NASC rejoins AIF

The NASC has re-joined the Access Industry Forum (AIF) – the UK’s leading platform for trade bodies and federations in the work at height sector.

The NASC was previously a member of AIF, but parted company four years ago. However, following the successful introduction of benchmark NASC industry guidance TG20:13 ‘Good Practice Guidance for Tube and Fitting Scaffolding’ in 2014, and publication of the updated SG4:15 ‘Preventing Falls in Scaffolding Operations’ in 2015, formal discussions with AIF have been back on the agenda.

NASC MD Robin James commented, “We are extremely pleased to be re-joining the Access Industry Forum. NASC, and CISRS (the UK scaffolding industry training scheme) will contribute a great deal to industry debate and discussion within AIF, and will bring a wealth of expertise in terms of the work at height agenda and training in the access sector.

“The confederation is looking forward to re-engaging in dialogue with its partner AIF members during the second half of 2016, and promoting the benefits of using NASC members to contractors in the construction sector.”

Peter Bennett, Access Industry Forum chair commented, “We are delighted to welcome NASC back into the AIF fold. The presence of NASC as the representative trade body for the UK scaffolding industry will bring a welcome additional dimension to debate and discussion at AIF.”

The first project with which NASC will be associated upon re-joining will be the AIF Conference ‘Implementing Change and Innovation in Work at Height’. The event will take place on Thursday 13 October 2016 at Holywell Park Conference Centre, Loughborough, UK. A range of industry speakers and experts will be considering all aspects of the work at height industry, ranging from the implications of Brexit to the use of drones for access design. The event is supported by APS, HAE and the IIRSM, and the keynote speaker will be Philip White, HSE Head of Operational Policy and Strategy.

NASC has also agreed to participate in the AIF stand at the forthcoming Safety & Health Expo at London Excel on 20-22 June 2017, with a view to promoting good practice in the work at height industry together with its partners in AIF.