Arco Professional Safety Services News
Arco, the UK and Ireland’s leading safety company, welcomed MSP Fiona Hyslop to its industry-leading Linlithgow Safety Centre this week.
The Linlithgow Safety Centre opened in the West Lothian town in 2021, providing consultancy, training, services and equipment to manage complex, high-risk, hazardous working scenarios. Specialising in working at height, confined spaces, respiratory, and health and safety training, the Arco Professional Safety Services team delivers cutting-edge training for those working in situations with highest risk of serious injury.
During her visit, Ms Hyslop was shown around Arco’s purpose-built facilities, which provide realistic, practical training environments. Ms Hyslop observed Arco’s industry-leading training procedures for these specific working environments, and then took part in a Q&A session focused on training solutions for dangerous working scenarios. Ms Hyslop was shown around Arco’s facility by Steve McIver, Arco’s training and consultancy team lead, who has 40 years’ experience in the clean water and wastewater industry, and who also sits on the Water Jetting Association Technical Training Committee.
Steve said: “We were pleased to welcome Ms Hyslop to our Safety Centre in Linlithgow, which provided an opportunity to showcase our expertise and commitment to customer safety in the region in the most challenging of environments.”
Throughout the day, Arco’s team and Ms Hyslop discussed the continuing partnership with NHS Scotland and Scotland Health and Social Care in relation to pandemic preparedness. Over two years during the Covid-19 pandemic, Arco supplied 200 million surgical masks, seven million FFP3 masks and 10 million visors, meeting around 87% of Scotland’s healthcare needs. Arco also provided face fit testing to over 40,000 frontline staff across Scotland.
Fiona Hyslop MSP said: “I was pleased to visit Arco’s Safety Centre in Linlithgow on Monday. I was keen to hear about the history of the company and an update on where they are now.
“It is clear to see that safety is the number one priority at Arco, offering a vast range of health and safety training, including confined space training, training at heights and high-pressure water jet training. As well as providing physical PPE, Arco also ensures those receiving the PPE have had the appropriate training to use it.
“I was also interested to hear about the role Arco played in the Covid-19 pandemic, with the majority of NHS Scotland’s requirements for PPE being fulfilled by the company.”
For further information about the joined-up safety solutions offered at Arco’s Linlithgow Safety centre, visit: www.arcoservices.co.uk/linlithgow-safety-centre
Arco Professional Safety Services News
Are you ready to put your skills to the test and rise above the competition? We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new Arco Challenge Event competitions, held at our Safety Centres. These events will bring your training to life, offering real-world scenarios that push your expertise to the limit while fostering teamwork, camaraderie, and a bit of friendly competition!
First Up: Rope Access Competition
Date: Saturday, 19th October 2024
Location: Arco Professional Safety Services, Unit 5, Raleigh Hall Industrial Estate, Eccleshall, Staffordshire, ST21 6JL
Times:
8:30 AM – Arrival
9:00 AM – Briefing & First Scenario
12:00 PM – Lunch
4:30 PM – Awards & Closing Ceremony
What to Expect:
Throughout the day, teams will face a series of five tasks designed to replicate real-life rescue, rigging, and access scenarios. Your performance will be closely observed and graded by our expert assessors, leading up to the ultimate showdown where one team will be crowned the Arco Challenge Event Rope Access Champions of 2024!
Participation Details:
Teams: Up to 12 teams of two people
Eligibility: All participants must be IRATA technicians, with at least one team member holding an IRATA Level 3 certification
Entry Fee: £50 per team
Extras: Lunch provided & goody bags for all participants
Prizes:
1st place – 2 x Free spaces on an IRATA course, the title of Arco Challenge Event Rope Access Champions and bragging rights for a year!
2nd place – 2 x 50% off spaces on an IRATA course
All other participants will receive 10% off their next IRATA course.
How to Sign Up:
Think you’ve got what it takes? Don’t miss your chance to compete – register your team today!
Sponsor this Arco Challenge Event!
Showcase your brand by sponsoring the Arco Challenge Event. Gain visibility with prime branding opportunities – display banners, supply equipment, donate prizes, secure space in our networking area, or include items in goody bags.
Interested? Contact jack.ball@arcoservices.co.uk to get involved and support this exciting event!
Arco Professional Safety Services News
Working at height specialists from Arco Professional Safety Services have recently installed vital safety systems on a thrilling new rollercoaster at the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort.
The £10m Minifigure Speedway is the UK’s first LEGO duelling rollercoaster, featuring cars that race forwards and in reverse on a dynamic dual track, reaching speeds of up to 35mph.
Arco worked with park operator Merlin Entertainments and ride manufacturer Zierer on the design, fabrication and installation of horizontal and inclined cable systems designed to provide reliable fall protection for LEGOLAND maintenance staff.
The fall protection solutions allow workers to safely conduct daily inspections, carry out essential repairs, and manage reactive tasks, including the safe evacuation of guests if necessary.
Matthew Glass, fall protection manager at Arco Professional Safety Services, said: “We are proud to bring our working at height expertise to another exciting new rollercoaster, continuing our long-standing partnership with Merlin Entertainments.
“We are proud to have played a role in bringing this new experience to life for LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, helping to ensure the ride is not only exciting but also meets the highest standards of safety.
“The fall protection systems will ensure workers can carry out their duties with confidence, knowing they are secured by a system that allows them to move freely and safely when working at height.
The inclined cable systems installed by Arco, supplied by MSA Latchways, are specifically designed to provide reliable fall protection for people working on sloped structures, including rollercoasters. In the event of a slip or fall, the BridgeLatch guided-type fall arresters lock on immediately, preventing a potential accident.
Stephen Cassidy, health, safety & security director at LEGOLAND Windsor, said: “We have worked with Arco professional specialists on many projects at LEGOLAND Windsor as the safety of our workforce is paramount.
“Arco have provided robust ergonomic solutions for performing planned and reactive working at height maintenance operations and we continue to work with Arco for best practice guidance and for the maintenance and inspection of our fall prevention and arrest systems”.
Falls from height are the most common cause of fatality and serious injury in the workplace, so fall protection is vitally important
Arco Professional Safety Services’ fall protection solutions help ensure the safety of workers and prevent accidents when working at height.
Find out more about Arco’s fall protection solutions
Picture credit: LEGOLAND Windsor Resort
LEGOLAND Windsor team member Shenica Gumbs inspects a car on the new Minifigure Speedway while secured by fall protection systems installed by Arco Professional Safety Services.
Arco Professional Safety Services News
STOP USE NOTICE
UltraLink
Please download document here for detailed information
November 2023
Important Safety Notice: ISC UltraLink
Safety Notice/Product Recall
Following on from our inspection notice issued 17 November 2023, our team has been intensively investigating the potential risk and the root cause of the problem. Our investigation identified that the press fixture used to secure the assembly of the SafeLock button moved outside of specification, creating the potential for a faulty press fit of the button, which can lead to the button turning open and coming apart.
STOP USE
Due to the risk of unintentional opening of the device, which could result in a life-threatening situation, we are issuing this notice instructing users to stop using their device, if it falls within the range of serial numbers:
LK100A1.2: 170431 – 177209; or LK101A1.2: 170433 – 176974.
STOP USING ANY OF THE ABOVE ITEMS IMMEDIATELYAND REMOVE THEM FROM SERVICE
Manufacturing corrective actions have been introduced to repair and ensure that the press fixture remains within specification; and additional procedures have been introduced to ensure that the SafeLock buttons are secured correctly. Validation testing has been successfully completed and production of UltraLinks has resumed, with this new process in place.
DEALER RECALL:
Please contact your Customer Service Representative to register your inventory stock for recall.
END USER RECALL:
Share this link with your customers so that they can register their device(s) for recall:
http://eepurl.com/iE_-8s
Alternatively, call our Customer Service Team:
North & South America: +1 (763) 360-2135
UK, EU, Australasia: +44 (0) 1248 363 125
Kind Regards,
David Rawlins
Compliance & Quality Manager
Arco Professional Safety Services News
Arco has unveiled a new internal training tower at its Bracknell Safety Centre as part of continuing investment in the growth of its Safety Services division and the wider business.
The training tower was installed last month, complementing the centre’s existing 20m external tower, gantry and rooftop access systems, along with its internal structures, systems and confined space labyrinth.
It will be used for training courses such as mast and tower climbing and rescue, telecom rigging, fall arrest, and fixed ladder rescue. It will also play a key role in complex rope access training scenarios.
The internal tower is equipped with a fixed vertical ladder and a fall protection system, which were both designed and installed by Arco’s own fall protection team.
Jamie Sadler, Arco Professional Safety Services commercial director, said: “Arco Professional Safety Services aims to provide the very best safety training facilities, so continuous improvement and investment is really important.
“We’ve enjoyed significant growth in our training offer over the past 12 months, helped by investments in our Linlithgow and Bracknell safety centres. But we know there is much more potential for growth.
“The next 12 months are going to be very exciting, for the Safety Services division and for Arco as a whole.”
Arco recently revealed plans to invest £17m in growth over the next 12 months, including significant investment in its safety services division.
Recent improvements have also been made at some of Arco’s other safety centres.
Two new beams were installed earlier this month at the Linlithgow Safety Centre in Scotland, which will enhance the practical parts of its training programs.
The beams are integral to work-at-height courses such as IRATA, CRD, rigging, and rescue, ensuring that trainees receive hands-on experience in a controlled environment that simulates real-world conditions.
Arco also has plans install additional training facilities at some of its other safety centres, in the coming year.
For more information, see Arco Professional Safety Services training courses
Arco Professional Safety Services News
GRILLON SAFETY ALERT: REQUEST FOR INSPECTION
Petzl requests the inspection of certain GRILLON products following the detection of ropes mounted incorrectly in the rope adjuster of recently produced GRILLON products. In such a case, the product does not perform its blocking function, which can result in a risk of injury. Please immediately stop sales and use of GRILLON products manufactured between October and December 2023, and follow the inspection procedure described below.
Please follow this link for detailed instructions and advice
Product recalls and safety alerts Petzl requests the inspection of certain GRILLON products
Arco Professional Safety Services News
With the eyes of the world on Wimbledon, the experts at Arco Professional Safety Services have been working to ensure the safety of people working behind the scenes.
Arco has been providing fall protection services and working at height training for the Championships since 2019, helping to ensure the safety of maintenance and cleaning staff, camera and lighting crews, and others working in areas where there is a risk of falling.
For the past five years, Arco’s team of working at height specialists have been instrumental in installing and annually testing and recertifying vital fall protection systems at the world-famous All England Club, including on Centre Court and Courts 1 and 2.
In preparation for this year’s tournament, Arco has meticulously inspected around a dozen different fall protection assets, including RoofSafe and 3M horizontal lifeline systems, Soll Pivitloc ladder systems, fall arrest anchor points, fixed ladders, and self-retracting lifeline fall arrest blocks.
Arco’s highly skilled trainers have also provided training in rooftop safety and rescue from height, allowing the Wimbledon team to safely access the court roofs to maintain lighting banners and other equipment. Workers have to be retrained in rescue from height every year and rooftop safety every three years.
Matthew Glass, fall protection manager at Arco Professional Safety Services, said:
“By testing and certifying the fall protection systems and providing essential work at height training, Arco plays an important role in the smooth and safe operation of the Wimbledon championships.
“With our support, the Wimbledon team can focus on delivering a world-class sporting event, knowing that Arco, the Experts in Safety, are helping them meet the highest safety standards.”
Find out more about our fall protection services and training.
Arco Professional Safety Services News
Rob Messenger has been with Arco for 11 years and is based at Eccleshall as a working at height trainer. In his spare time he is also a volunteer in the Derby Mountain Rescue Team which is an entirely volunteer lead and staffed blue light emergency service.
Rob and his team members are on-call 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, responding to incidents that the standard category 1 emergency responders such as the police, fire and ambulance cannot respond to, this could include:
- lost hillwalkers
- missing persons suffering from mental health or dementia
- injured persons who are in a location which is not easily accessible to the emergency services
- persons who are injured and need carrying to safety
- persons cut off due to flooding and many more
This year alone Rob has responded to 2x cardiac arrests, an elderly gentleman who was on an afternoon walk with his family who then had a heart attack, 3 injured/dislocated shoulders, 8 lower leg injuries ranging from sprains to open fractures, 2 fallen rock climbers with major trauma and 6 missing persons and most recently 1 lost walker with severe life-threatening hypothermia.
As part of Rob’s ongoing volunteering, Rob is now training to be a search and rescue dog handler with his dog Ghyll. Rob and Ghyll attend training every Sunday on top of weekly team training and emergency incidents. Once a month Rob and Ghyll also attend a national Mountain Rescue dog training weekend based in one of the UK’s mountainous national parks. From 1– 3 December training will be based in the Lake District national park and Rob will be using one of his CSR days in order to attend.
Follow the link below to find out more about the amazing work the mountain rescue search dogs do to help people across the UK.
https://mountainrescuesearchdogsengland.org.uk/training-information/
https://mountainrescuesearchdogsengland.org.uk/training-information/
Arco Professional Safety Services News
URGENT
Request for inspection of ASTRO and CANYON GUIDE harnesses following the detection of a defect on the gated opening attachment point of an ASTRO harness. Due to the risk of unintentional opening of this attachment point, which could result in a life-threatening situation, we ask you to stop any use of these harnesses and to carry out immediately the following inspection.
PLEASE GOTO PETZL WEBSITE FOR INFORMATION BELOW
Link to website for full details: Product recalls and safety alerts Call for inspection for the ASTRO and CANYON GUIDE harnesses – Petzl United Kingdom
Arco Professional Safety Services News
Arco Professional Safety Services, the UK’s leading safety products and services provider, is expanding its equipment hire capabilities nationwide with new funding into four fully stocked hire centres in key locations across the UK.
The expansion of hire products will enable customers to access a wider range of hire equipment from leading specialist suppliers, including quality-assured confined space, gas detection, respiratory protective and other fall arrest prevention equipment. All hire orders will be available direct from the Arco Bracknell, Doncaster, Linlithgow and Warrington Safety Centres or can be ordered and collected at local Arco stores via a new collection service.
Arco offers two types of hire solutions, standard hire, for short term requirements with a minimum contract of one week that can be extended as needed and contract hire that is offered for longer terms, up to five years, that also includes inspection, servicing and maintenance of equipment during the hire term.
Alongside this expanded hire proposition, customers can also purchase any of the equipment from Arco’s range of safety products should they require a permanent solution.
Gareth Liptrot, Hire & Maintenance Manager, Arco Professional Safety Services said: “As experts in safety, we are committed to providing a joined-up approach for customers offering accessible, high-quality equipment that can be acquired in the most convenient way.
“Our increased investment in hire stock at our nationwide Safety Centres and our new store collection service demonstrates our commitment to improving customer convenience and will enable greater access to quality stock and ease of service for any job our customers are undertaking.”
To find out more about Arco’s comprehensive hire offering, visit: https://www.arcoservices.co.uk/equipment/equipment-hire