The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and NICEIC have welcomed government plans to reduce the number of notifiable works, saying it will cut some of the red tape faced by industry.
Both also say that the launch of the Electrical Safety Register (www.electricalsafetyregister.com) in November fits well with the government’s plans to work with external partners to promote the use of certified electricians.
The government has declared Part P to be a success and has announced plans to streamline and improve electrical safety. It signalled its intention to focus notification requirements on higher risk jobs, such as the installation of new circuits. This reflects the recommendation of the joint submission made by the ECA and NICEIC in its response to the consultation on Building Regulations in early 2012.
Steve Bratt, ECA Group CEO, said: “While we await full details, we are delighted that the government has listened to industry. A tighter focus on notification requirements will maintain safety, while reducing the burden placed on electrical contractors. This is exactly what we need to ensure the Regulations protect the public, while ensuring our sector can still benefit from vital work opportunities.”
Emma Clancy, NICEIC CEO said: “The government’s intention to work with external partners to promote the use of qualified electricians is an important step forward. The newly launched Electrical Safety Register is perfectly placed to communicate to the general public not only why certification is important, but where they can find a certified electrician. We are delighted that government is in sync with the electrical industry about the best way of ensuring safety.”
The government has also announced plans to bring forward regulations that will allow third parties, other than Building Control, to certify work carried out by DIYers.
Bratt continued: “There is no uniform cost for certification by local authority building control, so this could create a potential new workstream for electricians where local authority costs are high. Time will tell whether this policy will prove successful, but we hope contractors will be able to reap the benefits.”
In February 2012, Steve Bratt and Emma Clancy were among a panel of electrical contracting industry figures called in front of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee to discuss electrical safety as part of the Building Regulations and the Government’s then ongoing review of the Building Regulations.
