Industry cards adopt smart technology

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has updated its Industry Card Schemes Recommendation, which requires the use of cards carrying the CSCS logo, to increase the uptake of smart technology.

The aim is to ensure a consistent approach across the industry so that the information held by cards can be easily accessed by sites of all sizes and used to improve building quality and safety.

CSCS Partner Card Schemes are at various stages of integrating smart technology and will be working with CSCS to determine the most effective meansof meeting the CLC’s requirement which is:

By 31 March 2022, all card schemes must use smart technology which has the capability to electronically check agreed information relevant to a cardholder, using a common interface, without the need to manually enter data.

The CLC recommendation has been adopted across the industry since its introduction in 2015. Sites are asked to use the technology available to ensure cards are genuine and that workers have the appropriate qualifications and training for the occupation they are undertaking.

With changes in apprenticeship standards across all four nations, the CLC recommendation has also been updated to confirm that these will be recognised by all CSCS Partner Schemes as an appropriate route to achieving a card:

Nationally recognised apprenticeships in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland will be accepted as meeting the minimum standard.

CLC Task Force member Mark Reynolds said: “The need to validate and verify the training, qualification, skills andcompetence of construction workers has been brought into sharp focus since the Grenfell Tower Fire. The CLC is keen to see technology used across the industry to enable everyone to access and use the information we hold to make better decisions.

“I would like to thank Build UK for carrying out and sharing the results of itsannual Smartcard Audit, which identified the need to clarify the CLC recommendation, as well as CSCS and its Partner Schemes for theircommitment and support to adopting smart technologies.”