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Confined Space Training Delivered at Belfast’s New Grand Central Station

Posted on by Marketing

We were delighted to recently deliver our Confined Space: Safe Entry, Breathing Apparatus, and Self-Rescue Training on-site for Belton Construction Services at the brand-new Grand Central Station in Belfast. This exciting training opportunity combined classroom-based learning with practical, hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art mobile training unit, offering a comprehensive and engaging approach to confined space safety.

A Partnership at “Game Changer” Site

The new Grand Central Station, which opened after four years of construction, is a milestone for Northern Ireland’s public transport system and is now the largest integrated transport hub on the island of Ireland. Replacing both Great Victoria Street Station and the Europa Bus Centre, it is expected to serve around 20 million customer journeys each year. Partnering with Belton Construction Services at such a site was a privilege and reflects a joint commitment to supporting industry professionals with top-tier training.

Comprehensive Training for Real-World Safety

Confined Space training with ITS blends classroom-based theory and practical exercises designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge required for future confined space work. The practical component was held in our mobile training unit, which boasts a 30 m tunnel network with smoke simulation to create a realistic and challenging training environment. Candidates donned full breathing apparatus, practiced safe entry techniques, and rehearsed rescue scenarios to ensure they are prepared for the demands of real-world situation.

Why Choose Our Confined Space Mobile Training Unit?

Our mobile training unit brings industry-leading training directly to your site, reducing costs, disruption, and administration while delivering exceptional value. Key benefits include:

  • On-Site Convenience: We come to you, anywhere in Ireland, saving time and resources.
  • Accredited Training: Participants receive accredited training from experienced industry practitioners, earning 1 CPD point for every hour completed.
  • Realistic Simulations: Our 30m tunnel network, equipped with smoke, provides a safe yet realistic environment for hands-on learning.
  • All Equipment Provided: From harnesses and tripods to breathing apparatus and monitors, we supply everything needed, eliminating hire costs.
  • Quick Setup: The unit is operational in just 15 minutes, minimising downtime and disruption to business.

Building a Safer Future

The training at Grand Central Station continues to highlight the importance of equipping teams with the skills needed to navigate high-risk environments safely. By delivering this training in a practical, engaging manner, we ensure that participants leave confident and capable.

We are proud to play a role in fostering safety excellence at such a pivotal new site for Northern Ireland’s infrastructure and look forward to supporting more projects with our comprehensive training solutions.

If your organisation is looking for on-site training solutions that deliver results, get in touch with us today. Together, we’ll build a safer workplace, no matter where your site is located!

Safety on the Horizon: Mobile Confined Space Training with Aer Lingus

Posted on by Marketing

Partnering with Aer Lingus

Industry Training Services (ITS) recently conducted Confined Space: Safe Entry, Breathing Apparatus, and Self-Rescue training for Aer Lingus at our brand-new training facility in Dublin. Founded in 1936, Aer Lingus, operates a fleet of modern aircraft connecting Ireland to destinations across Europe, North America, and beyond. As Ireland’s national airline, it is renowned for its commitment to safety, reliability, and exceptional service. This collaboration highlights a shared commitment to enhancing workplace safety and equipping teams with essential skills to respond effectively in various environments.

Recognising Risks in the Aerospace Industry

The aerospace industry presents unique challenges, particularly in technical operations and maintenance, where confined spaces and complex environments are common. Recognising these risks, Aer Lingus has proactively sought to ensure their teams are equipped to navigate such hazards safely. Partnering with Industry Training Service, a leading provider of specialised training, Aer Lingus has further demonstrated its dedication to upholding the highest safety standards for its personnel.

Comprehensive Confined Space Training for Aer Lingus

The confined space training for Aer Lingus was structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience, blending theory and practical application. The classroom-based portion of the training covered critical topics, including confined space hazards, PPE and required equipment, legal requirements and risk assessments. Participants gained a deep understanding of the risks, and the protocols needed to mitigate and evaluate working conditions within a confined space.

State-of-the-Art Practical Training

In addition to the theory-based element of the training, all hands-on components were conducted in Industry Training Services’ state-of-the-art mobile training unit. This unique facility is designed to replicate real-life confined space scenarios, complete with controlled smoke environments to simulate reduced visibility. After practicing safe entry from the top of the unit, trainees donned breathing apparatus halfway through the exercise, navigating the more challenging conditions and self-rescue techniques in a controlled, yet realistic, setting. The immersive nature of this practical training not only reinforced the classroom lessons but also built confidence and competence in handling confined space emergencies.

Commitment to Workplace Safety

Partnering with Aer Lingus on this initiative has been an excellent opportunity to contribute to a safer working environment for their teams. By investing in robust programs like Confined Space training, Aer Lingus is taking proactive steps to ensure their employees are prepared to handle potentially hazardous situations with professionalism and skill.

‘I thought it was excellent training, worth doing. The instructor had experience, had confidence, and ran us through the drills really well. I certainly think I would recommend it to any company. This is our first time doing it [Confined Space Training], and we can see where we have issues that we need to sort out.’ – Colm Fogarty, Technical Shift Controller, Aer Lingus Maintenance

 

Dedication to Excellence

Industry Training Service, pride themselves on delivering high-class training solutions tailored to the needs of every client, as is encapsulated by the testimonial from Colm Fogarty, Technical Shift Controller with Aer Lingus Maintenance.

ITS offers a wide selection of courses designed to meet diverse training needs, ensuring that every client receives a program tailored to their specific requirements. Their confined space mobile training unit makes training accessible to all, throughout the island of Ireland. Whether it’s confined space training, emergency first aid, or other specialised areas, their mission is to provide exceptional training experiences that prioritise health and safety.

Exciting News: We’ve Received SOLAS Approval for New Training Courses!

Posted on by Marketing

We are thrilled to announce a significant milestone for our team and our learners: we have officially gained SOLAS approval to deliver three essential training courses! These newly approved courses include:

  1. CSCS Signing, Lighting, and Guarding at Roadworks
  2. CSCS Health and Safety at Roadworks
  3. SOLAS Safe Pass Programme

Even better, we’re now offering these courses at our state-of-the-art training facility in Dublin 17, purpose-built to provide a modern, comfortable, and well-equipped learning environment.

SOLAS Approval: About the Courses

Each of these courses plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and success of workers in construction, roadworks, and related industries.

CSCS Signing, Lighting, and Guarding at Roadworks

This course is essential for individuals involved in the management and execution of roadworks. Participants will learn:

  • Best practices for setting up, managing, and maintaining safe and efficient traffic control systems.
  • Regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with Irish road safety laws.
  • How to develop and implement traffic management plans to protect both workers and the public.

With a focus on practical strategies and real-world applications, this training equips participants to handle roadwork scenarios safely and professionally.

CSCS Health and Safety at Roadworks

Roadworks present unique risks that require specialised knowledge to manage effectively. This course emphasises:

  • Hazard identification and risk assessment specific to roadwork environments.
  • Mitigation strategies to ensure a safe and compliant workplace.
  • Techniques to manage equipment, workers, and public interactions on-site.

Participants will leave this course with the skills and confidence to navigate the complexities of roadwork safety while meeting industry standards.

SOLAS Safe Pass Programme

The Safe Pass Programme is a cornerstone of health and safety in Ireland’s construction industry. It ensures that everyone working on construction sites or in related fields has a clear understanding of:

  • Health and safety legislation, rights, and responsibilities.
  • How to identify workplace hazards and reduce risks.
  • The importance of creating and maintaining safe working conditions.

This certification is a legal requirement for workers on construction sites, making it an indispensable step in their professional development.

Why Choose Us for Your Training Needs?

Having gained SOLAS approval, We’re proud to deliver these courses from our new training facility in Dublin 17, which has been designed with learners’ needs in mind. Here’s why you should choose us:

  • Expert Instructors: Our highly qualified and experienced instructors bring real-world insights to every course, ensuring practical, actionable learning.
  • Tailored Training: We understand that every learner and organisation is unique. Our courses can be adapted to meet your specific needs and challenges.
  • Modern Facility: Equipped with the latest technology and designed for maximum comfort, our Dublin 17 location creates an ideal learning environment.
  • Convenience: Our central location in Dublin 17 makes it easy for learners from across the region to access high-quality training.

Whether you’re an individual looking to upskill or an organisation aiming to improve workforce safety, our training programmes are designed to deliver exceptional value.

What’s Next? Book Your Training Today!

We are now accepting bookings for these newly approved courses. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your qualifications and improve your safety knowledge.

To secure your spot or learn more:

  • Visit our website for full course details.
  • Contact our team to schedule a session or discuss your specific training needs.

Celebrating Safety and Collaboration During CIF Safety Month

Posted on by Marketing

October was a standout month for the construction industry as companies across Ireland came together to mark CIF Safety Month. The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) dedicates this time to raising awareness, promoting best practices, and fostering collaboration to ensure that safety remains a core focus across the sector. This year, we proudly contributed by offering a range of impactful training sessions tailored to the unique needs of our clients.

As one of Ireland’s only training providers capable of delivering fully tailored safety solutions, we worked closely with companies throughout the country to address their specific challenges. Our mission during CIF Safety Month was clear: equip workers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to prioritise safety in their daily operations. Here’s a look at the key activities we delivered and their significance.

Delivering Tailored Safety Solutions

C.A.T & Genny Training with Rossmore Civils

Working around underground utilities is one of the most hazardous tasks on construction sites. To minimise risks, we partnered with Rossmore Civils to deliver Location and Avoidance of Underground Services training using C.A.T & Genny equipment. This tailored program emphasised practical, site-specific applications, helping workers identify and avoid buried cables and pipelines.

By customising the training to the actual challenges faced on-site, we ensured that workers left not just with theoretical knowledge but with hands-on skills that could prevent costly and potentially life-threatening incidents.

Confined Space Training: Comprehensive and Customised

Confined spaces present hidden dangers that demand both expertise and vigilance. Throughout CIF safety month, we offered bespoke Confined Space Training seminars tailored to the unique environments and requirements of our clients.

  • Mobile Unit Training with Rossmore Civils at Glenveagh Properties: Leveraging our mobile training unit, we brought confined space education directly to workers, delivering real-world scenarios in a controlled environment. Gas detection, safe entry protocols, and emergency response were all tailored to the specific risks present on-site.
  • On-site Training with Walls Construction at Diageo’s Project Black: This high-profile project required specialised knowledge to deliver key information to suit the complexities of working in confined spaces in a brewery construction site. By aligning our content with the site’s unique conditions, we ensured workers were well-prepared to navigate confined spaces safely and effectively.

Our ability to customise these sessions reflects our commitment to empowering workers with tools and knowledge that directly address the challenges they face, fostering a proactive approach to safety.

Excavation and Underground Services Training

Excavation remains one of the highest-risk activities in construction, but with proper preparation, those risks can be significantly reduced. On the Cairn Homes site in Dublin, we worked with Rossmore Civils to deliver tailored training focused on excavation and underground services.

From hazard identification to teamwork strategies, this seminar provided a comprehensive look at how to safely execute excavation projects while avoiding utility strikes. By tailoring the training to the site’s specific layout and conditions, we ensured workers were prepared to manage risks effectively.

Excavation Safety with Vision Contracting

Our collaboration with Vision Contracting highlighted the importance of advanced planning and expertise in excavation safety. We delivered a customised seminar on Excavation Safety, Trench Support, and Construction Plant Safety Zones, covering topics such as trench shoring, ground stability, and equipment operation.

Tailoring this seminar to Vision Contracting’s operations ensured that participants gained actionable insights that were immediately relevant to their daily work. This personalised approach made the day both impactful and practical, reinforcing our reputation as a go-to provider for bespoke safety solutions.

Why Tailored Safety Training Matters

As one of Ireland’s only training providers offering fully tailored safety programmes, we understand that no two projects are alike. The risks faced on a brewery construction site differ significantly from those encountered during housing developments or large-scale excavation works. By tailoring our training to the specific needs of each client, we ensure that safety practices are not just theoretical but immediately applicable and effective.

Reflections on CIF Safety Month

CIF Safety Month is a valuable opportunity to champion safety across the construction industry. It’s a time to reflect on what has been achieved and to identify areas where we can continue to improve. Our work throughout October demonstrated the importance of collaboration, customization, and a proactive approach to safety.

From C.A.T & Genny training to advanced excavation safety programmes, we delivered solutions that met the unique needs of our clients, helping to create safer work environments. These initiatives reinforced our commitment to driving meaningful change in how safety is approached across Ireland.

Looking Ahead

Safety is not just a priority for October; it is a year-round commitment. The relationships we built with clients such as Rossmore Civils, Walls Construction, and Vision Contracting during CIF Safety Month are a testament to the power of tailored solutions in achieving safer worksites.

As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to delivering training that anticipates and addresses the evolving challenges of the construction industry. Whether through confined space education, excavation safety programmes, or any of our other offerings, we are here to ensure that every worker has the tools they need to go home safely at the end of the day.

Partner with Us

If you’re looking for a training provider that understands your unique needs, we’re here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our bespoke safety solutions and how we can support your projects.

The Essential Guide to Scaffold Inspection: Why Training is Your Safety Foundation

Posted on by Marketing

In the world of construction, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s the foundation upon which every successful project is built. Amongst the many safety measures, scaffold inspection stands out as a crucial component that ensures the stability and security of the working environment.

If you’re in the construction industry, you understand that scaffolds are not just temporary structures but lifelines that support workers at heights. But do you know the importance of regular scaffold inspections and why scaffold inspection training is indispensable?

Why Scaffold Inspection is Critical

Scaffolds are subjected to various stresses and environmental conditions that can compromise their integrity. Over time, wear and tear, weather elements, and daily usage can lead to potentially hazardous conditions. Here’s why regular inspections are non-negotiable:

  1. Prevent Accidents: Scaffolds that are not inspected regularly pose a significant risk of collapse or failure, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
  2. Compliance with Regulations: Adhering to health and safety regulations is mandatory. Regular inspections ensure that your site is compliant with local and international safety standards.
  3. Cost Efficiency: Early detection of issues can prevent costly repairs or project delays.
  4. Reputation Management: Maintaining a spotless safety record boosts your company’s reputation and trustworthiness in the industry.

The Role of Scaffold Inspection Training

Inspection is only as good as the inspector. This is why comprehensive scaffold inspection training is crucial.

  1. Enhanced Knowledge: Training provides in-depth knowledge of scaffold types, components, and the specific risks associated with each.
  2. Improved Skill Set: Participants learn how to identify potential hazards, assess the structural integrity, and document findings accurately.
  3. Increased Confidence: Well-trained inspectors are more confident in their ability to make critical safety decisions.
  4. Legal Protection: Properly trained personnel reduce the risk of non-compliance penalties and legal repercussions.

Introducing Our Scaffold Inspection Training Course in Dublin

We are excited to announce the launch of our first-ever Scaffold Inspection Training Course at our Dublin HQ! This course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform thorough and effective scaffold inspections. Whether you are a site manager, supervisor, or a dedicated safety officer, this training is tailored to meet your needs.

What You Will Learn:

  • Comprehensive understanding of scaffold components and their functions.
  • Techniques for identifying common defects and safety hazards.
  • Step-by-step inspection procedures and proper documentation.
  • Practical hands-on sessions with real-world scenarios.

Don’t Miss Out – Book Your Spot Today!

Safety doesn’t happen by chance; it’s the result of dedicated training and vigilance. By enrolling in our Scaffold Inspection Training Course, you’re not just enhancing your skillset—you’re contributing to a safer, more efficient work environment for everyone involved.

Book your spot today and be a part of the movement towards safer construction practices!

5 Tips for Safer Manual Handling

Posted on by Marketing

Do you suffer from back pain on a daily basis? Unfortunately, back pain is extremely common and something most of us will experience at some stage in our lives. It can be triggered or exacerbated by our work environment where manual handling is involved in daily tasks.

Back pain continues to be the number one cause of job-related disabilities as well as being a leading contributor to employees missing days at work due to painful musculoskeletal disorders

Back pain is not restricted to those undertaking manual jobs, it can also affect those in sedentary jobs that requires sitting for long periods. The reality is that office staff or individuals undertaking deskbound jobs spend an average of 9.5 hours sitting every day! Factors such as inactivity, poor or awkward posture, sitting in one static prolonged position, insufficient space to work in or bad lighting can make individuals vulnerable to back, neck and shoulder pain.

Why is Work-Related Back Pain a Common Condition?

Work related back pain is a very common condition because all working environments require some form of manual handling. Those most likely to be exposed to handling of high-risk heavier loads include construction and agricultural industries. However, manual handling is also present in the retail sector, particularly for warehouse and delivery staff as well as with postal and courier workers, healthcare industries, manufacturing sectors, motor industries and even the hospitality sector with hotel and restaurant staff needing to lift and manoeuvre catering supplies, furniture and associated equipment.

Sprains, strains and posture problems can arise from the following activities in the workplace:

  • Carrying heavy loads awkwardly
  • Stretching, twisting, crouching
  • Undertaking repetitive tasks such as packing products or continual lifting
  • Remaining in the one position for long periods of time
  • Working at computers with poor posture
  • Uncomfortable working conditions

Ensuring the Safety of Employees in the Workplace

Employers have a duty of care towards employees (Health and Safety at Work Act). They are responsible for preventing or minimising risk, injury and accidents in the workplace as well as ensuring staff are appropriately trained in manual handling techniques. By pushing, lifting, pulling and carrying a load, employee are instantly exposed to manual handling risks and hazards. Industry Training Services provides Manual Handling training which is designed for individuals who carry out manual handling as part of their work. This half day training course provides awareness of areas including tasks, loads, the working environment, individual capacity, general risk assessment and more. This classroom-based course is entails both theory and group activity and finishes with a multi-choice questionnaire. Training is also available on clients’ site.

The top 5 tips to remember when lifting heavy objects are:

  1. Assess the load: Before lifting a heavy object, assess its weight, size, and shape to determine the best approach. Plan your lifting path to ensure that there are no obstacles in the way.
  2. Get a good grip: Ensure that you have a good grip on the object before lifting it. Wear gloves if necessary to improve your grip and prevent the object from slipping.
  3. Use your legs: To lift heavy objects, use the strength in your legs rather than your back. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift the object using your leg muscles.
  4. Keep the load close: Keep the heavy object as close to your body as possible while lifting it. This will reduce the strain on your back and make it easier to control the load.
  5. Ask for help: If an object is too heavy for you to lift safely, ask for help from a co-worker or use equipment such as a dolly or forklift to move it. Don’t risk injuring yourself by trying to lift more than you can handle.

 

For further information call us on 028 3839 / 01 891 6105 or email us at  info@industrytrainingservices.com