GOING FORWARD IN 2022
FACING 2022 WITH HUGE OPTIMISM : DHF REFLECTS ON A MOST SUCCESSFUL YEAR
» AT THE BEGINNING OF 2021 , DHF published a new best practice guide named Biosafe Hardware . The guidance document targets architects , facilities managers and building managers / owners , and offers information and support on how they might effectively balance health , safety and security , especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic .
The federation has continued to advise its members on how to operate safely throughout the year . In February , DHF hosted a series of bespoke webinars regarding UKCA marking replacing CE marking following Brexit , with the first virtual event held on Wednesday 10th February . It served to highlight the pertinent points regarding the replacement of the CE mark following Brexit , relevant to manufacturers and suppliers of domestic garage doors .
DHF has also voiced its full support for The Construction Playbook , in delivering a more efficient , faster and greener solution to improve building and workplace safety . Introduced in December 2020 by the government , The Construction Playbook brings together knowledge , expertise and best practice to reform the industry and transform how public works projects are assessed , procured and managed . Its objective is to improve building and workplace safety , promote social values and work towards the UK ’ s 2050 net zero commitment with a whole life carbon approach , by way of clear and appropriate outcome specifications , longer term contracting across portfolios ( offering greater value through public spending ) and faster endto-end project delivery .
In addition , DHF has demonstrated its decade of support for the automated gate and traffic barrier sector this year at Fencex . Speaking at the time , DHF ’ s Head of Commercial Operations , Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens , said :
“ We are not only celebrating 10 years of putting our weight behind the automated gate industry , but the many positive and considerable milestones that have been achieved along the way , for example , ’ setting the standard ’ by offering Ofqual-regulated training , and in so doing , becoming the UK ’ s very first organisation to offer an official theory qualification for the automated gate sector that complements the industry NVQ , has been a significant highlight for the federation . The formal qualification is recognised by employers and is vital in demonstrating a competent workforce . This has been a genuine ‘ game changer ’ across the industry .” Most noticeable has been the improvement in the quality of gate installations and installer knowledge UK-wide .
At the very heart of DHF ’ s operations , of course , is its training programme and it prides itself on keeping the industry informed by delivering training that enables safe and compliant products to be put on the market . Indeed , the organisation ’ s employees have remained committed to helping its members as much as possible during the pandemic , putting delegates first , through online webinars and the distance learning programme .
In April , DHF resumed its classroom training with learners once again returning to DHF ’ s training academy , and in June , it added to its training portfolio with an Emergency First Aid at Work Training Course , covering such topics as actions in an emergency , resuscitation and CPR , the use of AED ’ s ( automated external defibrillator ),
wounds and seizures . The federation has also embarked upon a five-year training strategy , planning for a series of new and innovative training courses over the next five years that will fully complement its existing offering .
In collaborating with Entrance Systems Alliance ( ESA ), the organisation established by DHF and the Automatic Door Suppliers Association ( ADSA ), DHF has been able to offer a single , combined NVQ qualification to better serve the needs of the Powered Pedestrian Door , Automated Gate , Industrial & Garage Door and Fire Door industries . This one NVQ will cover installation , repair and maintenance , a change from the original requirement of two NVQs : one for installation , and the second for repair and maintenance . And a new training website – just launched – will enable greater flexibility for learners .
“ Once again , we see DHF rising to the continuing challenges that face the industry , providing a consistent , reliable and trustworthy service to members and non-members ,” concludes Patricia . “ Having faced the tumultuous uncertainty of the past two years , we are facing the future with tremendous optimism . DHF remains a centre of excellence across all the sectors it serves , and its calm and proactive response since March 2020 has been a clear demonstration of its value and place in the industry .”
www . dhfonline . org . uk
18
JAN / FEB 2022
locksmithjournal . co . uk Issue Takeover
Magazine Sponsor