Cool-Therm Ltd, the expanding air conditioning specialist, is updating the health and safety knowledge of its staff as part of a company-wide training initiative. Installation engineers, service and support staff recently attended a core occupational health and safety skills refresher at a company away-day.

The aim was to ensure employees are fully up-to-speed with the latest legislation, in relation to managing risks in the work place generally and specific issues encountered during installing and servicing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment.

The training was based on the nationally recognised IOSH Working Safely programme, to ensure Cool-Therm maintains the high standards of working practice required under its accreditation to BS OHSAS 18001.

Alex Strong, technical director, said: “Our sector is unusual with regard to health and safety, in terms of the range of issues and potential risks involved. On a daily basis we deal with pressurised systems and environmentally harmful substances, often in an enclosed environment, and with the added risks of brazing equipment and electrical power.

“Our H&S record is very good as a company, and our people take their responsibilities in this area extremely seriously. However, legislation and standards are changing all the time and it is vital to keep H&S front of mind.

“The training programme provides an excellent update and refresher, and ensures everyone is operating to the same high standard across the business.”

BS OHSAS 18001 sets out the requirements for occupational health and safety management best practice. It provides a framework enabling companies to put in place the policies and procedures needed to achieve the best possible working conditions, conforming with internationally recognised best practice.