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drain TRADER


the time to look for this sort of information before making that vital call? Apart fromcertain operations the training of the industry personnel comes fromwithin using various organisation that provide training options and accreditations that have been approved across the country and which are recognised as valid displays of competence. Whilst most companies offering services will ensure theirworkforce is up to date on all aspects of theirworkload, just because there is a sticker on the vanmay not always mean that the qualification it highlights is still currently valid. So, howcan an industry with such diverse options fromCCTV inspection through various cleaning techniques to repair and replacement ensure that it maintains a good reputation amongst of all levels of clientele? One such offering that has been discussed for some time nowis the ‘DrainSafe’approved contractor scheme which, according to the developers, is destined to become the universally recognised quality mark for the industry.The scheme has at its core that registered contractors must be fully competent to deliver all the services that they offer. According to the developers, it has been hugely frustrating that the launch of the DrainSafe scheme has had to be delayed due to the Covid- 19 emergency. However, the suspension of training provided by NADC approved trainers, which is currently the main training provider for the scheme,was a major part of the decision. With competency being such a fundamental element of the new scheme it is essential that contractors have access to the relevant training to achieve the relevant qualifications.The Drainsafe launch has nowbeen scheduled for late February 2021 at the DRAINEXPO event in Peterborough (ongoing Covid-19 restrictions permitting), which will allowcontractors more time to achieve the necessary qualifications to apply for registration. It also provides time for additional NADC qualifications accredited by EU Skills to be introduced.


6 drain TRADER | September 2020 | www.draintraderltd.com


The DrainSafe competency model has been built around NADC qualifications, although contractors holding some other existing qualifications, such as theWJA qualification for water jetting, are recognised for admittance to the scheme. So what does the NADC qualification framework look like nowand what is scheduled for delivery in the comingweeks and months? Fromthe time of its formation NADC has always been very focused on offering contractors certified training across a range of disciplines. As the range of contracting services offered by NADC members continues to expand, and as contracting services become ever more sophisticated, so the range of courses offered has continued to develop. For many years NADC has offered qualifications inHigh PressureWater Jetting, CCTV surveying, and electro-mechanical cleaning and milling. In addition Drain Lining has been available (and is currently being reviewed to include patch repair options) aswell as Confined Space training.The next two courses that will be accredited by EU Skills in the near future are SHEA Drain and Sewer and Excavation and Repairs.These will then be supplemented by aVacuum andTankering Course and Sweeping Course for delivery towards the end of 2020, with consideration also being given to a PressureTesting Course in 2021. The Drainsafe Competency Framework requires that all contractors and their employees who areworking in the field have both the SHEA Drain and Sewer qualification (which brings with it CSCS accreditation) aswell the Confined Spaces Qualification.These qualifications will then be supplemented by qualifications relevant to the specific services that are offered by the contractor, which could range all the way fromCCTV surveying to vacuuming and tankering and other drainage related operations. All contractors and their employees will hold an EU Skills card which will list all the qualifications that they hold so that any customer, whether that might be a consumer, company, public body, site manager etc., can see which qualifications a contractor holds and then refer to the


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