BAA Certificate for Harleyford Aggregates’ Sipson team
Sipson Quarry receives British Aggregates Association’s Assessment of Operating Standards certificate
HARLEYFORD Aggregates Ltd, who now operate Sipson Quarry, adjacent to Heathrow Airport, have been presented with the British Aggregates Association (BAA) award for the Assessment of Operating Standards and Demonstrating Competence for the Sipson site.
The BAA scheme is designed to test the operating standards of the whole operation, including the competence of the workforce along with the company’s adherence to all regulations and laws governing quarry operations.
The scheme has been in operation for a number of years and was originally set up by the BAA as part of part of the Target Zero initiative to reduce accidents in quarries. Sites that participate in the scheme are assessed by an independent qualified assessor experienced in both quarry management and health and safety.
To date, more than half of BAA member sites have been assessed and received their certificates, which last for three years before a new assessment is required. Some members are now on their third assessment and many have been able to take advantage of cheaper employer’s liability insurance that can apply as a result of the award.
Sipson Quarry was recently taken over by Harleyford Aggregates from Henry Streeter Ltd, who had worked the site for many years. The operation consists of sand and gravel extraction and reinstatement with inert waste. The processing plant at the site is about to be upgraded with new screens and water-processing systems currently being installed.
Sipson is an unusually complex operation, being surrounded by Heathrow Airport and a number of motorways, and with the Heathrow Express tunnel running under the extraction area. Added to this are the environmental aspects of running a modern-day tip in a sensitive area under the scrutiny of the Environment Agency, as well as armed security keeping a vigilant eye on protecting aircraft flying in and out of Heathrow.
Harleyford Aggregates are independent operators with sand and gravel operations in both the South East and Devon. Like many BAA members, the company recognizes the benefit of the BAA scheme with regard to improving health and safety. Moreover, Harleyford have recently volunteered to host QNJAC meetings at one of their prestigious leisure sites in the Thames Valley.
