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Incident Support Unit Manual
October 2008
Following last month's article on ISU training, the Bulletin looks into an innovative training development from Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services. They have developed a manual for all their incident support unit (ISU) operatives to inform them about key network information, i.e. hazardous material labels, emergency traffic management etc. This is being used on all their contracts and joint ventures where ISUs are deployed.
The manual covers a variety of areas and Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services has donated a copy to the TIM team.
Where did the initiative come from?
The initiative was a direct response by Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services to the Highways Agency's increased expectation of the role of the ISU and also the requirements of the following:
- Joint Operations Procedures (JOP)
- Standard Incident Management Framework (SIMF)
- Standard Incident Management Guidance (SIMG)
With this arising, Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services reviewed their working practices and procedures and decided that ISU operatives required a manual to bring together good practice and procedures but also give advice, guidance and instruction. This was seen as a key step towards harmonising service provider training and working practices with those in the Traffic Officer Service.
The purpose of the ISU manual is not to replace method statements or toolbox talks; instead it seeks to enhance them. It is also planned that the manual will be used as supporting material for staff within Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services currently working towards their licence to practice (LTP) and NVQ.
For further information on ISU training, please follow the link.
What does the manual contain?
The manual contains 21 sections which covers a wide range of different elements to incident management. Please follow the link to see an overview of the manual's content.
Perceptions
Alan Prime, Area 2 ISU manager has commented on the manual and its benefits to service provider operations.
"This manual is long overdue. It will show both consistency and transparency to our working practices and set the standard for us moving forward."
Ray Lane, Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services ISU development manager, added:
"The manual is the end product of 12 months hard work. In identifying and delivering such an initiative it demonstrates our (Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services) and our joint venture partners desire to deliver top quality service to our clients and the travelling public."
Summary
The official launch of the manual to Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services staff will be on the 3rd November 2008, its first review will take place in March 2009 and it will then be reviewed on an annual basis. Prior to the launch of the manual all on road staff and Area Performance teams have been briefed on the content and implications of the manual.
This manual is a key step to improving competence and generating a consistent and effective service across the network. This will all contribute to the Highways Agency's objective of meeting its 'Customer Promise' aspirations.
Does your organisation have something similar? Are you looking to develop a manual? Or would you like further information about this? If so, please email TIMBulletin@highways.gsi.gov.uk
