27.03.2012
Bernard James 1934 - 2012
We have just received the sad news that Bernard James, a well-known and widely respected safety inspector in the UK and a strong supporter of the powered access industry passed away this weekend following a short illness.
Bernard G. James was for many years HM senior engineering inspector of factories in the UK and also became responsible as a senior inspector for lifts (elevators). As such he was charged with taking the fledgling aerial lift industry in the UK ‘under his wing’. He became closely involved with the IWPA and then IPAF, and thanks to his co-operation and support IPAF gained a strong voice and influence to help shape regulations and standards.
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Bernard James
He also represented the UK Health & Safety Executive on British Standards committees for aerial lifts over many years.
Born in Cardiff, South Wales, he was a keen rugby enthusiast, a very approachable person, always ready to provide support and help to those who were looking to improve safety. He quickly recognised the part that powered access equipment could play towards that aim and was always a strong supporter. After he retired he became a director of British based notified body PAC.
In his late 70s he leaves behind a wife Yvonne and son David, his funeral will be held on April 3rd at 12:00 at Llandican Crematorium, Arrowe park Road, Birkenhead CH49 5LW.
Unfortunately the information we currently have is sparse, so we will update this article as we receive more information.
The comments of Mike and Paul are exactly spot on to my own reminiscences of both work and sporting dealings with Bernard .
I fondly remember his ritual of a 'swig' from a hip flask at a rugby international no matter what side scored. With regard to work dealings he was a true professional during the early powered access days with the ability to offer advice when required but also to seek an'opinion'when he was confronted with a situation that someone may have already met.
Paul Richards
Bernard will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of working with him, and enjoying his company at both business and sporting events.
As Mike has mentioned, in our industry's formative years he was instrumental in finding a workable route through the maze of H&SE guidelines on behalf of manufacturers and rental companies alike. It is partly as a result of Bernard's genuine interest and belief in its inherent safety that our industry has achieved all that it has in that time.
Bernard James was a true gent, he was very helpful
to everyone he met and was more than happy to share his experience with fledgling powered access hire companies
He helped the early pioneers in the UK powered access rental industry to fully understand their responsibilities and guided us towards a sensible code of operating practice
Those benefits are still evidenced today
I am privileged to have been a friend of Bernard and his family for many years
We shared some memorable times together during and after his time with HSE
He would have loved to have enjoyed Wales win yet another Grand Slam this year
My best wishes and thoughts go Yvonne and David
God Bless
Mike & Val Evans