Construction Plant-hire Association

The UK plant hire industry is the best established and most professional in the world, and is worth over £4 billion to the UK economy. The Construction Plant-hire Association (CPA) is the leading trade association for this sector in the UK and CPA Members supply 85% of hired plant to the construction industry.

Established for 75 years, the CPA has over 1,600 members, with premises in the City of London, and a permanent staff of experienced employees. The Association is governed by a Council of Members, who represent of plant-hire companies of all types and sizes throughout the country.

A point of contact with construction plant

CPA is the UK’s principal point of contact for all issues relating to use of construction plant.

CPA works with government departments and agencies, local authorities, construction clients, private companies, other trade associations, and third-sector organisations.

Through its extensive contacts, and with access to a range of industry experts and experience, CPA can help with resolution of issues including

• Employee health and safety
• Machinery standards and emissions control
• Public safety and road transport
• Skills and employment.

CPA publishes a wide range of guidance documents and other useful material. These are distributed widely throughout the construction industry and many are available for immediate free download from the CPA website.

Health and safety

CPA places a great importance on employee health and safety, and meets regularly with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on both policy and implementation matters. HSE specialists are an integral part of the work of all CPA’s Special Interest Groups.

Legal and Technical

CPA staff are able to provide advice and guidance on a range of technical and legal matters relating to the plant sector.

Training and skills

CPA works closely with CITB, the Construction Industry Training Board, and other awarding bodies in construction. CPA has been instrumental in the development of National Occupational Standards, training schemes and competence testing through the Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS).

CPA organises the annual Stars of the Future award scheme to recognise and reward outstanding trainees in the sector.

Special Interest Groups

To provide focus points within its diverse membership, CPA supports a number of Special Interest Groups, which tackle issues within specialist sectors. These include:

• TCIG – Tower Crane Interest Group
• CIG   – Crane interest Group – for mobile and crawler cranes
• CHIG – Construction Hoist Interest Group
• RSIG – Road Sweepers Interest Group
• BCPG – British Concrete Pumping Group
• STIG – Shoring Technology Interest Group
• SAVE – Suction and Vacuum Excavator Interest Group

These groups frame standards and practices relevant to that sector. They are also contact points for external organisations who need access to a concentrated pool of industry expertise.

CPA Special Interest Groups have provided the core expertise behind British and European Standards including:

• BS7121 – Safe Use of Cranes series
• BS7212 – Safe Use of Construction Hoists
• BS EN 13000 – Mobile Cranes
• BS EN 14439 – Tower Cranes
• BS EN 280 – Mobile Elevating Work Platforms
• BS EN 12158 – Construction Hoists

The Rail Plant Association is part of CPA, focusing on the special needs of companies hiring equipment for railway maintenance.

Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group

CPA leads the Strategic Forum Plant Safety Group,whichdraws together expertise from all parts of the construction industry to bring about a continuous reduction in injuries and ill-health caused through the operation of construction plant.

Publications and projects for this group include

• Tower crane safety
• Use of quick-hitches
• Trapping and crushing in MEWPs
• Safe use of Telehandlers
• Medical Fitness for plant operations
• Competence for plant operations
• Reducing Unintended Movement of Plant
• Lifting Operations With Excavators
• Safe use of dumpers (2018)

Working in UK construction

CPA maintains close links with other bodies in the construction and allied industries, and more widely with utilities and public services organisations. Issues and solutions are shared through regular liaison and meetings with trade bodies and employees’ organisations in construction.

What CPA does for its Members

CPA is committed to providing Members with first class support services to help them run their business.

The CPA Model Conditions for plant hire agreements are fair to both hire company and customer: they clarify each party’s responsibilities, and are well respected within the industry.

Members have access to comprehensive advice on business problems, as well as links to insurance, financial and other support services. All Members are kept up to date with email alerts, and through the quarterly CPA Bulletin.

Address: Construction Plant Hire Association, 27/28 Newbury Street, Barbican, London, EC1A 7HU, UK

Telephone: +44 (0) 2077 963366

Email: enquiries@cpa.uk.net