REACT scheme gains traction in Ireland
More than 4,000 commercial tyre technicians have been trained, assessed as competent and issued with a licence to work safely at the roadside across the UK since 2011, and the initiative is now gaining traction in Ireland.
The Roadside Emergency Action Concerning Technicians (REACT) scheme in the UK, the brainchild of the National Tyre Distributors Association (NTDA) was launched in Ireland in May by the Irish Tyre Industry Association.
The NTDA has long campaigned not only for improved consumer tyre safety, but also for the safety of those individuals employed to fit tyres, especially those brave and hardworking commercial tyre technicians deployed at the roadside to work on HGV and PSV related tyre incidents in often very precarious conditions. It has also actively worked with employers, learning providers and other stakeholders to influence and increase education and training supply and improve workforce skills.
The commercial tyre technicians are trained against very strict criteria based on the relevant National Occupational Standards and the training is reviewed at the quarterly steering group meetings and amended to incorporate new legislation, standards and equipment best practice
Each technician is individually assessed and, if deemed competent, an application is made for a Licence. If not deemed competent, technicians are referred for additional training and reassessment.
Speaking about the success of the scheme at Automechanika Birmingham 2017, NTDA Chief Executive Stefan Hay said: “The most important factor in all of this, is that since launching the scheme in 2011, there have been no reported deaths of REACT trained and licensed commercial tyre technicians working at the roadside. For the steering group that is the ultimate measure of success and consequently REACT has now become the de facto Licence to Work Safely at the Roadside for tyre professionals and we are now well on the way to 5000 licences!”
For more information on the scheme contact Donal Dempsey, CEO, ITIA on 087 8318503.