Further to our previous news item regarding the major change to High Speed TM operative assessment which effectively removes the difference between a 12A and 12B TM Operative please find below updated due to Lantra Awards confirming that 12B cards will no longer be issued.

All operatives will be 12AB as the requirement to assess Units 5 and 6 (Studs and Cylinders) of the logbook have been removed.  The reasons for this, according to the Sector Scheme Committee, are that the amount of "Halifax" cats eyes on the network is reducing and therefore making it difficult to find assessment opportunities and where contra-flow schemes are installed it is more common now for temporary barrier to be placed instead of using cylinders.

All operatives undergoing assessment at present will be assessed on Tower Lights (Unit 7.1) as part of their qualification and will be awarded 12AB operative status. 

Existing 12B operatives will need to upgrade to 12AB by being assessed on 1 occasion on Tower Lights.  This can be done during the life of the card (the upgraded card will be chargeable) or they can wait until their card is due for renewal and take the assessment on tower lights around the same time as the refresher course and have the 12AB status added within the renewal cost.

For those operatives renewing their cards prior to the expiry date we will be able to combine the Tower Light assessment and Refresher Course during a one day event.  Those who have let their cards expire will need to attend the full one day operative training day as well as a separate assessment event for the tower lights. 

The type of works that an operative can work on will be dictated by the level of supervision on site with LTMO's only being able to supervise "relaxation" schmes, a qualfied Foreman will be required to supervise "standard" schemes. 

If you have any queries regarding these changes please contact us on 01934 750066.

Posted on 22 Sep 2009