National Highways Sector Schemes 17/17B (NHSS 17/17B)
This new sector scheme has been set by the Highways Agency as the criteria for its rescue and recovery suppliers, who will assist in keeping Britains major trunk routes and contra-flows clear, as they take over more responsibility for them. This is a move away from "Police Schemes" in certain parts of the country as we would have known them.
NHSS 17/17B, like any of the Sector Schemes from the Highways Agency, gives specific requirements to clauses of ISO 9001 and defines exactly what equipment is to be carried on vehicles. Also, NHSS 17/17B has defined training needs laid out in a modular style for technicians working at the roadside with particular emphasis on safety.
IVR (UK) Ltd. is the Regulator for the Rescue and Recovery Industry National Training and Accreditation Scheme, under the direction of the National Highways Sector Scheme Training subcommittee - NHSS17. The Regulator's role is to administer and further develop and implement a national policy for the Training and Certification of Recovery Operators and Technicians working on Britain's road network.
National Highways Sector Schemes are bespoke integrated management schemes within an ISO 9001:2008 framework. They have been developed in partnership with all sides of the highways industry to interpret the international quality management standard as it applies to a particular activity or industry within the United Kingdom. They are designed to:
Provide an industry benchmark
Ensure that all processes are planned
Provide a basis for continuous improvement
Focus on quality as an objective
Reduce overall costs for the client and supplier
Provide and maintain a properly trained and competent workforce
Involve all sides of the industry in scheme ownership within a partnership framework
Ensure that Certification Bodies use auditors with technical knowledge and experience of the sector concerned
Promote confidence in quality management systems by provision of a robust, transparent system