Sign installation and maintenance services

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Oct 21, 2005

Xmo Strata, which provides specialist sign installation and maintenance services, are developing flight-deck style checklists for its engineers and electricians.

A company which has already won widespread recognition for its dedication to health and safety has consulted professional pilots about how its safety procedures can be made even tighter.

Steve Martin, managing director of Xmo Strata, which provides specialist sign installation and maintenance services for companies across the UK, says that the aviation industry has a lot to teach other industries about how to manage and reduce risk.

The firm is developing flight-deck style checklists for its engineers and electricians.

They frequently work at height, using access equipment and cranes to move heavy items, and much of their work is done in "hazchem" environments, such as petrol filling stations, where special procedures have to be adhered to.

Senior Flying Instructor Fiona McWhinnie, of Cabair, one of the UK's leading flying schools, welcomed Mr Martin to the company's Biggin Hill centre, and talked him through the extensive checklists which pilots take for granted.

"I found the whole experience fascinating, and so much of what is routine in aviation could transfer to our business," said Mr Martin.

"Cabair is a very safety-conscious organisation, and Fiona immediately grasped what we are trying to do, and was very helpful".

"We were pleased to help," said Fiona.

"Safety is the single most important factor in any aspect of aviation, and if the systems which we use, to combat human fallibility and to help avoid technical problems, can also help save lives elsewhere, that can only be good".

Xmo Strata has won several customer awards for health and safety (from companies such as the BP Global Alliance), as well as the Excellence in Training and Development category of the Kent Business Awards.