From the Editor
Don’t
get caught
red-handed
When we think of burglars and petty
thieves, it’s common to think of them lurking
in the shadows; moving around under the
cover of darkness; white, wiry figures on a
black background on CCTV footage; but
summer poses a whole new picnic basket
full of threat when it comes to commercial
and residential buildings laying vacant for
long stretches of time, the comings and
goings of fairs, circuses, and seasonal
workers, and sports equipment or garden
furniture in full sight; just a hop over a
fence or a rickety gate away for those
who have had one-too-many strawberry
and kiwi ciders in the beer garden.
» » SO, WHILE THE REST OF US GET READY FOR A LONG,
lazy summer; things are really hotting up for locksmiths…
By now, schools, colleges and similar’s security should
already be ready for the six-week (minimum) break, but as
the new term looms, there will no doubt be call for a security
and fire safety refresh. For these types of premises, Access
Control became the preferred means a while back, but
constant developments in technology dictates that even the
early adopters could be in the dark ages now, so be sure to
check out this issue’s Access Control Extra to make sure you
are up to date with all the latest and greatest systems and
applications, ready to pass on to your own customers.
Likewise, with fire safety regulations and
recommendations; as we know there is nothing more
important than keeping people out of harm’s way in case of
emergency as well as covering ourselves when it comes to
making sure anything we sign off is up-to-spec’.
And, for all those homeowners who choose renovation
over vacation in the summer months, being aware of the
best hardware, keeping keen on keys and CCTV on the
scene, safest safes and more gives locksmiths all the tools
they need to make informed decisions, the wisest choices,
and most importantly promotes profitability to keep business
soaring as the thermometer creeps up.
One more thing, keep your cool in the summer with expert
advice for working outside in the heat, and while most of it
may sound like common sense, just eight tips to refresh your
memory and make sure you keep yourself safe while you work
on keeping everyone else safe isn’t too much to ask, is it?
Have a wonderful summer, see you next time.
Gemma, Editor
4
DHF SETS THE
STANDARD WITH
‘GROUND-BREAKING’
TRAINING
» » TAMWORTH-BASED
trade association, DHF (Door
& Hardware Federation),
has become the very first UK
organisation to offer an official
theory-based qualification for
three of the industries it serves.
The ABBE-accredited one-day
training courses for those
working in the automated
gate, industrial door and
domestic garage door sectors,
is approved and regulated by
Ofqual, the Government Office
of Examination Regulation,
and is a benefit described by
DHF’s Commercial Manager,
Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, as
‘ground-breaking’.
ABBE (Awarding Body of the
Built Environment) is the UK’s
leading awarding organisation
providing qualifications for
the built environment. ABBE
was established in 1997 and
offers qualifications in the
building and construction
industry. As an Awarding
Organisation, ABBE’s role is
to develop qualifications and
assessments which are valid,
reliable and responsive to
customer needs.
Their qualifications are
offered through its network of
assessment centres, approved
against a set of national
criteria, laid down by Ofqual,
the regulator of qualifications,
tests and examinations in
England.
“We are beyond delighted
to be able to offer ABBE-
accredited one-day courses
for installers wishing to enlist
on either the automated gate
or industrial and garage door
training programmes,” said
Patricia.
“We are already widely
renowned as experts in
technical knowledge and
training; now, we can add
accredited courses to our
ever-expanding list of
benefits. This is a real game
changer, and adds for the first
time, an official formal theory
qualification to the already
popular National Vocational
Qualification. As the first UK
organisation to offer ABBE-
accredited one-day training
courses, we’re ahead of the
game for our industries.
“These formal
qualifications, presented
by an awarding body and
recognised by employers,
are critical in demonstrating
a competent workforce.
They underpin our
continuing commitment
to appropriate levels of
training so that individuals
meet the necessary
industry requirements and
are suitably prepared for
their roles. There are so
many benefits to having
accreditation.”
The one-day formally
accredited courses fully
complement the current
NVQ qualification
(although don’t replace it),
help support PQQ (pre-
qualification questionnaire)
applications, can be used
as part of an apprenticeship
scheme and result in a ‘level
two’ award. There is an
additional cost of £50 per
learner to the already value
for money comprehensive
course.
www.dhfonline.org.uk
JUL/AUG 2019
locksmithjournal.co.uk
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