The Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) has voiced its support for the Construction Skills Certification Scheme Alliance (CSCS). The Tamworth-based trade association launched its government-approved CSCS card partner scheme in collaboration with the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) at the end of 2019. The card provision is for people working with industrial doors, domestic garage doors, automated gates and traffic barriers and metal or timber doors.
With each card specific to the requirement, CSCS cards are intended to provide proof that individuals working on construction sites have the appropriate training and qualifications for the job that they are doing. CSCS cards can be issued physically or digitally. The 38 card schemes have come together under the banner of the CSCS Alliance to deliver to a single, common standard under a CSCS licence.
In April, working with the Construction Leadership Council, the alliance launched the CSCS Smart Check app which its representatives say has significantly improved the construction industry’s card checking procedures and site safety. For the first time, all cards displaying the CSCS logo can be verified using a single app. This also forms part of the industry’s response to the findings of the Dame Judith Hackitt review, aiming to ensure that people are suitably qualified, trained and experienced for the role they are doing on site. The information held on the cards can be accessed by sites to improve building quality and safety.
Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, DHF’s head of commercial operations, said: “As a partner scheme provision offering cards for our industry only, the DHF insists that an individual not only holds the relevant NVQ but has also completed DHF training as a form of CPD that further demonstrates the competency of that individual. We are delighted to form part of the CSCS Alliance which exists to act as a collective voice and advisor on matters relating to personnel registration and the verification of skills, training, and qualifications, as well as promoting greater collaboration, improved visibility and the sharing of best practice.
“DHF has always, and continues to, drive standards in ensuring that construction site workers are appropriately trained. CSCS cards reassure the industry, and site mfanagers, that the person working is qualified in their field.”
