01 Mar

Posted at 14:14h in News by
5 Likes

In light of the latest announcement by the UK Government on the easing of lockdown restrictions across the UK, the MATS group has reviewed the options available to us in order to support our industry in maintaining the infrastructure that enables key services to be provided. In order to work at height on MATS Group telecommunications structures, a worker is currently required to have the following in date certificates as a minimum: -  MATS Basic Climber and Rescue Flat roof / Rooftop Access Emergency 1st AidClimbers MedicalRF Safety Awareness Whilst the MATS Group acknowledges that some training providers are continuing face to face courses, there are challenges with reduced delegate numbers on a course and overnight accommodation.   After risk assessment, some Employers will not allow their people to travel extensively, stay in overnight accommodation or attend face to face training courses.  The MATS Group will allow conditional extensions as outlined below though please note the following statement: - “In all cases, Employers have a responsibility to ensure that a full risk assessment is carried out on every individual to ensure that the organisation is satisfied they still have the necessary skills and competency to carry out their activities”. MATS Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue- Extended to 30th...

06 Jan

Posted at 09:11h in News by
3 Likes

In light of the latest lockdown restrictions across the UK, the MATS group has reviewed the options available to us in order to support our industry in maintaining the infrastructure that enables key services to be provided. In order to work at height on MATS Group telecommunications structures, a worker is currently required to have the following in date certificates as a minimum: -  MATS Basic Climber and Rescue Flat roof / Rooftop Access Emergency 1st AidClimbers MedicalRF Safety Awareness Whilst the MATS Group acknowledges that some training providers are continuing face to face courses, there are challenges with reduced delegate numbers on a course, overnight accommodation and further pressures with the Tier 4 and lockdown announcements.   After risk assessment, some Employers will not allow their people to travel extensively, stay in overnight accommodation or attend face to face training courses.  The MATS Group will allow conditional extensions as outlined below though please note the following statement: - “In all cases, Employers have a responsibility to ensure that a full risk assessment is carried out on every individual to ensure that the organisation is satisfied they still have the necessary skills and competency to carry out their activities”. MATS Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue- Extended to 31st...

11 Dec

Posted at 19:44h in News by
1 Like

The MATS Group Winter Newsletter 2020 is available now. The newsletter features the groups latest response to the Covid-19 outbreak, an update on the 2021 MATS Group Conference as well welcoming our latest member MBNL DOWNLOAD - MATS GROUP Winter Newsletter 2020 ...

05 Nov

Posted at 14:43h in News by
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The MATS Group continues to closely monitor the ongoing Covid-19 situation and the announcement of the second national lockdown in England from 5th November. We encourage all training providers and delegates to continue to follow all Government and devolved Government advice. At present, the majority of training providers are continuing to provide safety training in covid-secure safe environments to ensure that our key workers within the industry can continue to be provided with essential training and maintain safety certification during these challenging times. ...

01 Oct

Posted at 18:30h in News by
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In March 2020, due to the restrictions imposed by the UK Government due to COVID-19, the MATS Group proposed an interim extension to certain certifications required for working at height. This original training extension expired on 20th September 2020. The MATS group has reviewed the options available to us in order to support our industry in maintaining the infrastructure that enables key services to be provided. In order to work at height on MATS Group telecommunications structures, a worker is currently required to have the following in date certificates as a minimum: -  MATS Basic Climber and Rescue Flat roof / Rooftop Access Emergency 1st AidClimbers MedicalRF Safety Awareness Apart from Emergency 1st aid where the HSE has agreed an extension to 31st October 2020 (see below), there will be no further extensions to any of the other certification.  Training providers are still operating and able to take bookings for courses though it is worth noting not to leave booking a course until the last minute to ensure there is enough availability. Emergency 1st Aid Training- Extended to 31st October 2020 First aid providers have resumed first aid training and assessment. In some cases, there remains a back log or limited availability. FAW or EFAW certificates that expired...

27 Sep

Posted at 20:16h in News by
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The MATS Group Autumn Newsletter 2020 is available now. The newsletter features the groups latest reaction to the Covid-19 outbreak, an update on the 2021 MATS Group Conference as well as looking at the new working at height training course. Download - Mats Group Autumn newsletter 2020 ...

23 Sep

Posted at 05:00h in News by
2 Likes

The MATS Group has revised and updated Guidance Note GN-005 "Medical Requirements for Climbing Masts & Towers". We are now inviting all stakeholders for feedback/suggestions for this draft document and we welcome your views. Click to download Guidance Note GN-005 Please send your comments/feedback via email to enquiries@matsgroup.info and put "GN-005 feedback" in the subject line.This consultation period will close on Friday 16th October 2020. ...

30 Jul

Posted at 07:59h in News by
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Please note that some climbers will have been issued with EUSR registration cards that have a 14 month period stated on them. This was created to offer climbers a grace period from which if you missed the course expiry date, you would not be deleted from the EUSR database for 2 months. This has resulted in the misconception that the expiry period is actually 14 months. This was never the intention and we are putting steps in place with EUSR to resolve this going forward. In the interim period, please note that you are expected to renew your certificate within the 12 month period. You may experience difficulties with gaining access to sites if you are relying upon the database entry showing 14 months. This will apply to cards issued before the 1.9.20.  From the 1st September 2020, the EUSR processes will have been adjusted to reflect the above and all cards will state a 12 month period. For anyone with an EUSR registration for the Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue scheme' please note that we have introduced a 12 month 'away from industry' period where you will still be able to apply for a revalidation course...

17 Jul

Posted at 10:24h in Uncategorized by
1 Like

The institute of Engineering and Technology feels there has been an “infodemic” of misleading and false information about 5G and alleged health effects. Some of it is pure fantasy, but there have also been sincere concerns expressed by some people, including scientists, who are not up to date with how 5G has evolved in the UK. You can read the full article here. ...

15 Jun

Posted at 10:34h in News by
0 Likes

In March 2020, due to the restrictions imposed by the UK Government due to COVID-19, the MATS Group proposed an interim extension to certain certifications required for working at height. This original training extension is due to expire on the 20th June 2020. The MATS group has reviewed the options available to us in order to support our industry in maintaining the infrastructure that enables key services to be provided. In order to work at height on MATS Group telecommunications structures, a worker is currently required to have the following in date certificates as a minimum: -  MATS Basic Climber and Rescue Flat roof / Rooftop Access Emergency 1st AidClimbers MedicalRF Safety Awareness Whilst the MATS Group acknowledges that some training providers are now offering face to face courses, there are still different rules from the UKs devolved Parliaments in terms of what business is ‘allowed’ and after risk assessment, some Employers will still not allow their people to travel extensively, stay in overnight accommodation or attend face to face training courses.  With this in mind, the MATS Group will allow conditional extensions in accordance with the following:- MATS Basic Tower Climbing & Rescue- Extended to 20th September 2020 Conditions:- The full revalidation course and registration with EUSR should...