SURVIVE Working Group 2 met in April as part of an ongoing review team for the PAS 43 Specification, currently working towards the PAS 43:2010 edition.

 

Representatives from AVRO and the IVR declared it was unacceptable at the present time to make the modular training mandatory in the 2010 edition of PAS 43 because, given the current financial climate it would be unreasonable to impose an additional financial burden on contractors at this time. The group agreed that the wording for this section should be left as it currently is in PAS 43:2008 for the next edition and that the modular training required by Sector Scheme 17 will remain referenced as a best practice.

 

There were concerns expressed that PAS 43 may suffer a loss of credibility within the industry as a result of inconsistent, and in some cases, unacceptably poor assessment standards. The system needs better administration in order to remain credible. The group agreed that PAS 43 needs to include a section on the minimum qualifications and experience for Auditor Requirements, this will be included as an annex cross referenced to a new paragraph in the body of the document. SS 17 will also include a section on auditor requirements with a view to SS 17 and PAS 43 adopting a common standard on auditor requirements.

 

Clearly there remained a need to discuss the issue with the Accreditation Body UKAS. A delegation will meet with UKAS before the next WG 2 meeting.

 

As a follow up to recent debates on the subject, it was decided to contact the SMMT concerning a driver’s ability to exit vehiclesbythe passenger door. A response is expected before the next meeting.

 

On another matter REMSA are to be contacted with a view to including further reference to BS7901 and to Whole VehicleType Approval or Individual Vehicle Assessment. A section is likely to be included in PAS 43 in line with the REMSA recommendations. A reference will also be included to the requirement for CE marking. REMSA have also been consulted on frequency crossing of winch remotes, as a result of the information received it has been decided to include an advisory note covering transmission frequency with the concerns when using remote control. Further consultation will take place with the HSE.

 

It was proposed there should be an additional section on the carrying of pets and livestock: The following amendments were agreed to include a specific requirement for an animal to be tethered, the word “veterinarian” will be replaced by “qualified person” and a sentence will be added indicating that the assistance of the Police or a Traffic Officer should be obtained where concerns exist regarding the health and well-being of any livestock that are present.

 

There remains considerable doubt about whether contractors are required to hold an environmental permit in order to deal with end of life vehicles. It was agreed to approach the Environment Agency in order to stimulate further debate on the position of contractors and end-of-life vehicles.

Finally, additional wording to be included in the appropriate section stating that weighbridge and test certificates should demonstrate that relevant plated weights have not be exceeded.

 

Draft No. 1 of PAS 43:2010 will be made available for the next WG 2 meeting to be held 27 July at RAC Bescot.

 

 

26/8/09