Safety Council endorses VCOP plant training code

The voluntary code of practice (VCOP) for training plant operators drawn up by the Loughborough University-based Off-Highway Plant and Equipment Research Centre (OPERC) has been endorsed by the British Safety Council.

OPERC members are also confident it will receive endorsement from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and become an approved code of practice against which training standards can be monitored. Dr David Edwards, OPERC member, said the VCOP had been well received at the HSE.

"It shows we are receiving the right kind of backing," added Chris Jones, OPERC member and chairman of the National Plant Operators Register.