Why you should hire from CHPA members

The plant hire industry fulfils an essential role for contractors and municipalities that need a short-term hire solution for a specific project phase, or a longer-term off-balance-sheet rental option. IMIESA speaks to Clive Wicks, CEO, Contractors Plant Hire Association (CPHA), about how the CPHA sets the standard.

The fact that the CPHA was formed in 1970 and is still in existence today is testimony to its role and value in promoting an ethical plant hire industry. All members adhere to strict protocols that include mandatory machine operator certification in accordance with South African legislation for the construction and mining sectors.

To ensure compliance, the CPHA is currently developing a database of licensed machine operators. In the past, certified courses were listed under the South Africa Qualifications Authority, but will be registered by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations in future. The CPHA is monitoring the transition.

On the training front, the CPHA has now been recognised by the Engineering Council of South Africa as a Voluntary Association and invited to become a Continuous Professional Development programme licensing authority.

Currently, machine classes, like cranes and earthmoving, require a baseline qualification, but nothing further. The CPHA’s goal is to introduce more advanced levels of certification. Other plans include future proposals to the Construction Education and Training Authority for possible operator training funding and subsidies.