Since 2002 AesiF has tried relentlessly to offer an independent body within the automatic access control industry, not simply directed at installers but also to gain support from suppliers and their manufacturers. In the early days support was found from BFT automation, the O.D.P.M, NAPIT and a few smaller suppliers, more recently Nice UK have offered their support by allowing the use of their training facilities and some development work and advice.
However eight years on and AesiF, a charitable run organisation has an abundance of knowledge including the development of our industry training and qualification programme. AesiF has never just sat on the sidelines, it has always worked for industry as an independent advisor to clients, as an adviser to installers, as an adviser to suppliers, and all question Directives and Standards. AesiF in some instances has been used as an independent arbitrator between clients and installer. AesiF has worked with the HSE many times, and has a good working relationship with these inspectors.
All of the above should be well known by anyone within our industry, and yet is that the case! I suspect not.
I would however of hoped for more support, in that for a charitable organisation who has posted out 2200 membership offer forms to installer, and received only a small number by return. I see the little or no interest to quite disappointing giving the circumstances.
Last week of course was a turn-around when a vast number of membership enquiries had been requested, the perception of AesiF and the industries need for independent qualification and regulation, was again front line news. It is sad to say that AESIF efforts had previously been ignored by the majority.
The loss of two young lives is tragic, however no more or less tragic than any previous incident.
AesiF has industry-detailed information.
AesiF has a prepared industry qualification
AesiF is available to offer support to members
AesiF is available to offer support to suppliers
AesiF is available to all
AesiF cannot function without support from installers and suppliers,
to the best of its ability and cannot offer 24/7 advice without support.
My heart goes out to the two families affected by this tragedy at this time, our words of deepest sympathy are sincere from the industry as a whole.