Roadside assistance was founded all the way back in 1905 with The Royal Automobile Club and the Automobile Association. You know them today as the RAC and AA, and Tower is proud to be the chosen PPE and uniform supplier for both. They were also joining Tower as fellow exhibitors at Tow Show this year, an event I was looking forward to attending. Here’s some of my key takeaways…
The roadside assistance and vehicle recovery industry has clearly changed a lot since 1905. But with one in six cars now electric, the industry is experiencing the biggest shift in decades. New diesel and petrol car sales continue to recline, and we’re seeing significant growth in mild hybrids, battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and full hybrid-electric vehicles.
As a safety expert, it’s reassuring that the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) have developed the initiative TechSafe. TechSafe is designed to encourage EV uptake and aid maintenance, safety, and duty of care with EVs. Their Level 2 award specifically covers EV and hybrid vehicle management for emergency and recovery personnel.
At this year’s Tow Show, I was able to offer visitors to our stand our full EV PPE Guide. You can read it here, as well as learn more about the PPE you might need when working on electric vehicles.
Recovery operators need PPE uniform that fulfils many requirements, including those relating to safety. But after an intense summer of repeated heatwaves, the conversation around how to stay comfortable AND safe in the summer was a ‘hot’ topic at the Tow Show.
Many recovery companies have patrol operatives in bespoke uniforms that meet a Class 3 standard, which means another layer of Hi Vis PPE on top. One solution was branded Hi Vis polos so operatives could wear one garment not two. Such products were also available made from recycled materials.
Winter had its own issues. British weather during this time is changeable to say the least, and patrols don’t have the option to re-dress during a 10-hour shift. But with a base layer beneath branded workwear, which can be covered with interactive Hi Vis PPE, they can be ready for any weather.
How do you keep your hands clean during a patrol shift? This question was asked by visitors to our stand. The HSE regulations state that employers have a duty to provide adequate welfare (washing facilities) for employees, so far as reasonably practical. A difficult task for recovery companies!
The solution I offered people was simple: An easy-to-use antimicrobial hand wash that can be dispensed and applied to remove mud and dirt by wiping it off the hands – no water necessary. This option was new to many people, who up to now had been spending the entire day working with dirty hands.
We deliver PPE uniform to thousands of recovery patrol home addresses. We also work with mobile mechanics who prefer that they collect their workwear and consumables from a fixed depot location. We offer both because we always structure our solutions around each customer.
The Tow Show gave me the opportunity to explain how we make it simple for customers. Whether the allocating of products, setting quotas, using our online platform, or filling in a paper form, we make it simple to procure PPE, workwear, uniform, safety equipment, and hygiene products.
Talk to the Tower team on 01202 718000 or fill out a contact form.
