Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. (RSS) has named Bob McFarlane engineering and compliance manager.

McFarlane will be based at the lifting and rigging products and training company’s Netherton depot, near Dudley, but he will focus on national delivery of on-site engineering services. He will report to Paul Smith, depot manager, Midlands at RSS.

RSS offers a comprehensive portfolio of material handling products and training, in addition to live365 digitalisation and compliance technology. It supplies blocks, shackles, hooks, slings, harnesses, and other rigging gear — all covered by periodic Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) examinations — to some of the UK’s most notable large-scale infrastructure projects and blue chip firms.

McFarlane joins from Lloyds British, a nationwide provider of engineering testing and certification services. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, most notably leading national contracts covering critical infrastructure utilities in the UK. McFarlane’s role will be multifaceted, with a focus on the company’s live365 compliance programme, which combines digitalised examination services with comprehensive data analysis software to analyse safety trends. live365 centres on the importance of maintaining essential safety documentation (current and historical) along with any-time access.

Smith said: “Bob brings immediate credibility to the company. He has spent many years covering the hire and sale of lifting equipment, in addition to delivery of engineering services and technical heavy proof load testing. This is all upheld by an all-encompassing understanding of LOLER, PUWER [Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998] and COSHH [Control of Substances Hazardous to Health].”

Smith pointed to a groundswell of interest in compliance and traceability, underpinned by UK legislation. RSS is positioned to meet these requirements and integrate the live365 certification system seamlessly into local and national contracts. The technology will be backed by a team of engineers who will combine to cement the company’s position as a leading provider in the marketplace.

Steve Hutin, managing director at RSS, said: “I’ve known Bob for over three decades; when he became available, we had to act quickly to secure the recruitment, given his background and experience. We are at an exciting dawn of an era where digitalisation and compliance technology will transform the way lifting and rigging gear is supplied, used, inspected and serviced — and Bob’s addition will be of incalculable value as we look to pioneer these positive changes in our supply chains.”

McFarlane said: “With truly national coverage, supported by experienced managers and competent engineers and inspectors, the business’s testing, examination and compliance services are positioned for further growth. As digitalisation and compliance technology further shape our industry, we will continue to support this transformation from local depots close to the point of use — some of which are well established and others that will be opened over the coming months. I am extremely impressed with the way RSS has identified new products and placed innovation at the centre of ongoing expansion, in a marketplace where some companies have contracted in recent years.”

Smith added: “Regionally, we are starting to be recognised as the go-to supplier of a wide range of lifting, hydraulic, height safety and examination services. We have started the year confidently; adding two more staff to the region in January alone confirms our positive outlook for the year. Our training division will also be instrumental to growth; we deliver a vast range of courses from our Netherton facility.”

Caption: Bob McFarlane has joined Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd. as engineering and compliance manager.

Contact for editorial enquiries: Steve Hutin, managing director, Rope and Sling Specialists Ltd., steve@rssgroup.co.uk