Monthly bulletin: Lancashire

The series of branch blogs from the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) continues. This month the focus is the IQ Lancashire branch and its well-attended continuing professional development (CPD) day.

Held at the NWA Conference Centre, Cumbria, more than 60 guests attended the interactive day of workshops and presentations, driven from the Strategic Forum’s Fatal 6 – Workplace Transport and Pedestrian Interface.

Mike Tetley, HM Inspector of Quarries, opened the day. His presentation highlighted the issues surrounding operator and pedestrian safety within the industry and he made attendees aware of guidance that is available through QNJAC.co.uk and its app.

This was followed by a presentation from branch Vice Chairman and Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications MD, Thor Atkinson. His presentation looked at pedestrian safety and the importance of segregated areas on site for mobile plant and vehicles with footage shown to drive home how quickly incidents can occur.

During the day, attendees took part in insightful and interactive workshops:

• Vision Techniques provided an insight into utilising technology to avoid incident though the use of their Reversing Radar System and 360-degree vision camera systems.
• Tenstar presented their simulation based educational training system to upskill, train and promote operator competence on mobile plants within a safe environment. Two demo simulators were made available for use.
• Hanson Cement focused on road traffic vehicles and their integration and brought in a cement tanker for a demo. They gave an insight into safety issues that they are looking to address and how technology is being used to increase levels of safeguarding for both pedestrians and operators.
• IQ Lancashire branch highlighted the importance of Mobile Plant Inspections and Observations through a session on daily checks, emphasising how even minor issues should be recorded and flagged along with the importance of managers also undertaking walkthroughs with operators.

The day concluded with an insight into the importance of IQ membership and its benefits, delivered by IQ CEO James Thorne, followed by a discussion on ways to improve health and safety led by Gordon Dick of Rock and Road Training.

Gordon says: “What a fantastic CPD day! Everyone involved would like to extend their thanks to the branch committee, exhibit staff and attendees for such a well-attended event.

“Any members in the Lancashire area who would like to get involved, we encourage you to get in touch and join us. Being part of a regional IQ branch is invaluable with opportunities to network and learn from industry professionals and top up your knowledge.”

About IQ Lancashire Branch

The IQ Lancashire branch is in a region that covers some large towns and cities, including Carnforth, Bolton, Manchester, Stockport, Liverpool, Wigan and the Wirral. The region is an extremely important source of limestone and also boasts some stunning natural landscapes, including the North Pennine Hills and Lake District.

Upcoming Events:

• Tuesday 9 April - Technical Evening with BAM Ritchies: Quarry Drill Rigs used for Stabilisation at Hinkley Point Power Station
• Thursday 16 May – Social event: Footgolf at Casterton Golf Club
• Friday 14 June – Joint IQ/IAT Summer Charity Ball at Ramada Hotel Southport
• Tuesday 10 September – AGM

For any members in Lancashire looking to get involved with their local branch, to find out more about events or register an interest, contact:

Chairman
Sam Wrathall
[email protected]

Vice Chairman
Thor Atkinson
[email protected]

Secretary
Mark Broadley
[email protected]

For more information visit: www.quarrying.org/members/branches.