AIF targets architects

The Access Industry Forum (AIF) has introduced a dedicated work at height information helpline for DIOHAS, the UK-based Designer’s Initiative on Health and Safety.

DIOHAS members include professionals from the major architectural practices, other construction disciplines and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). They can now contact the forum direct with any questions or queries relating to safe working at height. In response they will receive information and guidance from the relevant AIF member organisation whose area of expertise best matches the enquiry.

The launch of the helpline coincides with the publication of BS 8560: 2012, the new Code of practice for the design of buildings incorporating safe work at height. The Forum was a major contributor to the development of the new standard, which encourages architects and designers to assess, as early as possible in the design process, the implications of work at height.

According to the forum, work at height issues should be considered and controlled at every stage of a project. Paul Bussey of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), said: “Architects and designers often need advice or assistance with any design work that they undertake which has implications for both access and safety. Working with the Forum on both these initiatives has enabled our community to plug in to the work at height industry directly and ensure that we are as informed as possible about this important area.”

The DIOHAS helpline is the latest in a series of developments from the Forum which will host the Work at Height Safety Zone at Roofex, 1-2 May, at the NEC, Uk, and the AIF Knowledge Base at the Safety and Health Expo, 14-16 May, also at the NEC.