Thursday 14th May 2020

STOP USE 
IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED

3M™ Fall Protection Specific DBI-SALA® Delta™ & Exofit XP™ Arc Flash Harnesses 

“As part of 3M Fall Protection’s continued commitment to producing high quality safety and personal protective equipment, we conduct periodic testing of our products. Recent testing of specific DBI-SALA® Delta™ & Exofit XP™ Arc Flash harnesses have returned negative test results on some units. The Arc Flash Standard (ASTM F887) requires that all arc flash rated harnesses be subjected to an Arc Flash followed by a successful dynamic drop test. It should be noted that there is variability in Arc Flash testing of webbing-based products. Although not fully understood, it can stem from several contributing factors including positioning, webbing gap to the test torso, environmental elements, arc path, input energy and other possible sources.”
- 3M Fall Protection

To view the recall notice and check your equipment, click the links below.

VIEW THE RECALL NOTICE
VIEW ALL RECALLS

Issued Friday 20th March 2020

MATS Group Statement on Covid-19

In light of the current situation around Coronavirus and the fact the UK Government have now announced that they are closing all schools and colleges, the MATS group are reviewing options to help support our industry maintain infrastructure and service.
 

In order to work at height on the networks, a worker is currently required to have the following in date training courses as a minimum: –
 

• Riggers medical
• Climber training
• Rescue training
• Emergency 1st aid
• RF
• Flat roof / Rooftop Access

 
Where training is still available and accessible, it should still be scheduled and attended. However, where this is not possible due to company policies or unavailability of training, MATS members have agreed the following:-
 

  • A 3 month extension to the above training / access requirements (except RF) only if it expires during the lockdown period * and training is not available (to be continually reviewed as the situation continues to develop)
  •  

  • RF training must be undertaken (refresher only) via online methods. Approved RF course providers who may offer an on line option can be found here – https://www.arqiva.com/documentation/gateway-documents/Accepted_Training_Providers_December_2019.pdf
  •  

  • Anyone who hasn’t completed the training previously cannot start to undertake tasks under this supportive measure as no prior training has been completed.
  •  

  • Anyone who’s medical expires must complete the MATS medical questionnaire in GN-0005 –
    Medical requirements for climbing masts and towers (Medical requirements for climbing masts & towers) in order to grant the 3 month extension to medicals. If possible, a telephone consultation should take place with a medical professional if services are still available.
  •  

  • The MATS group will continue to monitor the impacts of the pandemic risks and determine any continuation of the extension period and the impact on training providers as the recovery to normal operations begins.
  •  

  • Recovery of the training would look to re-certification to take the form of refresher training rather than full courses at this time.
  •  

    * Lockdown period is taken as the announcement from the UK Government to close all schools and colleges

     
    Should this situation be prolonged beyond 3 months, MATS Group will look for solutions for people to complete refresh training, working with the MATS approved training providers as well as further discussions with medical providers.

     
    Further information will be posted as the situation develops.

     
    Stewart Mardle
    Chairman – MATS Group
    Sent on behalf of the MATS Group

     
     
    Issued Tuesday 17th March 2020

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION – MATS Conference 2020 *Postponement*

    The MATS Group has been monitoring the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) closely. As conditions continue to evolve, our top priority remains ensuring the health and well-being of delegates, speakers and exhibitors.

     

    Following consultation with key stakeholders the conference committee has decided the best option is to postpone the conference to the autumn when hopefully business will have returned to normal.

     

    We are pleased to confirm we have secured a revised date from the Ricoh Arena of Tuesday 6th October 2020.

     

    The MATS Group apologies for any inconvenience this decision may cause and appreciate the support of our sponsors and exhibitors at this most difficult of times for everyone.

     

    More information will be issued in due course but if anyone has any urgent queries please email conference@matsgroup.info and we will do our best to reply to you as soon as we can.

     

     

     

    About MATS

     

    The Mast and Tower Safety (MATS) Group consists of organisations that own or manage masts and towers (including monopoles, gantries, satellite dishes and roof tops) or any other structure where there are specific and significant work at height and occupational radio frequency (RF) hazards.

     

    The aim of the Group is to provide and share information and guidance on:

     

    • Safe working at height related to the infrastructure that the member companies own.
    • Occupational RF issues associated with broadcast and communications antennas and equipment.

    News

    • Download the latest MATS Newsletter featuring the latest on the upcoming 2023 conference, and updates on MAST and Towers group becoming a Limited Business. Download the Newsletter by clicking here.

    • In September the MATS conference returns to the Coventry Arena and is planned to be bigger and better than ever with our headline sponsor Mitie. Over the years the conference has had a number of theme

    • Recall Notice for Omni 1.1″ Pulley Variants, 20050xxx through 22304xxx: Stop Use and Remove from Service. NATE Member Gravitec Systems Inc. just shared the following product recall information f