21 Apr

Posted at 13:44h in News by
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The inaugural MATS Group Conference was held at Westwood, Coventry on Thursday 6th April and included exhibitors Link Microtek, Xcell Aerial Surveys, Harken, Spanset, Skylotec, Total Access and Heightec. Over 100 delegates heard presentations from speakers representing the MATS Group, Health & Safety Executive, Ensuring organisations learn an Accident at Height, RF Register updates and practical steps to compliance and control of EMF at Work Regulations. We have received excellent feedback which will help the group prepare for future events. Special thanks to the MATS steering group, Network Rail, and speakers David Lefever, Jason Varley , Alan Woodhead, Blayne Jackson , Hugo Bibby and Julia Clark         ...

05 Jul

Posted at 12:51h in News by
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Welcome   The Mast and Tower Safety Group is an industry forum for owners and operators of masts and towers in the UK used for broadcast and telecommunications. This newsletter is intended to provide an update on recently published guidance, current issues, and what’s on the horizon.   EU EMF Directive now UK Law   The MATS Group responded to the HSE consultation on the UK guidance and regulations to implement the EU EMF Directive on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from electromagnetic fields. On 01 July 2016 the Control of Electromagnetic Fields at Work (CEMFAW) Regulations came into force in the UK. The new regulations apply to occupational exposure only.  Most companies already work to the ICNIRP guidelines so this is not a major change for the industry.  A few points that are worth noting are: 1. The terminology has changed.  Reference levels are now called actions level and the Basic Restriction levels are now called exposure limit values. 2. Have you made your employees aware that they need to tell you if they are classified as a worker at particular risk? e.g. have an implant such as a pace maker or are pregnant.  If so you will need...

01 Oct

Posted at 09:13h in News by
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MATS Group – What’s it all about?   The Mast and Tower Safety Group is an industry forum for owners and operators of masts and towers in the UK used for broadcast and telecommunications. Our aim is to create industry-specific guidance aimed at operators, contractors and suppliers who work in the industry. Our main focus is on safe working at height on rooftops and structures and radio-frequency safety. Guidance on associated activities such as construction is also included. We are not recreating or rewriting requirements already within legislation; we are ensuring that there is a common approach across all infrastructure owners in the UK.   CDM Regulations – are you up to speed?   We have all been trying to understand the best ways for our organisations to implement CDM 2015 over the last few months. Without an ACOP and with much of the guidance written around traditional large single construction sites it has not been easy. The MATS Group has focused on issues specific to our industry in relation to construction work on masts and towers. A new guidance note, GN-003, is now available on the MATS Group website. Issues on which we have provided guidance include:   What activities do we consider should be classified as construction Who is best placed to...