03 May

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On behalf of the MATS Group I would like to thank everyone for attending our 3rd annual conference at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry on 24th April.   We hope everyone enjoyed the event and found the day to be very worthwhile with interesting speakers and a good selection of suppliers to the industry on show. Our special thanks go to our headline sponsor VIRTUA and our "Gold Sponsors" Nationwide Platforms, Arco Professional Safety Services and 3M. Without the support of these companies and our various exhibitors we would not be able to create an event of this nature. Also, I would like to extend my personal gratitude to the MATS Conference Committee who give up their time to help produce a great event despite their busy day jobs!   Feedback   We had around 250 delegates attend the event and early feedback suggests it was a great success but obviously there will always be areas we can improve upon so please do let us know by emailing conference@matsgroup.info with any suggestions.  We have also sent out a questionnaire and we will be looking at attendees and exhibitor comments with interest to keep improving the conference and ensuring it is relevant and a good use of your time. You can view the feedback so...

12 Dec

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From Towerexchange regarding changes to the standards for vertical fall arrest systems: About this webinar We are proud to present this TowerXchange and MSA Safety webinar on working at height.  As a tower owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that employees and contractors working at height on your infrastructure are doing so as safely as possible.  This webinar, presented by two of MSA’s leading experts on the topic, including Tim Bissett, Technical Manager of MSA Safety’s Fall Protection range and a leading voice in the development of international standards through his work as a member of both the BSI Technical Committee PH/5 and the American National Standards Institute ANSI Z359 Fall Protection Committee.  They will address both the legislative and operational steps you need to take to ensure that your fall protection systems are compliant and future-proof.  Find out about the steps needed to bring your fall protection up to speed, and take part in a detailed Q&A session.  Take this opportunity to get the inside story on how fall protection legislation is developing, and what steps you can take now to ensure your systems will comply with future demands. As a tower owner, the onus is on YOU to ensure your workers are...

23 Jul

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Following the success of the inaugural 2017 MATS Conference and the 2018 follow up event, the MATS Group is now inviting interest from potential sponsors, speakers and exhibitors for our next event which will be held in the Midlands in April 2019. Speaker proposal forms and information on sponsor/exhibitor packages available by clicking the links below: Sponsorship and Exhibitors Packages Presenter Proposal   Any queries please email enquiries@matsgroup.info...

18 Jun

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Call for feedback - DRAFT Guidance Note GN-018  - Risk Assessment and Method Statements   The MATS Group have drafted a new Guidance Note GN-018 and would like to receive feedback on this draft approach to communicating uncertainty from industry experts and officials who are involved in Working at Height and RF issues. We will assess all comments from interested parties which are submitted and these will be taken into consideration if found to be relevant and appropriate to include in the final version of the document. Click here to download the draft GN-018 notes. Please forward any comments to enquiries@matsgroup.info before Friday 13th July 2018....

25 Apr

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The second annual Mast and Tower Safety Group (MATS) Conference was held at the Headingley Stadium, Leeds on the 11th April building after a good first innings at the 2017 inaugural event.  The event was attended by over 140 telecoms/broadcast colleagues and supported by 14 exhibitors/suppliers showcasing a number of innovative products and services relating to work at height/rigging safety.     The batting order was as follows: Mark Arthur, Chief Executive of Yorkshire County Cricket Club opened the conference and welcomed everyone to historic Headingley, a world class venue that is home to YCCC, Leeds Rhinos Rugby League side and Yorkshire Carnegie Rugby Union side. Alan Trueman (Arqiva) introduced himself as the new chair of MATS, having taken over from Tony Taylor (EE) at the beginning of the year. The membership, aims and objectives, and group strategy were outlined. Teresa Mullen (Founder & Director of Paradigm Human Performance Ltd) gave a presentation on "interrupting the launch sequence" to reduce the consequences of unwanted outcomes triggered by human errors. Slides are available here but for anyone requiring more narrative around them please contact Teresa Mullen on teresa@paradigmhp.com Tony Taylor (EE) gave an update on the MATS Group ownership of climbing and mast rescue training content....

09 Apr

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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. The group’s main purpose is to provide Health and Safety /RF guidance to the industry. This newsletter is intended to provide an update on recently published guidance, current issues, and what’s on the horizon.   MATS Annual Conference 2018   Following the success of the first MATS conference held at Network Rail last year, we will be hosting our second annual conference at Headingley Cricket and Rugby Ground on Wednesday 11th April 2018. The agenda for the day includes a look at Human Performance and the extent to which human error is causative in accidents; an update on the new MATS training standards which will replace the Arqiva review; an introduction to the Trailblazer rigging apprenticeship; a session on dropped object prevention by experts from the oil and gas industry and an insight from IPAF on use of MEWPs within the industry. The following exhibitors will be supporting the event and showing off their innovative products. All tickets have now been sold and we expect 170 delegates to the venue.   MATS Guidance notes   A number of guidance notes have been produced by the group...

26 Feb

Posted at 15:49h in News by
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Tony Taylor (EE) has handed over the Chairmanship of the MATS Group to Alan Trueman (Arqiva). Alan will chair the group for the next two years until December 2019.  Many thanks to Tony Taylor who has done a great job during his tenure as Chair and good luck to Alan in his new role....