Special Interest Groups

The Rail Plant Association (RPA) is a limited liability company and was launched 1999. The main purpose of the RPA is to look after the interests of its members who hire specialist plant and equipment for use on the railway infrastructure.

The BCPG was formerly a small independent trade association called the British Concrete Pumping Association. This amalgamated with the CPA and thereafter became a Special Interest Group within the CPA. A steering committee was formed, representing hirers, manufacturers and other interested parties such as the HSE. This committee meets quarterly to discuss issues affecting the industry and to raise standards within the sector.

The BRSIG have not met for some time due to a lack of issues requiring attention by the group. Road sweeper hirers are however looking to revive the group in 2024. To register an interest or for more information on this group, please contact Rob Squires at rob@cpa.uk.net

Construction Hoists form a key part of many construction projects throughout the UK. These vary from Scaffold Hoists and Goods Only Platform Hoists through to Passenger/Goods Hoists and Transport Platforms. They aid in the movement of materials on site, helping to reduce and alleviate the risks associated with manual handling, lifting operations and vehicle movement. As with all machinery however, in order to provide a safe working, they must comply with the requirements of the law.

The Crane Interest Group was the original interest group and the largest of all the SIGs, commanding respect both in the UK and in Europe. Members of CIG were heavily involved in the writing of the British Standard 7121 series – Safe Use of Cranes and have also been continually involved in all of the many revisions which have subsequently taken place.

STIG was formed in 2000 to provide a voice for the shoring plant hire industry, promote best practice, technical advancement and provide advice on specific safety and technical matters to the industry at large. The UK Shoring Plant Hire Industry is estimated to be worth over £100M per year and at any one Time, it is estimated that over 10,000 excavations are being accessed with a large percentage (typically shallower utility or house builder type work) un-shored. The Group meet 3 to 4 times per year and have produced numerous safety / technical / best practice documents and developed strong relationships with the HSE, CITB, TWF SFC, UKCG, BSI and academia.

This interest group was formed in February 2016 as suction/vacuum excavators have become prolific items of plant in recent years and particularly suited to carry out excavations around buried services and other sensitive areas where a hand dig-only requirement exists. Hirers and contractors have invested in these specialised machines but as with all plant, requires a trained and competent operator to safely and effectively carry out the work, and for an effective safety management system to be in place.

The Tower Crane Interest Group (TCIG) is a well-established group, formed in April 2003. The group is made up of tower crane owners, tower crane manufacturers, major contractors, training organisations and representatives from HS

A range of publications has been produced by the Crane Interest Group or from other sources to aid safe working practices for the sector and are available to download free of charge.

The CPA’s policy and lobbying work covers a wide range of areas and issues which impact both on the day-to-day operations of our members, as well as policies with a longer-term impact. From submissions to government consultations, highlighting ongoing issues in the sector, to membership of working groups, and advocacy for our members, find out more about the CPA’s policy work and how to get involved.