FORS and Crossrail Kits: What is the difference?

Published on: 9th November 2017

Are you prepared to go from a novice to an expert on FORS and Crossrail schemes?

I did.

Well maybe I’m not quite an expert but it’s quite simple and here is what you need to know.

WHERE HAS CROSSRAIL & FORS COME FROM?

As you know Crossrail, a new railway being built in London, has strict mandatory requirements to enter their sites.  These requirements are part of a nationwide vision to improve road safety.

Crossrail led to the formation of The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), as there were 3 different agencies governing commercial vehicles, but no one single scheme helping operators comply to the legal standard and beyond.

Safety and efficiency are two primary concerns of any commercial vehicle operator, whether it be a fleet of HGV’s or plant or access machinery.  The scheme was designed to target these concerns plus more by training operators to measure, monitor and improve performance.

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?

Not really.  Crossrail have worked closely with the TfL to ensure all contractors working on the sites achieve bronze or silver FORS membership.

The point is that FORS has made it possible for any operator across the country to comply with one standard, which Crossrail has mandatory for their sites.  The scheme has been making London’s roads safer, cleaner and less congested, but it has quickly become best practice.

So much weight has been placed on the FORS standard, most construction sites,not just Crossrail sites, in London will not let you enter unless you are FORS accredited.

SO WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

Different levels of FORS memberships are available – bronze, silver and gold – and as the names suggest, each level is higher than the last.  These memberships require audits and levels of compliance that go above and beyond the legal requirements making your company, employees and other road users extra safe.

The FORS Standard outlines the progressions between these levels and how you can achieve them.

THE FUTURE

It’s important to note that even though the Crossrail project completes the Elizabeth line in 2019, this standard is most likely to be pattern for future projects such as HS2.

So, if your planning for the future, it’s a good idea to become a member soon, as the FORS standard is spreading fast over the country!

Need more help?  Read our guide to anti plant hire theft!