MPQC introduces mp connect
Mineral Products Qualifications Council announces ‘one-card’ solution for drivers and contractors
THE Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC) has been working with the industry to bring new technology to the extractives sector that will revolutionize the way in which it operates and represent a huge step forward in making the sector a safer place of work.
‘mp connect’ is a state-of-the-art card system that will replace the variety of cards that drivers and contractors are required to carry with them and allow anyone employed within the extractives industry to carry a fully functioning record of their working achievements in the form of a single wallet-sized card – a true ‘one-card’ solution.
When the mp connect card is placed on a reader, it will display an individual’s record of training/current certifications and will also alert the site at which the reader is present if the person carrying the mp connect card has achieved the common industry and local requirements necessary to access the site safely.
In the event of the mp connect card holder not having the required level of certification, a warning will be displayed via the mp connect card reader and a text message will be sent to the site manager advising them of the issue, allowing it to be dealt with both efficiently and accordingly.
As well as the above functionality, the mp connect card will support the verification of driver licence details and facilitate the monitoring of driver/contractor hours.
An added feature that the mp connect card will boast is that any CPD, training courses or e-learning undertaken can be logged by the person holding the card. This can be done by accessing an individual’s training records via the log-in details provided when the card is issued.
MPQC says mp connect has already been successfully trialled within the industry across a total of 11 sites up and down the country. The sites that trialled the technology have, it says, embraced its capabilities and welcomed the ability to streamline and simplify daily site operations, as well as to ensure maximum safety precautions are adhered to by both the card holder and site staff.
Commenting on the trial, Stuart Birch, weighbridge operator with MQP, said he was ‘very impressed’ with the mp connect system. ‘It’s very quick and easy to use and recall all information required. It’s also very versatile with regards to information that can be added to it in the future.’
Darren Boulden, weighbridge operator with Aggregate Industries, remarked: ‘Trialling mp connect has improved site efficiency, it can quickly check that a driver meets industry/company standards in one swipe; previously this was a time-consuming exercise.
‘mp connect is an easy way to monitor driver site inductions as they move around the business. The system brings reassurance that strict measures have been taken to make sure anyone delivering on Aggregate Industry’s behalf meets the necessary health and safety standards.’
Andrew Malcolm, logistics supervisor with Day Aggregates, said: ‘The software was very user-friendly, slick and quick to use.
‘Whilst undertaking the trial, the site encountered two instances of driver requirements not being met. An SMS message and email were received, informing site management of the issue and allowing it to be dealt with effectively.
‘The essence of mp connect and being able to see all the driver skills information on one card is great. Being able to access this so quickly could save a lot of time and is a luxury that mp connect provides. As soon as the card was scanned near the machine, driver details appeared straight away, which was very impressive.’
The mp connect technology is due to be rolled out in phases across the industry, with the full roll-out programme estimated to be completed within 12–15 months.
For more information about mp connect, tel: (0115) 860 0132; or email: mpconnect@mp-qc.co.uk or visit: www.mp-qc.org/mpconnect/
