Generic gate instruction GPI mandatory on large construction sites April 1

From April 1, 2019, the Generic Gate Instruction (GPI) will be mandatory for access at all larger construction sites and maintenance contracts in the Netherlands. Builders and installers, members of the Governance Code Safety in Construction, require the GPI as of that date for all of their own employees, subcontractors, suppliers, as well as representatives of clients and engineering firms, performing work on their construction sites. The GPI replaces all general safety instructions that are now given separately everywhere. To gain access to construction sites for work, one must follow the new GPI and have passed the test.

One uniform gate instruction for all construction sites eliminates confusion, increases awareness around safe working practices and saves time. Easy to follow via the website www.gpi.nu.

"Uniformity contributes to more effective security policies, increases recognition and strengthens the security culture."

In late 2017, the initiative for the GPI was started by the Construction Safety Governance Code (GCVidB). This focuses on increasing and encouraging safety and safe behavior in construction.

"We all want everyone to come home healthy and safe after work."

What will change?

As of April 1, 2019, all employees performing work on a construction site must be able to demonstrate that they have passed the GPI test in order to gain access to the construction site. This includes employees of main contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, transporters, hired workers to representatives of clients and engineering firms. Even if one already holds a (VOL) SCC certificate or Digital Safety Passport (DVP), one must obtain the GPI. Those visiting alone (always accompanied) do not need to take the GPI. They should follow their supervisor's safety instructions and are advised to watch the visitor safety instruction and film in advance. This is available at www.gpi.nu.

How do you follow the GPI?

The GPI requires taking a teaching module and test on the website www.gpi.nu. This takes about 25 minutes. Depending on the work and construction site one visits first or most, a module is chosen. The point is to achieve "a" GPI.

About the GPI?

The GPI has three different modules: Infra, Construction & Utility and Installation. The modules can be taken in six languages and the test can be taken in 17 languages. When the GPI is taken and the test passed, one receives a certificate. This is valid for one year. Employees can use the certificate on all construction sites of Governance Code member companies and thus do not have to repeat the general safety instruction on every project. Additional site-specific information will still be provided locally on construction sites as needed.

"Already taken more than 80,000 GPIs."

Leading by example with all parties in the construction chain

Signatories to the Governance Code include the construction and installation companies Ballast Nedam, BAM, Dura Vermeer, Heijmans, Strukton, TBI, Van den Herik, VolkerWessels, Unica and all the operating companies that fall under them. In addition, ProRail, Rijksvastgoedbedrijf and Rijkswaterstaat have also signed the Code, as well as acta Safety Professionals, AKD, KIVI and Witteveen+Bos. These organizations are joining forces to raise safety in the construction chain to a higher level. The goal is to significantly reduce risky situations and reduce the number of (fatal) accidents to zero.