure that the foundations are in place to ensure that our employees, learners and employers receive high quality training and advice. I would highly recommend any employer who are committed to promoting positive mental health cultures for their employees to make the commitment and promote the work that they are doing."

Andrew Berrie, Mental Health at Work National Lead said: “We’re delighted to see 8point8 Training sign the Mental Health at Work Commitment. By embedding our six standards in the way they operate, Organisation Name are demonstrating a real commitment to supporting the mental health of those in their workplace."

“We know it can be hard to talk about mental health and seek support, which is why public commitments such as this one are so important. With issues like stress, anxiety and depression common across all employers, regardless of size or sector, we want to see every employer recognise and address any work related causes of poor mental health among their staff and it’s fantastic to see organisations like 8point8 Training taking the lead.”

In a survey of UK adults conducted by Business in the Community in partnership with Bupa in 2020, only one in two (51%) of employees say they feel comfortable talking about mental health in the workplace, whilst two in five (39%) report they have experienced a work-related mental health issue in the last year.

The cost of poor mental health to UK employers has been estimated to be between £42 billion and £45 billion, according to the Mental Health and Employers Report published in 2020 by Deloitte and investment in workplace support and interventions remains a key issue.

Andrew Berrie, Mental Health at Work National Lead added: “Many leading employers have found that making a strategic commitment to the mental wellbeing of their workforce not only benefits their staff but also their bottom-line, improving productivity and staff retention. With one in six British workers experiencing mental illness it's time for businesses to make a change and start creating more mentally healthy workplaces."

MATS Newsletter – AutUMN 2021

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 13:03:00 GMT

Download the latest MATS Newsletter featuring a look at the challenges Covid-19 has caused at Mitie, Tim Lord’s retirement and KCOM’s ICT business sale to Nasstar.

Download the Newsletter by clicking here .

GN-014 STRUCTURAL INSPECTIONS OF MASTS AND TOWERS – CONSULTATION

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 09:24:00 GMT

MATS have now drafted a new Guidance Note GN-014 – Structural Inspections of Masts and Towers and is now inviting comments / suggestions from the industry and other stakeholders to this draft document.

The Ask – Please reply with any feedback to: enquiries@matsgroup.info by 20th October 2021.

MATS GROUP – LATEST STATEMENT ON COVID-19 – September 2021

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 19:21:00 GMT

In order to work at height on MATS Group telecommunication structures during the pandemic the Group allowed extensions to expired certificates to 31 ^st July 21 on the following qualifications:

Please note these extensions have now expired and workers will only be allowed to work at height with in-date certification.

The MATS Group continues to monitor the situation, advises caution and recommends following the latest Government and HSE advice to maintain a safe working environment:

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

https://www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/working-safely/index.htm

Keep safe

Stewart Mardle – MATS Chairman

MATS Conference 2021 Postponed

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 20:48:00 GMT

We would like to thank everybody who purchased tickets and who agreed to exhibit at our 4th MATS Annual Conference which was originally due to take place in 2020 and then October 2021 due to the Covid-19 situation.

Leading up to the event our top priority remains the safety, health and well-being of you all.

After consulting with stakeholders, we have decided we have no option but to postpone the conference again to next year.

This has not been an easy decision for the group but we felt that in the current uncertainty around the increasing COVID-19 infection rates, hospitalisations and deaths, it is the safest thing to do for all exhibitors and attendees.

We have secured a revised date from the Coventry Building Society Arena (formerly Ricoh arena) on Tuesday 26th April 2022 .

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this third postponement may have caused but having consulted with all key stakeholders we believe a gathering of around 300 people this year simply would not be appropriate. We would like to place on record our thanks to sponsors and exhibitors who have all been very supportive and we look forward to a fantastic event next year when the implications caused by the pandemic should be significantly reduced.

Exhibitor booking fees and delegate tickets will be automatically rolled over to the revised date. More information will be issued in due course but if anyone has any urgent queries please email conference@matsgroup.info and we will do our best to reply to you as soon as we can.

Regards,

Stewart Mardle

MATS Chairman

MATS GROUP – LATEST STATEMENT ON COVID-19 – June 2021

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 18:13:00 GMT

In light of the latest advice by the UK Government on the planned roadmap of easing of lockdown restrictions across the UK, the MATS group has again reviewed the options available to us in order to support our industry in maintaining the infrastructure that enables key services to be provided

In order to work at height on MATS Group telecommunications structures, a worker is currently required to have the following in date certificates as a minimum: –

Whilst the MATS Group acknowledges that some training providers are now offering face to face courses, there may be some challenges still with reduced delegate numbers on a course and overnight accommodation.

The MATS Group will allow conditional extensions as outlined below though please note the following statement: –

“In all cases, Employers have a responsibility to ensure that a full risk assessment is carried out on every individual to ensure that the organisation is satisfied they still have the necessary skills and competency to carry out their activities”.

MATS Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue- Revised Extension to 31 ^st July 2021

Flat Roof / Rooftop Access- Revised Extension to 31 ^st July 2021

Emergency 1 ^st Aid Training- was extended to 31 ^st March 2021 (no change from HSE)

Conditions:-

First aid providers have resumed first aid training and assessment. In some cases, there remains a back log or limited availability.

FAW or EFAW certificates that expired after 16 March 2020 can remain valid until 31 October 2020 or 6 months from date of expiry, whichever is later. All requalification training for these certificates should have been completed by 31 March 2021.

To qualify for the extension, employers must be able to demonstrate that:

Rigger Medicals- Revised Extension to 31 ^st July 2021

Radio Frequency Safety Awareness- No Extension

Approved RF course providers who may offer an on line option can be found here .

General Notes:-

Stewart Mardle
Chairman – MATS Group
Sent on behalf of the MATS Group

Summer Newsletter – 2021

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 18:06:00 GMT

The MATS Group Spring Newsletter 2021 is available now.

The newsletter features a look at this year’s National Register of RF Workers, an update on the groups industry wide Roof Worker Scheme consultation and some top tips from Mental Health awareness week.

GN-015 Landlord Packs Minimum Requirements – CONSULTATION

Fri, 28 May 2021 18:39:00 GMT

MATS have now drafted a new Guidance Note GN-015 – Landlord Packs – Minimum Requirement and is now inviting comments / suggestions from the industry and other stakeholders to this draft document.

Proposed Guidance Notes

The Ask

Please reply with any feedback to: enquiries@matsgroup.info and please put “Landlord Packs” in the subject header and send your response by Friday 25 ^th June – 2021

Roof Worker Syllabus – Consultation

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 18:55:00 GMT

MATS have now completed the first stage of the process for creating a Roof Worker Syllabus.

We believe it reflects the present working practices and situations that will be faced by those persons authorised to access our infrastructure. We have considered a number of the existing training providers course syllabus’ and had lengthy discussions with a number of interested parties across the industry.

This stage of the consultation opens up the wider discussion on the proposed syllabus, from all interested parties to secure the best solution and allows full consultation in respect to the industry wide challenges we face going forward.

Proposed Syllabus

Proposed Specification

The Ask

Please reply to: enquiries@matsgroup.info by Friday May 21st – 2021

Please ensure your comment is directed to a particular unit on the ‘Response’ document and is structured as to why you feel any change is required and what you would propose the change looks like.

I have included some points of principle as well on the response document . These points have already been raised and your feedback on these would also be appreciated.

Spring Newsletter – 2021

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 11:10:00 GMT

The MATS Group Spring Newsletter 2021 is available now.

The newsletter features a sad but fond farewell to former MATS Chair Alan Trueman, a look into Psittacosis and other diseases caused by exposure to bird droppings and a look into the balance of mental and physical health.

MATS GROUP – LATEST STATEMENT ON COVID-19 – MAR 2021

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 14:14:00 GMT

In light of the latest announcement by the UK Government on the easing of lockdown restrictions across the UK, the MATS group has reviewed the options available to us in order to support our industry in maintaining the infrastructure that enables key services to be provided.

In order to work at height on MATS Group telecommunications structures, a worker is currently required to have the following in date certificates as a minimum: –

Whilst the MATS Group acknowledges that some training providers are continuing face to face courses, there are challenges with reduced delegate numbers on a course and overnight accommodation. After risk assessment, some Employers will not allow their people to travel extensively, stay in overnight accommodation or attend face to face training courses.

The MATS Group will allow conditional extensions as outlined below though please note the following statement: –

MATS Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue- Extended to 30 ^th June 2021

Flat Roof / Rooftop Access- Extended to 30 ^th June 2021

Emergency 1 ^st Aid Training- Extended to 31 ^st March 2021 (No change from HSE)

Conditions:-

First aid providers have resumed first aid training and assessment. In some cases, there remains a back log or limited availability.

To qualify for the extension, employers must be able to demonstrate that:

Rigger Medicals- Extended to 30 ^th June 2021

( https://matsgroup.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Guidance_Note_005-Medical_Requirements_for_Climbing_Masts_and_Towers-Issue_4_Mar_2020_Issue-4.pdf )

Radio Frequency Safety Awareness- No Extension

Approved RF course providers who may offer an on line option can be found here – https://www.arqiva.com/documentation/gateway-documents/Accepted_Training_Providers_December_2019.pdf .

General Notes:-

Stewart Mardle
Chairman – MATS Group
Sent on behalf of the MATS Group

MATS GROUP – Latest STATEMENT ON COVID-19 – Jan 2021

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 09:11:00 GMT

In light of the latest lockdown restrictions across the UK, the MATS group has reviewed the options available to us in order to support our industry in maintaining the infrastructure that enables key services to be provided.

In order to work at height on MATS Group telecommunications structures, a worker is currently required to have the following in date certificates as a minimum: –

Whilst the MATS Group acknowledges that some training providers are continuing face to face courses, there are challenges with reduced delegate numbers on a course, overnight accommodation and further pressures with the Tier 4 and lockdown announcements. After risk assessment, some Employers will not allow their people to travel extensively, stay in overnight accommodation or attend face to face training courses.

The MATS Group will allow conditional extensions as outlined below though please note the following statement: –

MATS Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue- Extended to 31 st March 2021

Flat Roof / Rooftop Access- Extended to 31 st March 2021

Emergency 1 st Aid Training- Extended to 31 st March 2021

Conditions:-

First aid providers have resumed first aid training and assessment. In some cases, there remains a back log or limited availability.

To qualify for the extension, employers must be able to demonstrate that:

Rigger Medicals- Extended to 31 st March 2021

( https://matsgroup.info/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Guidance_Note_005-Medical_Requirements_for_Climbing_Masts_and_Towers-Issue_4_Mar_2020_Issue-4.pdf )

Radio Frequency Safety Awareness- No Extension

Approved RF course providers who may offer an on line option can be found here – https://www.arqiva.com/documentation/gateway-documents/Accepted_Training_Providers_December_2019.pdf .

General Notes:-

Stewart Mardle
Chairman – MATS Group
Sent on behalf of the MATS Group

Winter NEWSLETTER – 2020

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 19:44:00 GMT

The MATS Group Winter Newsletter 2020 is available now.

The newsletter features the groups latest response to the Covid-19 outbreak, an update on the 2021 MATS Group Conference as well welcoming our latest member MBNL

MATS GROUP – Latest STATEMENT ON COVID-19

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:43:00 GMT

The MATS Group continues to closely monitor the ongoing Covid-19 situation and the announcement of the second national lockdown in England from 5 ^th November. We encourage all training providers and delegates to continue to follow all Government and devolved Government advice.

At present, the majority of training providers are continuing to provide safety training in covid-secure safe environments to ensure that our key workers within the industry can continue to be provided with essential training and maintain safety certification during these challenging times.

MATS Group Statement on COVID-19

Thu, 01 Oct 2020 18:30:00 GMT

In March 2020, due to the restrictions imposed by the UK Government due to COVID-19, the MATS Group proposed an interim extension to certain certifications required for working at height. This original training extension expired on 20 ^th September 2020. The MATS group has reviewed the options available to us in order to support our industry in maintaining the infrastructure that enables key services to be provided.

In order to work at height on MATS Group telecommunications structures, a worker is currently required to have the following in date certificates as a minimum: –

Apart from Emergency 1 ^st aid where the HSE has agreed an extension to 31 ^st October 2020 (see below), there will be no further extensions to any of the other certification. Training providers are still operating and able to take bookings for courses though it is worth noting not to leave booking a course until the last minute to ensure there is enough availability.

Emergency 1 ^st Aid Training- Extended to 31 ^st October 2020

First aid providers have resumed first aid training and assessment. In some cases, there remains a back log or limited availability.

To qualify for the extension, employers must be able to demonstrate that:

This guidance now applies to employers in England, Scotland and Wales.

General Notes:-

AUTUMN NEWSLETTER – 2020

Sun, 27 Sep 2020 20:16:00 GMT

The MATS Group Autumn Newsletter 2020 is available now.

The newsletter features the groups latest reaction to the Covid-19 outbreak, an update on the 2021 MATS Group Conference as well as looking at the new working at height training course.

Medical Requirements for Climbing Masts & Towers

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 05:00:00 GMT

The MATS Group has revised and updated Guidance Note GN-005 “Medical Requirements for Climbing Masts & Towers”. We are now inviting all stakeholders for feedback/suggestions for this draft document and we welcome your views.

Click to download Guidance Note GN-005

Please send your comments/feedback via email to enquiries@matsgroup.info and put “GN-005 feedback” in the subject line.

This consultation period will close on Friday 16th October 2020 .

MATS Basic Tower Climber and Rescue Course – EUSR Update

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 07:59:00 GMT

Please note that some climbers will have been issued with EUSR registration cards that have a 14 month period stated on them. This was created to offer climbers a grace period from which if you missed the course expiry date, you would not be deleted from the EUSR database for 2 months. This has resulted in the misconception that the expiry period is actually 14 months. This was never the intention and we are putting steps in place with EUSR to resolve this going forward.

In the interim period, please note that you are expected to renew your certificate within the 12 month period. You may experience difficulties with gaining access to sites if you are relying upon the database entry showing 14 months. This will apply to cards issued before the 1.9.20. From the 1 ^st September 2020, the EUSR processes will have been adjusted to reflect the above and all cards will state a 12 month period.

For anyone with an EUSR registration for the Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue scheme’ please note that we have introduced a 12 month ‘away from industry’ period where you will still be able to apply for a revalidation course as long as your certification expired within the previous 12 month period. You will not be able to climb after the certificate has expired until you successfully pass the mentioned revalidation MATS course .

The Institute of Engineering and Technology on 5G

Fri, 17 Jul 2020 10:24:00 GMT

The institute of Engineering and Technology feels there has been an “infodemic” of misleading and false information about 5G and alleged health effects. Some of it is pure fantasy, but there have also been sincere concerns expressed by some people, including scientists, who are not up to date with how 5G has evolved in the UK.

You can read the full article here .

MATS Group Statement on COVID-19

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 10:34:00 GMT

In March 2020, due to the restrictions imposed by the UK Government due to COVID-19, the MATS Group proposed an interim extension to certain certifications required for working at height. This original training extension is due to expire on the 20th June 2020. The MATS group has reviewed the options available to us in order to support our industry in maintaining the infrastructure that enables key services to be provided.

In order to work at height on MATS Group telecommunications structures, a worker is currently required to have the following in date certificates as a minimum: –

Whilst the MATS Group acknowledges that some training providers are now offering face to face courses, there are still different rules from the UKs devolved Parliaments in terms of what business is ‘allowed’ and after risk assessment, some Employers will still not allow their people to travel extensively, stay in overnight accommodation or attend face to face training courses.

With this in mind, the MATS Group will allow conditional extensions in accordance with the following:-

MATS Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue- Extended to 20 ^th September 2020

Conditions:-

Flat Roof / Rooftop Access- Extended to 20 ^th September 2020

Conditions:-

Emergency 1 ^st Aid Training- Extended to 30 ^th September

Conditions:-

Rigger Medicals- Extended to 20 ^th September

Conditions:-

( https://matsgroup.info/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Guidance_Note_005-Medical_Requirements_for_Climbing_Masts_and_Towers-Issue_3_November_2016.doc )

Radio Frequency Safety Awareness- No Extension

Approved RF course providers who may offer an on line option can be found here – https://www.arqiva.com/documentation/gateway-documents/Accepted_Training_Providers_December_2019.pdf .

General Notes:-

ADDENDUM A

Theoretical elements to be covered for climbing and rescue, and rooftop training extensions:-

-State the national legislation relevant to Working at Height- cover work at height hierarchy

State the legislation relevant to equipment inspection

State how to inspect PFPE for any defects.

Identify defects in a range of PFPE.

Demonstrate how to correctly fit a harness.

Demonstrate how to correctly attach fall arrest systems to a harness.

Demonstrate how to correctly apply lanyard hooks.

Demonstrate how to park double lanyard hooks so as not to bypass the absorber device.

Demonstrate how to apply hooks at a suitable height to minimise fall factors.

Demonstrate how to use fall arrest lanyards appropriately when the steelwork is too large for lanyard hooks.

State how to select an anchor point which can support the loads that will be applied to it.

State the type of anchor points which would be unsafe.

Demonstrate how to attach a lanyard correctly to the ladder or steelwork system.

Demonstrate how a fall arrest system is used in addition to the work positioning lanyard.

Demonstrate how to attach a work positioning lanyard correctly to the harness.

Demonstrate how to lean back and trust the work positioning lanyard leaving hands-free.

State when and where additional fall protection equipment will be required for safe working at height.

Emergency protocols

The rescue hierarchy

**The MATS Group expects that suitable coverage of these elements should take no less than 2.5hrs**

For rooftop training the following should be covered in addition to that above:-

None work at height rooftop hazards including biological (guano), chemicals (emissions), environmental (weather conditions), mechanical (machinery) etc

Use of work restraint equipment

The dangers of flat roofs

Summer newsletter – 2020

Fri, 29 May 2020 09:55:00 GMT

The MATS Group Summer Newsletter 2020 is available now.

The newsletter features the groups reaction to the Covid-19 outbreak, an update on the 2020 MATS Group Conference as well as a article on the recent attacks on telecommunications and broadcast structures by 5G protesters.

MATS CONFERENCE 2020 POSTPONED until 2021

Mon, 18 May 2020 10:58:00 GMT

We would like to thank everybody who purchased tickets and who agreed to exhibit at our 4th MATS Annual Conference which was originally due to take place in April and then October due to the Covid-19 situation.

Leading up to the event our top priority remains the safety, health and well-being of you all. After consulting with stakeholders, we have decided we have no option but to postpone the conference again to next year.

We have secured a revised date from the Ricoh Arena of Tuesday 5th October 2021 .

We would like to apologise for any inconvenience this second postponement may have caused but having consulted with all key stakeholders we believe a gathering of around 300 people this year simply would not be appropriate. We would like to place on record our thanks to sponsors and exhibitors who have all been very supportive and we look forward to a fantastic event next year when the implications caused by the pandemic should be over.

More information will be issued in due course but if anyone has any urgent queries please email conference@matsgroup.info and we will do our best to reply to you as soon as we can.

WPD Telecoms Joins The MATS Group

Fri, 15 May 2020 14:04:00 GMT

We are pleased to welcome WPD Telecoms as new members of the MATS Group and look forward to working with them to help promote Working at Height and RF Safety.

Founded in 1999 as the formerly named Surf Telecoms, WPD Telecoms is the telecoms arm of Western Power Distribution, the electricity distribution electricity network operator for the Midlands, South West and South Wales. Originally established to provide the internal telecommunications for the parent company, WPD Telecoms continue today to provide services for Western Power Distribution as well as being a key player in the telecoms market.

WPD Telecoms offers dark fibre, managed bandwidth and site sharing facilities to external customers.

A fibre optic network stretching from the South West of England, through South Wales and across to the East and West Midlands.

A portfolio of over 200 radio masts and colocation sites offering data centre quality space with resilient blackstart compliant power in the UK.

A secure and reliable network that is lit with a platform offering up to 100Gb low latency and resilient connectivity solutions to the wholesale market, SME’s, broadcasters, education sector and many more.

Operating to ISO9001, ISO27001, WPD Telecoms delivers secure and resilient network solutions to both Western Power Distribution and an increasing number of external customers.

Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue Scheme Update

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 09:32:00 GMT

As we approach the end of 2019 here is an update regarding the Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue scheme. EUSR have carried out a number of approval visits of training providers and overall this appears to have flowed quite smoothly. One area where we have noted common issues is around the formal IQA qualification required to achieve scheme approval. Consequently, we have applied logic and are providing a temporary addendum.

The temporary addendum will be offered where you have evidenced that you meet all of the other requirements for both Provider and Scheme approval, but do not have a qualified IQA in place. Signing the temporary addendum will allow you to gain approval for the scheme for a period of 6 months whilst your appointed IQA trainee is registered for, and successfully gains the formal IQA qualification.

It will be a big step forward for the industry when we can say that all persons accessing our infrastructures have all attended an approved course and have an assured process to ensure standards are maintained. So far, we have around 18 applications either completed or being progressed. EUSR has commented on how helpful and professional our industry training providers have been during this project so thank you for your support.

You can find out more about the scheme at the EUSR Website.

MBNL mandatory training requirements for Safe Lifting and Lowering in the telecommunications sector

Sat, 30 Nov 2019 10:02:00 GMT

The Mast and Tower Safety Group would like to clarify its position on the recently published MBNL mandatory training requirements for Safe Lifting and Lowering in the telecommunications sector.

Whilst we actively encourage safety improvements within our industry the group is not connected with this initiative and there has been no direct consultation with all its members in accordance with our terms of reference.

2020 Conference tickets now on sale

Sun, 10 Nov 2019 11:18:00 GMT

The MATS Group are pleased to announce that tickets are now on sale for our next annual conference which will take place at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on Wednesday 22 ^nd April 2020.

Tickets can be purchased by clicking here

We have had an excellent response from over 25 exhibitors and confirm Nationwide Platforms, Petzl, Arco, Commhoist, Never Let Go will all be attending along with a host of others including:

XI Training, Safety at Height, Abaris, Ridgegear, Harken, P2ML, Tracked Access, Heightec, Link Microtek, Maser Comms, Spanset, Data Structures, FLI Structurers, Straightpoint, and Swann Engineering.

The conference committee is putting together another interesting and varied range of speakers for the event but is also keen to see if any stakeholders or interested parties have any particular issues or subjects you would like to be covered at the conference?

If you have any particular relevant topic suggestions please email your suggestions to conference@matsgroup.info

If you have a question or query about the work of MATS please email conference@matsgroup.info prior to the event and we will endeavour to answer your question at the conference. Please limit your question to around 30 words. We look forward to hearing from you.

Newsletter – Winter 2019

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 17:54:00 GMT

The MATS Group Winter 2019 newsletter is now available.

Click here to download your copy.

Newsletter – Summer 2019

Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:12:00 GMT

The MATS Group Summer 2019 newsletter is now available.

Click here to download your copy.

Photo Competition

Wed, 22 May 2019 08:19:00 GMT

Congratulations to Iain Leyland from Balfour Beatty who was chosen as the winner of our recent Photo Competition at the MATS Conference and wins a £100 Marks & Spencer Voucher.

We had over 160 entries and the standard was very high with some outstanding photographs demonstrating Working at Height.

MATS Conference 2019 Review

Fri, 03 May 2019 13:24:00 GMT

On behalf of the MATS Group I would like to thank everyone for attending our 3rd annual conference at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on 24th April.

We hope everyone enjoyed the event and found the day to be very worthwhile with interesting speakers and a good selection of suppliers to the industry on show.

Our special thanks go to our headline sponsor VIRTUA and our “Gold Sponsors” Nationwide Platforms, Arco Professional Safety Services and 3M. Without the support of these companies and our various exhibitors we would not be able to create an event of this nature. Also, I would like to extend my personal gratitude to the MATS Conference Committee who give up their time to help produce a great event despite their busy day jobs!

Newsletter – Spring 2019

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 13:35:00 GMT

The MATS Group Spring newsletter is now available.

Click here to download your copy.

Top Considerations for Working at Height in the Telecom Industry Webinar

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 13:58:00 GMT

From Towerexchange regarding changes to the standards for vertical fall arrest systems:

About this webinar

We are proud to present this TowerXchange and MSA Safety webinar on working at height. As a tower owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that employees and contractors working at height on your infrastructure are doing so as safely as possible.

This webinar, presented by two of MSA’s leading experts on the topic, including Tim Bissett, Technical Manager of MSA Safety’s Fall Protection range and a leading voice in the development of international standards through his work as a member of both the BSI Technical Committee PH/5 and the American National Standards Institute ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Committee. They will address both the legislative and operational steps you need to take to ensure that your fall protection systems are compliant and future-proof. Find out about the steps needed to bring your fall protection up to speed, and take part in a detailed Q&A session.

Take this opportunity to get the inside story on how fall protection legislation is developing, and what steps you can take now to ensure your systems will comply with future demands. As a tower owner, the onus is on YOU to ensure your workers are safe, join us for this free webinar and ensure you are up to date on:

· The challenges faced by workers at height

· New legislative demands and your responsibilities

· How to identify appropriate solutions

Click here for more details.

Moderator: Frances Rose, Head of Europe and MENA, TowerXchange

Newsletter – Winter 2018

Wed, 05 Dec 2018 12:26:00 GMT

The MATS Group Winter newsletter is now available.

Click here to download your copy.

Newsletter – Summer 2018

Tue, 31 Jul 2018 10:07:00 GMT

The MATS Group Summer newsletter is now available.

Click here to download your copy.

2019 Conference

Mon, 23 Jul 2018 14:55:00 GMT

Following the success of the inaugural 2017 MATS Conference and the 2018 follow up event, the MATS Group is now inviting interest from potential sponsors, speakers and exhibitors for our next event which will be held in the Midlands in April 2019.

Speaker proposal forms and information on sponsor/exhibitor packages available by clicking the links below:

Any queries please email enquiries@matsgroup.info

Call for Feedback

Mon, 18 Jun 2018 16:32:00 GMT

Call for feedback – DRAFT Guidance Note GN-018 – Risk Assessment and Method Statements

The MATS Group have drafted a new Guidance Note GN-018 and would like to receive feedback on this draft approach to communicating uncertainty from industry experts and officials who are involved in Working at Height and RF issues.

We will assess all comments from interested parties which are submitted and these will be taken into consideration if found to be relevant and appropriate to include in the final version of the document.

Click here to download the draft GN-018 notes.

Please forward any comments to enquiries@matsgroup.info before Friday 13th July 2018.

MATS Conference 2018

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 10:05:00 GMT

The second annual Mast and Tower Safety Group (MATS) Conference was held at the Headingley Stadium, Leeds on the 11 ^th April building after a good first innings at the 2017 inaugural event. The event was attended by over 140 telecoms/broadcast colleagues and supported by 14 exhibitors/suppliers showcasing a number of innovative products and services relating to work at height/rigging safety.

The batting order was as follows:

The conference was supported by the following exhibitors and further information can be found at their websites here:

Feedback from the conference delegates is being collated and will be shared in due course on the website. The MATS Group would like to thank all delegates and exhibitors for attending the conference which we hope everyone beneficial. If you have any specific ideas or suggestions for future events please email conference@matsgroup.info

Newsletter – Spring 2018

Mon, 09 Apr 2018 08:44:00 GMT

Welcome

The Mast and Tower Safety Group is an industry forum for owners and operators of masts and towers in the UK used for broadcast and telecommunications. The group’s main purpose is to provide Health and Safety /RF guidance to the industry.

This newsletter is intended to provide an update on recently published guidance, current issues, and what’s on the horizon.

MATS Annual Conference 2018

Following the success of the first MATS conference held at Network Rail last year, we will be hosting our second annual conference at Headingley Cricket and Rugby Ground on Wednesday 11th April 2018.

The agenda for the day includes a look at Human Performance and the extent to which human error is causative in accidents; an update on the new MATS training standards which will replace the Arqiva review; an introduction to the Trailblazer rigging apprenticeship; a session on dropped object prevention by experts from the oil and gas industry and an insight from IPAF on use of MEWPs within the industry.

The following exhibitors will be supporting the event and showing off their innovative products.

All tickets have now been sold and we expect 170 delegates to the venue.

MATS Guidance notes

A number of guidance notes have been produced by the group in an effort to provide consistency around requirements. The notes are intended to inform and assist those in the industry to develop appropriate operational controls for work on mast and tower sites.

The guidance notes cover three broad aspects:

Construction

Work at Height and Access

Health

Use of Drones

With the increased use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), it is important that users understand the Air Navigation Order (ANO).

UK airspace is divided into airspace ‘classes’ for Air Traffic Management purposes – and are classified by the letters ‘A’ to ‘G, with Class A being the most regulated, down to Class G being the least restrictive.

Although operators of UAS weighing 7 kg or less are not required to have the permission of Air Traffic Control (even when flying within Controlled Airspace), the Air Navigation Order requires that any person in charge of a small drone may only fly the aircraft if reasonably satisfied that the flight can safely be made with direct, unaided visual contact with the drone for the purpose of avoiding collisions.

The Civil Aviation Authority will not advise on post codes and locations where drones can be flown- the duty lies with the drone operator to determine if the area they have chosen to fly in is suitable. An added consideration when working on behalf telecommunication/broadcast operators or close to their sites, is the effect that radio-frequency may have on the UAS.

See “Airspace restrictions for unmanned aircraft and drones,” CAA website.

MATS on Linkedin

We now have a profile on Linkedin under Mast and Tower Safety Group. Future newsletters, guidance updates etc… will be publicised through this medium (as well as on the MATS website), so please follow us to keep up to date.

Learning from Serious Events

The UK Telecoms/Broadcast Industry has an enviable record when it comes to climber safety. However the lack of data from investigation into falls, dangerous occurences and ‘high potential’ near misses make it difficult to pre-empt our next serious event. MATS has sourced valuable data from the excellent ‘Wireless Estimator’ which gives detail behind fatalities in the United States and (that available) from the Rest of The World since 2004. Everyone involved in telecoms/broadcast rigging should be across this information- it helps us understand those causative factors behind fatalities and to implement appropriate controls BEFORE something happens here in the UK. Visit the site below for more information:

wirelessestimator.com/content/fatalities

New Training Standards

As of 2nd April, MATS will ‘own’ the standard for climbing and rescue courses. Members have come together to agree the minimum content, duration and facilities required for these courses and those training providers previously ‘approved’ to deliver this training have been informed of the new requirements. Whilst the content may not differ significantly from that previously advocated by some members (e.g. Arqiva) minimum standards for facilities are stipulated for the first time and greater emphasis is placed on certain subjects following lessons learned from industry accidents.

The MATS group is currently working on the standards for RF and Rooftop Training which will also be adopted by the group in the next 6 months.

Tony Taylor will be providing more detail regarding the training proposition at the MATS Conference on 11th April.

All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Working at Height

A cross-party group has been established due to falls from height continually accounting for a large proportion of work related fatalities in the UK. The group is investigating what can be done better to prevent this and has asked for feedback from anyone involved in work at height regarding eight areas e.g.

*Opinions on primary reasons for falls, or falling objects

* Opinions on specific additional changes necessary to prevent falls, or falling objects

* Innovative suggestions, that could de-risk work at height

MATS submitted a response prior to the deadline on 2nd March 2018 so telecoms/broadcast industry views were represented when the APPG held its first oral session on 28th March. A timetable for the report will be published at the end of April 2018.

Useful Links

MATS Group Members

MATS members include:

Newlsetter

Look out for the next MATS Group newsletter in Summer 2018 and if you have any articles for inclusion please email steve@ab700.co.uk

New Chairman

Mon, 26 Feb 2018 15:49:00 GMT

Tony Taylor (EE) has handed over the Chairmanship of the MATS Group to Alan Trueman (Arqiva).

Alan will chair the group for the next two years until December 2019. Many thanks to Tony Taylor who has done a great job during his tenure as Chair and good luck to Alan in his new role.

Newsletter – Winter 2017

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 12:28:00 GMT

Welcome

This newsletter is intended to provide an update on recently published guidance, current issues, and what’s on the horizon.

And remember its only 50 days to Christmas!

MATS Approved Basic Tower Climber and Rescue Course

MATS will be introducing during 2018 this course to ensure a consistently high standard of training is being delivered across the industry. The final stage of consultation is taking place and once this has been carried out the course will be formally introduced via the training companies presently approved on the Arqiva database.

Discussions are on-going with potential partners in respect of how the training centres and standard of delivery is audited and what the associated costs for registration maybe.

MATS Annual Conference 2018

The first MATS annual conference was held at the Network Rail Conference Centre in Warwickshire and was a huge success. We have agreed to run a similar event and it will be probably held during April. Full details will be released very soon.

We will be inviting a guest speaker for 2018 year to talk about some thought provoking industry related issues.

Please feel free to make suggestions on topics that you feel we may wish to address at the conference.

Competency Log Book

Extensive discussions have taken place around this and it seems the common view is that the industry should require climbers to logging their climbs / hours to demonstrate the competency levels they have.

It seems there are companies who have apps to address this and this will be further explored during 2018 with a view to MATS partnering or at least directing companies to a suitable app. If anyone has an existing app (or similar) that me be able to be used by a wider audience, please contact: enquiries@matsgroup.info

Winter Driving

With the darker nights and temperatures set to plummet it is a timely to remind employees and contractors to drive safely this winter. Babcock have produced a guide which is available here :

Head warmers under helmets

As the nights start to draw in and temperatures begin to drop, it’s important to ensure that individuals keep warm whilst working outside – though don’t forget you can also still overheat with lots of layers and physical activity!

A safety helmet is a vital piece of PPE for those working on or in the vicinity of masts and towers and are designed to withstand a single impact that will hopefully save a life. As specified by the HSE, head protection should fit the person wearing it and be worn properly. It is often tempting at this time of year to wear a hoodie, beanie or other garment underneath the hard had in order to keep heads warm.

Whilst this might seem like a good idea as we tend to lose most of our body head through our heads, doing this actually interferes with the fit of the hard hat harness meaning that the hard hat cannot be properly fitted or adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the manufacturer instructions cannot be followed properly then individuals are putting themselves at risk as the hard hat was not designed or tested for use in those conditions. In addition, a hoodie can also reduce your field of vision.

The solution is to ensure that you only wear and use a head warmer that has been approved by the manufacturer specifically for use with their products. Whatever approved garment you chose, don’t forget to make sure it is still compatible with other PPE such as hearing protection.

RF Safety Course – Arqiva Approved

This course will be advertised as MATS approved from 2018. The course will still be an Arqiva requirement but we feel this is a significant step in showing that MATS will be the face of the industry going forward.

Recent MATS Group Publications

Useful Links:

National Register of RF Workers

IOSH Communications and Media Group

MATS Group Members

MATS members include:

Look out for the next MATS Group newsletter in Spring 2018 and if you have any articles for inclusion please email steve@ab700.co.uk

National Register of RF Workers Annual Meeting on the 6th Dec 2017

Wed, 01 Nov 2017 13:22:00 GMT

The programme for the Register’s Annual Meeting has been finalised. The event has been running for over a decade and has seen a string of esteemed guest speakers and interesting presentations covering a variety of aspects relating to RF in the workplace.

This year it is no different. The morning session focuses on training for work in an RF environment. Hugo Bibby, Link MicroTek, will talk to us about the “current standards and expectations of RF awareness training” and following this Robin Conway, ARCC communications , will tell us how “the proposed Government approved apprentice scheme for RF Riggers” is shaping up. In the afternoon we will be joined by Julian Kelsall-Joel, Qinetiq , who will speak about the unique “challenges (and solutions) of managing RF at Qinetiq” and finally Nigel Cridland, PHE , will provide us with “The latest from Public Health England” on dealing with RF in the working environment.

It is again hosted at The University of Birmingham’s Medical School on the 6th of Dec 2017 , beginning at 10.30 and finishing at 3.30. If you would like to attend or require further information please write to us at RFregister@bham.ac.uk or contact Ian Litchfield on 0121 414 6006 .

Summer 2017 Newsletter

Fri, 14 Jul 2017 08:29:00 GMT

Welcome

Young Persons / Inexperienced Heights Workers

Competency Log Book

Apprenticeships

MATS Annual Conference – A Huge Success

IPAF and MATS Partnership

RF Safety Course – Arqiva Approved

Useful Links

HSE EMF information

National Register of RF Workers

IOSH Communications and Media Group:

MATS Group Members

MATS Group Conference 2017

Fri, 21 Apr 2017 13:44:00 GMT

Over 100 delegates heard presentations from speakers representing the MATS Group, Health & Safety Executive, Ensuring organisations learn an Accident at Height, RF Register updates and practical steps to compliance and control of EMF at Work Regulations.

We have received excellent feedback which will help the group prepare for future events.

Special thanks to the MATS steering group, Network Rail, and speakers David Lefever, Jason Varley , Alan Woodhead, Blayne Jackson , Hugo Bibby and Julia Clark

July 2016 – Newsletter

Tue, 05 Jul 2016 12:51:00 GMT

Welcome

The Mast and Tower Safety Group is an industry forum for owners and operators of masts and towers in the UK used for broadcast and telecommunications.

This newsletter is intended to provide an update on recently published guidance, current issues, and what’s on the horizon.

EU EMF Directive now UK Law

The MATS Group responded to the HSE consultation on the UK guidance and regulations to implement the EU EMF Directive on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields.

On 01 July 2016 the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work (CEMFAW) Regulations came into force in the UK. The new regulations apply to occupational exposure only. Most companies already work to the ICNIRP guidelines so this is not a major change for the industry. A few points that are worth noting are:

1. The terminology has changed. Reference levels are now called actions level and the Basic Restriction levels are now called exposure limit values.

2. Have you made your employees aware that they need to tell you if they are classified as a worker at particular risk? e.g. have an implant such as a pace maker or are pregnant. If so you will need to undertake a personal risk assessment.

3. Have you got a process in place and guidance for health surveillance in the event of over exposure?

Remember we have the notes to doctors on the MATS website.

You can find further information on the HSE website .

Recent MATS Group Publications

GN014 – Structural Inspections of Masts and Tower which provide guidance on structural inspections for tower and mast owners (transmission and radio). It will describe the principles of inspections and provide general guidance for their completion. It does not detail these in-depth company policies and procedures but provides guidance on the minimum recommended requirements to other companies, which may not have similar regimes in place. It also clarifies areas of ambiguity relating to responsibilities for inspection on sites that are shared with third parties.

Street Works forum 1st July 2016

Arlette Anderson from Vodafone organised an event “Improving Public Safety in Street Works” and is actively involved in the setting up an Industry Forum.

She has provided the MATS Group with some notes from the recent event:

How might we work as one industry team to improve public safety when undertaking street work activities?

What would be the benefits of an industry Street works Forum:

The meeting considered consistency of approach, simplicity for people doing work, cost savings (fixed penalties), best practice sharing (regulated workforce), Highways Authority Utilities Committee provide guidance, can we affect standards & legislation?, common approach, we need more skills than just H&S (NRSWA operatives & supervisors will bring different perspective), regulatory view, HAHC!, understand & meet public expectation, consistent public messaging to raise awareness & understanding, protecting brands, collective view ,more mature H&S systems, Find better ways of doing things, look at technical advances, standard vendor qualification, one process, one “authority”?, shared info (Incidents (RCA etc.) learnings, best practice), SIMPLICITY, trust, co-operation, No harm to public, Technology, no bad publicity, shape standards, right people, including enforcement, Safety “passport”, formal agreements (chapter), reiterate forums (knowledge exchange), reduced time on site, focus will always be safety of the public, regular forums, sponsorship, reduce accidents, shared benefits, regulated, respect, creative, give & take, innovative, trust, shared App, communications.

They agreed collectively that as a Forum the ideas going forward would be:

SAFE | SMART | SIMPLE

For more information please contact:

Arlette.anderson@vodafone.com

Training provider monitoring

It is important that regular testing is carried out to ensure suppliers can demonstrate standards are maintained at all sites.

A challenge faced by all MATS Group members is the testing and auditing of training providers.

How confident are members that they are getting value for money?

Should members routinely audit the training company?

Would members support “suggested minimum” syllabuses for specific course types?

Members are asked to provide their thoughts by emailing steve@ab700.co.uk

Major incident at Manor Farm

Many of you will be aware that in March a climber who was replacing mast head amplifiers on a tower near Milton Keynes fell from a height of 22m and landed on the cabin below. The HSE are still investigating the event but key points to remember for all climbers are:

· When climbing/working at height you must be attached to a robust purpose-installed or structural anchorage point at all times.

· You must attach using a suitable fall-arrest device e.g. lanyard with shock absorber, drop-line system or fixed fall arrest system such as latchway.

· Remember a work positioning ‘pole-belt’ is not a fall-arrest device so must only be used in addition to a suitable fall-arrest device.

Useful Links

HSE EMF information

National Register of RF Workers

IOSH Communications and Media Group:

On the Horizon

We will look to publish a short guide on the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work (CEMFAW) Regulations and its application to the Telecoms and Broadcast Industry.

Look out for the next MATS Group newsletter in autumn 2016 and if you have any articles for inclusion please email steve@ab700.co.uk

October 2015 – Newsletter

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 09:13:00 GMT

MATS Group – What’s it all about?

The Mast and Tower Safety Group is an industry forum for owners and operators of masts and towers in the UK used for broadcast and telecommunications.

Our aim is to create industry-specific guidance aimed at operators, contractors and suppliers who work in the industry.

Our main focus is on safe working at height on rooftops and structures and radio-frequency safety. Guidance on associated activities such as construction is also included.

We are not recreating or rewriting requirements already within legislation; we are ensuring that there is a common approach across all infrastructure owners in the UK.

CDM Regulations – are you up to speed?

We have all been trying to understand the best ways for our organisations to implement CDM 2015 over the last few months.

Without an ACOP and with much of the guidance written around traditional large single construction sites it has not been easy.

The MATS Group has focused on issues specific to our industry in relation to construction work on masts and towers. A new guidance note, GN-003, is now available on the MATS Group website.
Issues on which we have provided guidance include:
 
What activities do we consider should be classified as construction

Who is best placed to adopt the Client role Is someone who just unlocks the site considered a “Contractor”

Can you outsource the principal designer role And what does cooperation and coordination really look like at site level.
We will be keeping abreast of what other industries do and additional advice that is issued by the Health and Safety Executive.

Use of lightweight blocks

We have seen a number of companies using light weight blocks. LOLER requires that lifting accessories are marked with a Safe Working Load. The terminology used to describe the ‘maximum load that can be lifted’ has evolved since the introduction of the regulations, and it is ‘Working Load Limit’ (WLL) expressed and marked on lifting accessories. Many lightweight aluminium pulley blocks are stamped with a minimum breaking load (MBL) in kN which presents two issues:

An MBL is not derived after applying a suitable factor of safety and a kN is a unit of force.

Users of equipment marked in this way need to ensure that they understand the calculation they need to do to convert force into load.

As a rough guide, kN/10=tonne (e.g. 10kN =1t).

Ensure your employees know how to read the markings on their kit.

Recent MATS Group publications

These and other documents are available on the publications page of the MATS Group website:

Documents marked GN are guidance notes and those marked SB are safety bulletins. All the documents are reviewed by the Group regularly and each carries an issue date and date for next review.

Website: www.matsgroup.info

EMF Directive

The UK government is working on the transposition of the EU EMF Directive into UK legislation. It looks like this will happen out of sync with the normal healthy and safety legislative cycle and be implemented in July 2016.

The broadcast and telecommunications industry is being represented on the HSE working group.

The MATS Group will create industry specific guidance aimed at broadcasters, mobile operators and others who work on our sites.

Based on the Directive there will not be a fundamental need to change our approach to RF safety but there will be a number of areas we will have to consider that may require changes to our policies and training.

USEFUL LINKS

HSE EMF information National Register of RF Workers IOSH Communications and Media Group:

On the horizon…

The MATS Group has been discussing the need for a more consistent approach to climber medicals and hopes to publish some updated guidance in the coming months.

Next Newsletter

Look out for the next MATS Group newsletter in Spring 2016.