Working at height is unforgiving. There are no second chances. That is why, across our industry, consistency, competence and clarity of standards are not optional, they are essential. The Access Industry Forum plays a critical role in bringing together the leading bodies in our sector to set that direction, ensuring alignment, raising standards and, ultimately, protecting lives.
At Premier Technical Services Group (PTSG), this principle is absolute. We do not undertake work unless it can be done safely. Our focus is simple; every colleague goes home safe, every day. That commitment drives an uncompromising approach to training, support and welfare, both internally for our own teams and externally for our customers. For complex systems like suspended access equipment, we only deliver user training to our customers in line with SAEMA protocol. Part 1 Online Training gets users their SAEMA User card; Part 2 On-site Training builds on the basic knowledge learned in Part 1 and provides practical demonstration and assessment from the SAEMA engineers who know the system best.
SAEMA’s training programmes provide a clear, structured framework for safe use of building maintenance units and façade access systems. Whether for permanent installations, temporary platforms or those with duty holder responsibilities, they’re robust, practical and rooted in real-world application as industry-led good practice.
They ensure that those operating equipment are not only competent, but confident, with a clear understanding of both risk and responsibility.
What is particularly powerful is the alignment between AIF, SAEMA and businesses such as PTSG. This is not theory; it is a collaborative, tripartite approach that translates directly into safer outcomes on site. AIF sets the strategic direction around working at height, SAEMA defines the industry-specific operational standards and member organisations like PTSG ensure those standards are embedded, delivered and upheld in practice.
In an environment where pressure, pace and complexity are ever increasing, that alignment matters. It removes ambiguity, reinforces accountability and ensures that safety is never compromised.
This is what good looks like; a sector working together, with clarity of purpose, to protect those who work at height.
Mark Davison
SAEMA. Past Chair
Access Maintenance Director, PTSG Access and Safety