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Obsolete TSCO blue cards
As from 1st April 2009 the old blue TSCO cards become obsolete, there has been a lot of concern in the industry that work on the roads will grind to a halt because they won’t have enough qualified TSCOs. Note: Although the blue cards are obsolete they have not been withdrawn.
This is not going to happen due to the following reason:
The requirement for a TSCO (2009) qualification cannot be applied retrospectively, in other words Contracts that were out to tender before the current requirements detailed in the Specification for Highways Works were issued under the old requirements and therefore the old card is still valid for such contracts unless an amendment to the contract has been issued. Note: the Overseeing Organisation i.e. Highways Agency, if they wish, has right to apply the additional requirements and request TSCO’s hold the black card.
Only contracts that were put out to tender after the Specification to Highways Works revisions were made (November 2008) will require TSCOs qualified to the new level.
As you are aware the specification for the blue card was the successful completion of the foremans course. The additional requirements extend the knowledge base to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the needs to operate as a TSCO
If a company calls with concerns because they have work in progress with TSCOs who hold an old card then please ask them to check their Contract Specification and/or the Overseeing Organisation.
For more information on the TSCO course please go to:
http://www.lantra-awards.co.uk/sectorschemes/cp_ss_ts.aspx