HSE warns of rogue training and plant operator licences

Following evidence of malpractice by a plant trainer, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning about training certificates and plant operator licences.

The HSE has served prohibition notices on David Harris and his company Future International Training, requiring an immediate halt to the issue of training certificates and plant operators' licences.

These notices prevent the company from claiming affiliation to trade bodies such as the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), Lantra or City & Guilds.

Until 21 April 2001, the company was accredited by the Association of Industrial Truck Trainers and the Independent Training Standards Scheme & Register (ITSSAR), but this was not renewed.

ITSSAR chairman George Coates said his organisation does not issue cards but certifies that the training and examination offered by companies is up to standard. Of the HSE's warning he said: "This is just the tip of an iceberg. We have had incidents of training companies advertising that they are ITSSAR-accredited in the telephone directories, when they are not. We will be sending all such companies solicitor's letters and if they persist will be taking them to court."

A CITB spokesman said that it had never offered any legitimate approval or form of affiliation with either David Harris or Future International Training.

The HSE said: "It is up to individuals to satisfy themselves that they have adequate training and assessment."

If contractors are presented with cards issued by this company they are advised to check with the relevant organisation before accepting them.