Latest NTET News
Open Forum at GDSF
Once again there will be an Open Forum in the NTET marquee at the Great Dorset Steam Fair on Friday 3rd September 2010 at 6.30 pm.
Vehicle Registration Certificate Becomes More Secure
A new, more secure V5C Vehicle Registration Certificate will be introduced from 15 August 2010.
The Trust’s Review
The review group has been preparing questionnaires to collect information about the work of the Trust and seek opinions on the Trust's activities.
New Powers to Tackle Dangerous Vehicles
A press release from the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) - Increased powers to crack down on dangerous trucks and coaches.
Breakdown and Recovery Scheme
The Trust is receiving increasing numbers of enquiries from owners of models and miniatures asking if their flat bed lorry can be included in the breakdown and recovery scheme. The simple answer, if you are a member of the Trust, is yes. Application forms can be found on the website.
There will be a full update of information about the scheme which will be published on the new, much improved website.
General Council Meeting 13th June 2010
Fifteen members attended.
Treasurer's Report
The Treasurer circulated the Summary of Budget and Actual Income Sheet for the year ending 31st March 2010 and explained the figures in detail. After much discussion the report was unanimously accepted by the committee. The Chairman commented that the report justified raising the subscription to £30.
Correspondence
- A question had been raised about the need to inform DVLA about converting a roller to a tractor. Enquiries reveal this is not necessary.
- A letter has been received from the Steam Car Club of Great Britain asking why they were still not being accepted as an Affiliated Group together with a number of accusations. The Secretary is to send a letter pointing out the SCCGB has not read the documentation correctly and that their accusations are false.
DVLA
The NTET's 15 page Submission to the DVLA in Support of the Retention of Category B Licence Exemptions as Applied to Historic Road Going Steam Propelled Vehicles was presented and discussed. DVLA do not have to formally reply until January 2011 although an earlier response will be sought.
Review Panel
The aims of the Review Panel were explained and it was explained that progress so far had been slow. Focus groups representing different aspects of our hobby have been formed. A questionnaire is being prepared for all members which will be distributed with the next issue of Steaming.
Heritage Grants
The NTET will provide funding up to £500 from a £2,000 fund to promote individuals or groups of individuals to learn more about the various disciplines associated with road steam by contributing towards the costs of attending courses and other ways of furthering their knowledge. Applicants do not have to be members of the NTET. The scheme was discussed and approved. It will be operated by a group of five and advertisements will be placed in appropriate magazines.
It was also suggested that places on the NTET Driving Course be awarded to non-engine owning members of the SAC. This matter is to be investigated further.
2014 Road Run
Discussion of various venues and types of run were discussed.
Engine Owners
It was reported the Association of Independent Boiler Inspectors spring meeting had been successful. To assist their administration costs, it was agreed to offer match funding of up £1,000
TSU
A long discussion followed further information about an engine which a boiler inspector has described as 'unsafe' but continues to be in service. Further information is being sought from the engine owner and if no satisfactory response is given then the insurance disc will be withdrawn, the insurers informed and authorised events notified of the actions taken.
Website
The revamped website is expected to be up and running in about a month.
NTET DVLA Submission
The submission to the DVLA in Support of the Retention of Category B Licence Exemptions as applied to historic road going steam propelled vehicles.
Conviction of Boiler Inspector
The Trust is saddened to learn of the conviction of Tony Reen for serious breaches of health and safety obligations following a successful prosecution brought by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR). This news is carried on the ORR's news page (http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.10096) and on Old Glory's news page (http://www.oldglory.co.uk/news/competent-person-failed-to-properly-inspect-loco-boiler)
The NTET has always held that competent persons acting in the role of boiler inspector are an extremely important backstop that helps in safeguarding the longevity of our hobby. When the process of inspections is seen to fail, as it appears to have done in this case, a number of questions are inevitably raised about the ethics, conduct and integrity of the boiler inspections community, particularly the so called independent boiler inspectors.
It is to their credit that the independent boiler inspectors have recently joined together to form The Association of Independent Boiler Inspectors to address these same issues. The Trust has been encouraged by their endeavours thus far. However, it is one thing to have standards and procedures but it quite another to ensure that they are adhered to. Let us sincerely hope that this fledgling organisation will have the courage and conviction to deal with these issues as they arise, for all our sakes.
In the past the Trust has been heavily criticised by engine owners and non-owners for attempting to put in place standards and controls for boiler inspections carried out on traction engines and the like. These processes were designed to assist inspectors and owners alike meet the spirit of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR 2000). This was felt to be necessary by the Trust particularly as the hobby is held to operate mainly outside of the requirements of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 and consequently there was no other body that could legitimately police our hobby. Since the conclusion of this court case however, it has come to light that this 'freedom to adopt the spirit of PSSR 2000 rather than have it enforced' may be dissolving as the HSE is now thought to be reviewing its stance on 'hobby steam' in whatever guise it appears.
Safety Training for Rally Organisers
A number of safety seminars for rally organisers have been held at venues up and down the country. Unfortunately the venues have not been convenient for all those who would like to attend especially for people living in Scotland, Cornwall, Northumberland, Kent, etc
The subjects covered usually include:
- Defining Hazard and Risk
- Risk Assessments
- Control Measures
- Identification of Hazards
- Manual Handling
- Noise
- Safe Access
- Transport Safety
- Organisation, Planning and Implementing
- Health and Safety Plan
The cost of a full day's seminar including refreshments and a light lunch usually costs around £20 - £25.
A safety seminar can be organised in your area but there will need to be a minimum of 25 delegates. The seminar can be organised and planned with your particular needs in mind.
If you would like a safety seminar in your area and can guarantee at least 25 participants please contact Tim Holt (Chairman of the Rally Organisers Section) at rallychair@ntet.co.uk
As a charity, we are always pleased to assist programme makers and feature writers as we benefit from gaining publicity for our work. Where possible, the NTET will try to facilitate requests for the production of specialist TV and radio programmes, interviews and photo shoots.
In particular we would welcome enquiries relating to documentaries, dramas, lifestyle and news features as well as technical, historic and human interest features.
Email your proposal or request giving as much notice as possible to public.relations@ntet.co.uk.
Programme Makers and Feature Writers
As a charity, we are always pleased to assist programme makers and feature writers as we benefit from gaining publicity for our work. Where possible, the NTET will try to facilitate requests for the production of specialist TV and radio programmes, interviews and photo shoots.
In particular we would welcome enquiries relating to documentaries, dramas, lifestyle and news features as well as technical, historic and human interest features.
Email your proposal or request giving as much notice as possible to public.relations@ntet.co.uk.
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