New Instructor joins the Kentec Team

David Goodwin has recently joined our team from one of the largest construction colleges in the South East and brings with him many years of experience in the training industry. David is already a fully qualified IOSH, CIEH, PASMA and Ladder Association instructor as well as a qualified instructor of abrasive wheels, coshh, health and safety, risk assessment and asbestos awareness.

David has attained many qualifications, notably  the  NEBOSH National Construction Certificate, the NEBOSH National Fire Safety and Risk Management Certificate and PTTLs Teaching Certificate. Since joining Kentec, David has successfully completed his BOHS P405 Management of Asbestos in Buildings qualification to enhance to his already comprehensive knowledge and experience in instructing awareness of Asbestos and its dangers.

David’s addition to the Kentec Team with his passion and energy for instructing others has proven him to be a valuable asset and benefit.

RTITB Counter Balance Forklift Truck Training

Our RTITB Counter Balance Forklift Truck Training provides fully accredited operator training for both novices having never operated a forklift before and experienced operators who require refresher training. We train on all makes and models as well as offering conversion courses from one truck type to another.

The counterbalance lift truck is the most commonly used type of truck and is found in nearly all workplaces that require the use of a lift truck. 
They come in many sizes and lifting capacities from 3-wheeled electric to diesel powered machines with a lifting capacity up to 50 ton. Most common types are capable of lifting up to 3000kgs and are usually powered by electric, diesel or gas.

Please see the following table for operator experience descriptions.

OPERATOR EXPERIENCE	COURSE DURATION	TRAINEES PER COURSE
NOVICE	3 to 5 DAYS	MAXIMUM OF 3
EXPERIENCED	2 to 3 DAYS	MAXIMUM OF 3
REFRESHER	1 DAY	MAXIMUM OF 3
CONVERSION	1 DAY	MAXIMUM OF 3

• Novice: For individuals who have no experience whatsoever of operating any kind of lift truck
• Experienced: For the experienced operator who has extensive practical experience thought has never received any form of initial training
• Refresher: This course is designed for operators who wish to refresh their certification follo
  wing expiry
• Conversion: For certificated operators of other types of lift truck need only a 1 day conversion to move over to Counterbalance

Training can either take place at customers’ premises or at our RTITB accredited training centre in Tonbridge.

Course Content

• Course introduction and induction
• Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 – approved code of practice
• Operator safety and observation
• Pre-Shift checks
• Defect reporting procedures
• Lift Truck stability – Engineering principles and weight assessment
• Driving within simulated working conditions
• Manoeuvring skills
• Rated capacity / Load centre
• Hydraulic system and use of the controls
• Stacking / de-stacking – load handling skills
• Vehicle loading and offloading
• Refueling/Recharging procedures including battery handling and housing
• Theoretical examination & Practical Assessment

When conducting training at customers’ premises we will require an open area, either indoors or outdoors, a number of pallets both empty and loaded, the use of any racking if available and a room in which to carry out the theory training.

Certification

As an accredited training provider we offer a RTITB Certificate and Photo ID Card for all individuals successfully completing their training. This then enables the trainee to operate any counterbalance forklift up to a 5000 kgs lifting capacity (with permission) anywhere in the UK. Their names and details are kept on a National Operators Registration Scheme database (NORS) for 3 years. 
RTITB certificates are valid throughout the UK and will be recognised by both employment agencies and perspective employers. More information regarding the RTITB and the National Operators Registration Scheme (NORS) can be found by visiting www.rtitb.co.uk.

New PAS250 for Low Level Access Platforms

FAQ's:

Q: WHAT IS PAS 250?

A: PAS 250 is a Publically Available Specification for a low-level work platform with one working platform with side protection for use by one person with a maximum working platform height of less than 2.5 m. These products, commonly referred to as podiums or pulpits, became extensively used following the implementation of The Work at Height Regulations.

Q: WHAT IS A PUBLICALLY AVAILABLE SPECIFICATION?

A: A Publicly Available Specification (PAS) is a sponsored fast-track standard driven by the needs of the client organizations and developed according to guidelines set out by BSI.

Key stakeholders are brought together to collaboratively produce a BSI-endorsed PAS that has all the functionality of a British Standard for the purposes of creating management systems, product benchmarks and codes of practice. After two years the PAS is reviewed and a decision is made as to whether it should be taken forward to become a formal British Standard.

Q: WHY IS IT CALLED PAS 250?

A: PAS stands for Publically Available Specification. It is nothing to do with the fact that the PAS was sponsored by PASMA! The 250 is simply a number to identify the PAS but coincidentally the platform height of the products specified in the PAS is less than 250 cm.

Q: WHY WAS PAS 250 NEEDED?

A: Designs that emerged for this type of low level work platform (LLWP) have been developed in the absence of a formal standard. Whilst the majority of LLWPs provide a safe solution to low level access, there are aspects of some products that could be improved by adherence to relevant and specific design criteria. Therefore PASMA, the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association, has sponsored the development of this PAS to provide minimum safety and performance criteria for these products.

Q: WHAT PRODUCTS DOES PAS 250 COVER?

A: Low-level work platforms with one working platform with side protection for use by one person with a maximum working platform height of less than 2.5 m. These products are commonly referred to as podiums or pulpits.

Q: WHAT PRODUCTS ARE NOT COVERED BY PAS 250?

Answer:

• Mobile access and working towers specified by BS EN 1004 because LLWPs have working platform heights of less than 2.5 m.
• Mobile elevating work platforms specified in BS EN 280 because LLWPs are not powered.
• Room scaffolds specified in BS 1139-6 because LLWPs have smaller working platforms and are only designed for use by one person.
• Standing ladders with platforms specified in BS EN 131, BS 2037 and BS 1129 and Hop Up type platforms because LLWPs have side protection to the working platform.

Q: WHO WAS INVOLVED IN THE DRAFTING OF PAS 250?

A: It was sponsored by PASMA (the Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association). Its development was facilitated by BSI Standards Limited and published under licence from the British Standards Institution (BSI).

The steering group which developed the final draft was made up with representatives from: the Association of British Certification Bodies (ABCB), the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Hire Association Europe (HAE), the UK Contractors Group (UKCG), the Ladder Association and PASMA.

Q: WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF PAS 250?

A: You can purchase a copy of PAS 250 either from: the BSI Shop at http://shop.bsigroup.com/pas250 or the PASMA On-Line shop at http://www.pasma.co.uk/shop

Q: IS IT POSSIBLE TO GET A COPY OF PAS 250 FOR FREE?

A: No. If you need a copy of PAS 250 you must purchase it from either the BSI Shop or from PASMA. PAS 250 is the copyright of BSI.

Q: WHAT ARE THE PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN PAS 250?

A: You will need to purchase a copy of PAS 250 to get the detailed requirements of PAS 250 but the main requirements include material specifications, design requirements for the working platform, side protection (guardrails), toe-boards, access, mobility, feet and adjustable legs, and the content of markings (labels) and user guides.

Q: HOW ARE THESE REQUIREMENTS ASSESSED?

A: The majority of the requirements in PAS 250 are assessed by tests. PAS 250 includes tests for strength and stability. Specifically there are tests for the strength of: the overall structure, the platform, the side protection (guardrails), the access, the wheels or feet, wheel brakes, and the durability of markings. The tests for stability include: stability against overturning, sliding, stability when climbing, rigidity, security of the platform, wheels and feet.

Q: WHY SHOULD I DESIGN PODIUM PRODUCTS USING PAS 250?

A: PAS 250 is good practice when designing low level work platforms (LLWPs) commonly also known as podiums. Applying PAS 250 allows you to develop and maintain that best practice, attract and assure customers, demonstrate market leadership and create competitive advantage.  LLWPs conforming to PAS 250 demonstrate compliance with a recognised specification which provides you with an effective means of differentiation in a competitive marketplace.  As consumers become increasingly informed about PAS 250, conformity will become a pivotal factor in your future sales. Manufacturers using PAS 250 should also consider the potential benefits and need for third-party verification to its requirements from an accredited and recognised approvals body.

Q: WHY SHOULD I SPECIFY PODIUM PRODUCTS THAT COMPLY WITH PAS 250?

A: Low Level Work Platforms (LLWPs or Podiums) designed in accordance with PAS 250 apply current best practice. Requirements include material specifications, design requirements for the working platform, side protection (guardrails), toe-boards, access, mobility, feet and adjustable legs, and the content of markings (labels) and user guides. Tests in PAS 250 verify strength and stability.

Q: CAN I GET MY LOW LEVEL WORK PLATFORM INDEPENDENTLY TESTED BY BRITISH STANDARDS?

A: Yes. BSI are including products conforming to PAS250 in their Kite Mark scheme. 

To find out more about the scheme including costs please contact: Grahame.Wackett@bsigroup.com

New PASMA Cards and Certificates

As you may be aware, new PASMA certificates have come into circulation this week with a new fresh look and to comply with the latest PASMA branding. To accompany the new certificates the PASMA cards have also been updated and improved. The new cards will come into circulation by the end of March.

The security of the PASMA cards is paramount in being able to assure customers those claiming to be PASMA trained are genuine. With technology as it is now and fraud more of an issue than ever before, it is important that the PASMA cards are difficult to duplicate. With this is mind, the cards have been designed with some important new security features. Click here to find out more about the security features of the new card.

Please note: The old cards will still be valid until their expiry date as we will be phasing in the new cards over a period of time as the old cards expire. There is no requirement for new cards to be issued for existing card holders. All new cards issued from PASMA will be the new design from around the end of March.

New AED & Basic Life Support Training Available!

Our new AED & Basic Life Support course is aimed at anyone who requires a course in AED use. Learning AED skills is becoming more important with the increase in the numbers of units in the community and workplace. They are easy to use with a little training and make a real difference in the chance of survival to someone in cardiac arrest. If you have already completed any other first aid course, you will understand the importance of prompt use of an AED making this an ideal next course to take to develop your skills. To renew, complete the same course again.

The QCF version of this course includes Basic Life Support (CPR) and is longer.

The content of this and all our courses has been independently certified as conforming to universally accepted Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines and come with a Certified CPD Statement as well as a ProTrainings Certificate and for online courses an Evidence Based Learning statement.

Curriculum:

• Introductory First Aid Training
  • Fears of First Aid
  • Asking Permission to Help
  • Scene Safety
  • Chain of Survival
  • ABCD’s
  • Initial Assessment
  • Stop Think Act
  • Barriers
  • Face Shields
• Cardiac Arrest
  • Adult, Child, Infant CPR
  • Adult CPR Hand Over
  • Compression Only CPR
• AED Use
  • AED Intro
  • AED Demo
  • AED Setup
  • Child AED
  • Training AED Units
  • The Zoll AED Plus
  • AED Maintenance
  • AED Pads
  • AED Batteries
  • AED Locations

Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria for standard and QCF course:

1      Understand basic life support requirements
1.1 Describe the principles that underpin basic life support
1.2   Explain the circumstances under which resuscitation is performed
1.3   Explain why early intervention is necessary
1.4   Describe different types of cardiopulmonary arrest
2      Be able to demonstrate basic life support techniques and automated external defibrillator use in line with current national guidelines
2.1   Demonstrate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
2.2   Demonstrate compression only resuscitation
2.3   Demonstrate the use of resuscitation barrier devices
2.4   Demonstrate how to manage a choking casualty
2.5   Demonstrate the use of an automated external defibrillator
2.6   Describe the differences when using an automated external defibrillator on a child
3      Be able to demonstrate post-resuscitation procedures
3.1 Demonstrate how to place a casualty in the recovery position
3.2   Identify the risks when placing a casualty in the recovery position
3.3   Describe handover and reporting procedures
4      Be able to carry out basic user maintenance and troubleshoot problems with an automated external defibrillator
4.1 Identify when a defibrillator battery requires changing
4.2   Identify when electrode pads need replacing
4.3   Demonstrate how to troubleshoot problems if the automated external defibrillator does not function correctly
5      Understand the safe use of an automated external defibrillator
5.1 Describe the safety considerations when using AEDs.

Why Use Accredited Providers?

We recommend that when ever searching for a training provider and whatever your training requirements you should always seek to use an accredited training provider if you want to make sure the training is current, safe, legal and to the industry standard.

Training accreditors aren't just another form of trade association; they’re an integral part of the training industry that work in partnership and with cooperation with organisations like the standards agencies, government and the Health and Safety Executive. They ensure training standards are consistent and professional, producing trained candidates who work to a high standard following best practice and the latest legislation; their accreditation is intended to guide employers and individuals towards making the right choice and gaining the best training available.

 

When we make a commitment to seek accreditation as a training provider, we do not just fill out some forms and publish a logo on our website either, the accrediting body carry out audits of our company and our instructors, visit out training centres to see our facilities, sit in on our courses and continue to audit to ensure we meet their standards.

 As a fully accredited training provider;

• We are subject to regular monitoring visits to ensure our quality standards stay consistent
• We follow training course syllabuses which have been approved by the relevant accrediting body
• We only ever employ experienced and fully qualified instructors to deliver our training

All our training courses are delivered at premises that meet the criteria for training as laid down by the training accreditor; whether at one of our own dedicated training centres or an area of your business premises set aside specifically for the purpose.

So next time you want training, make the right choice and call Kentec Training!

Kentec gain Accreditation for QCF First Aid Training

The First Aid at Work qualification will be available as a QCF level 3 course at Kentec Training from March 2013, our first aid training partner ProTrainings in partnership with Future Awards and Qualifications (an Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation) will be able to offer this qualification alongside the HSE Approved 3 Day First Aid at Work Course, which will continue until the HSE no longer approve first aid training which will happen in April 2013 at the earliest.

This new course is not the only option that will be available to employers and employees after the HSE changes, trackable, credible CPD certified certificates from large training organisations such as Kentec Training and ProTrainings will be perfectly acceptable according to the Health and Safety Executive.

The QCF Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) course has been available since the onset of the EFAW a few years ago and the FAW is the next development to the QCF qualifications. Employers will not all want or need a QCF certificate, at Kentec we are giving you the choice, the QCF and non QCF course materials and course delivery will be identical and our instructor guidance will soon be amended to comply with the rules of QCF, however delivering QCF level courses requires all trainers to have PTLLS as a minimum under the Ofqual regulations and there are registration requirements, additional checks and centre management. Kentec’s instructors Steve Booker and James Carter are PTLLs qualified and therefore comply with Ofqual’s criteria for delivering these courses.

Please note that until the HSE changes take place the Emergency First aid at Work, 3 Day First Aid at Work and 2 Day re-qualification courses will remain HSE approved and can be delivered and certified through Kentec Training and it’s partner ProTrainings as before.  We will notify you when the changes do take place.

If you need more information, please contact our Training administration Manager, Kandy on 0333-666 0555 or email her at: kandy.booker@kentectraining.co.uk