Continuity of safety inspector certification

August 27, 2007

Interim agreement reached to ensure continuity of safety inspector certification

The Department of Labour and the Certification Board for Inspection Personnel (CBIP) have entered into an agreement that will ensure CBIP continues to provide examination and assessments of equipment inspectors under the Health and Safety in Employment (Pressure Equipment, Cranes, and Passenger Ropeways) Regulations.

Earlier this year CBIP announced it would wind-up due to lack of adequate funding for its composite certification services. CBIP are responsible for the certification of inspection personnel involved in the inspection of a wide range of safety critical equipment such as boilers, cranes, and passenger ropeways.

The Department’s Group Manager of Workplace Services, Maarten Quivooy, says the Department has recognised the important independent role of CBIP and agreed to provide funding to CBIP to enable it to continue to carry out its functions during the remainder of 2007.

“The safety inspectors that CBIP certificate are a vital factor in ensuring that safety critical equipment like cranes, industrial boilers, pressure equipment or ski lifts are safe to use,” says Mr Quivooy.

“If equipment like this fails it can put many lives at risk. The Department of Labour has taken this interim step so that certification of equipment will continue as normal until we identify a long-term solution to the issue of certification of inspection personnel. This will involve working with interested parties to establish a clearer process for selecting a longer term provider. Taking these steps will also ensure that equipment operators continue to be clear about their regulatory duties.”

Mr Quivooy says the Department will provide CBIP with a contribution towards the costs of services they provide, which will cover the period between 30 June and 20 December, 2007. These services include providing examinations; certificates of competence; standards of proficiency; the meetings of CBIP’s application and approval committee; assessment of overseas applicants; and running of their disciplinary and appeals procedures.

CBIP Chairperson John Wilson says he was delighted that agreement had been reached with the Department for the continuation of these critical services: “This will allow us to continue in the short term as we talk with interested parties about ensuring a viable long-term future for CBIP, and in particular gaining International accreditation in accordance with ISO 17024.”

ENDS

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