Posted By Malcolm Fryer Hello all I take it that you all have read the letter from Keith Laws in this month’s THSP on page 23, if not I would encourage you to do so. I have to say that I admire this gent for sticking his head above the parapet and hope the subsequent debate will speed some sort of resolution to this wide spread problem. It is important to remember that there are a wide range of different schemes in place for industry sectors outside the construction industry which add further complication. At the moment I believe that the work that is being carried out by ENTO offers the best way forward and I hope that you will support them in their work. I would appreciate it if any reader who knows Keith Laws FIOSH would ask him to contact me as I would like to discuss this further with him. Readers may also wish to look at the following thread. http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...um=1&thread=18464&page=1 Malcolm

Posted By Arran Linton - Smith Dave, In terms of commercial contractor vetting schemes, this was discussed back in December 02 see: http://www.iosh.co.uk/in...view&Forum=1&Thread=3780 It may be of interest to note the comments which was made then about establishing a National standard and a process of cross approval between the different schemes. To my knowledge this process has not happened, however as clients are learning to do more of their own vetting rather than sub-contracting the process, the issue of these different schemes is less important. When it comes to current situation with different passport schemes, I cannot see why a National Specification cannot be established with many of the key areas of safety. After all the basics of COSHH, asbestos, first aid, working at height, RIDDOR, noise at work, lead at work etc. are virtually the same what ever industry you work in. I believe that ethically commercial issues should not be an issue when it comes to safety, therefore there should not be any serious conflict between the various workers passport schemes. The bottom line is there should be a straightforward scheme which quickly demonstrate whether a worker or professional is competent and has the necessary H&S knowledge.

Posted By Linda Crossland-Clarke Hi So as Arran says "all the basics of COSHH, asbestos, first aid, working at height, RIDDOR, noise at work, lead at work etc. are virtually the same what ever industry you work in." Why havn't we got a H&S NVQ Level 1 & 2 that will cover this? They have to be achieved in a work setting so would demonstrate a level of competence and would also allow for current passports to cross reference into the standards. Linda