Dispelling Myths:
EMSS is a touch screen test with no learning?
Rumour mongering or Chinese whispers? We are not sure where this came from but nothing could be further from the truth. EMSS is purely an umbrella scheme that recognises only the best safety passport training.
EMSS accept CSCS
EMSS will only ever accept training that includes a taught element delivered to a high standard. The CSCS touch screen test has no learning element and the sites we are in constant consultation with don't think that this fulfils their legal requirement to deliver essential health and safety training.
EMSS is another money making scheme
EMSS has been set up as a 'not for profit' social enterprise and the industry has a direct influence on what happens with the scheme and any subsequent revenue that is generated. There are no paid directors and a small team of administrators. With money making off the agenda EMSS is free to pursue its goal of raising health and safety standards across all industries.
EMSS is just another passport scheme
No it isn't. The scheme was developed initially because the existing providers would not recognise each other's training which gave rise to workers having multiple cards and duplicated expense. EMSS eradicates this and will save millions for the benefit of the industry.
We need a photo on our card
No you don't; a safety passport should never be treated as a form of ID. This also encourages the client to check the users' on-line profile for further competency and NOT take it for granted that someone is safe to work just because they hold a valid safety passport.
What will happen to any money that EMSS generates?
In the first instance it will be used to enhance the system and add further functionality that has been requested by the clients/major contractors to make their job easier and more efficient. Following on from that it is envisaged that funds will be used to sponsor apprentices into the industries that support the scheme.
What happens if the client doesn't accept EMSS?
In the unlikely event that they do not accept the EMSS card, point them to the website http://www.emssonline.org/emss_information.html. With the support we have received from The HSE and The British Safety Council there is no genuine reason why a site would not accept EMSS as a valid endorsement of an individual's safety and competency once they have all the information.
How do I know if my passport/training is acceptable to register on EMSS?
EMSS has compared the safety passport schemes against HSE Guidance INDG381 and EMSS only accept schemes that meet the criteria; visit the website www.emssonline.org and click on the link 'passport schemes' at the top of the page.
Who are EMSS to decide what schemes are acceptable?
EMSS has been developed 'by the industry, for the industry' with countless decades of experience from clients, contractors and industry bodies as well as world class expertise in health and safety. With words of support from the likes of The HSE and The British Safety Council and no money making agenda EMSS is in the perfect position to regulate the standards the industry demands.
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