As part of their September branch event programme, leading safety organisation IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) invited industry specialists TB Davies to present a work at height update on changing ladder and associated access equipment standards.
Combined with a drive to create a nationwide community of individuals and organisations, TB Davies shares their vision to make working at height as safe as standing on solid ground. The company provided a one-hour presentation on the background to the changes in En131 standards and how these will effect users with the introduction of EN131 Professional Ladders.
Wide Experience
An industry veteran for over twenty years, speaker Chris Chivell also sits on both PASMA and the Ladder Associations training committees. The presentation covered technical changes to specifications and provided advice on how to manage the transition along with appropriate training and potential changes to HSE guidance.
Chris Chivell commented, “The changes in design set a new minimum requirement we welcome but that doesn’t mean users need to rush and invest in new equipment. Our advice is to risk asses your work at height tasks, update your training requirements and inspect your current equipment. If your kit is up to the task and in good condition then you can continue to use them safely. ”
As standards are voluntary, in the UK we are likely to see a transition period where old stocks are exhausted and new designs become available. The Ladder Association has asked its members to ensure they are supplying product to the new standards by the end of 2018.
EN131 Products
Many products in the TB Davies range already meet or exceed required standards and the company looks forward to updating the membership during their April programme in 2018, with a further update and demonstrations of the latest in safe working height technology.
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