Our grumpy old man is being really rather positive this month. What has inspired this unusual turn of temperament? Well, when in February he called for someone to produce figures to justify the retention of Part P, someone did just that!
Back in February’s edition I went on a bit about the consultation process surrounding Part P of the Building Regulations. To recap, I expressed that I was unconvinced the new consultation would lead to anything other than a possible slackening of works that must be notified and more confusion in the industry.
I think I made it clear I am a supporter of Part P, but also called for greater justification and hence awareness of its affects and indeed, of the provision itself among the general public. I also invited readers to comment and I’m delighted to say that not only did I get a response, but it came from the Director General of the Electrical Safety Council (ESC), Phil Buckle.
I should say at this point I have a great deal of time for the ESC. The charity’s commitment is to reducing deaths and accidents from electricity is laudable. However, what I like most about the ESC is that it tries to get things done. The organisation is fully behind the retention of Part P and has petitioned for that to happen. A recent report by the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee has recommended Part P be retained.
I had called for evidence that Part P works. So, the other thing Phil Buckle kindly provided was a succinct and revealing breakdown of Part P’s achievements since its introduction. I reproduce the ESC’s document below because I hope, like me, readers will find it interesting and an endorsement that the industry is benefitting as well as its customers.
Part P achievements
Part P is the only legal framework in England which protects the consumer from unsafe electrical work in the home.
This is important because every week in the UK, one person dies from an electrical accident and well over a quarter of a million (350,000) are seriously injured every year. (Data source Ipsos MORI’s Capibus 6 May – 27 May 2011).
Government figures also show almost half of all fires in UK homes – more than 20,000 each year – are caused by electricity. (Data source: CLG fire stats 2010/11).
According to government figures Part P has contributed to a 17.5% reduction in fires attributed to mains wiring faults (Data source CLG 2004-2007);
The benefits of Part P range from householder protection and consumer care, to improved contractor skills and the sustainability of buildings.
Under Part P, 20,000 more electrical contractors are having their competence assessed and samples of their work checked regularly. (Data source: CLG Competent Persons Scheme Statistical Information).
It has helped reduce the number of unregulated persons undertaking electrical work. Today, there are over 38,000 Part P contractors (Data source: CLG Competent Persons Scheme Statistical Information).
Many more individuals carrying out electrical installation work in dwellings have undertaken electrical training than was previously the case; It makes it easier for householders to identify competent electrical contractors.
Part P has a heritage factor – it helps ensure not only the current residents but also those who will live in that home in future can be protected from fire and electric shock.
Part P contractors offer some kind of warranty on their work, which means consumers also have some financial protection.
The ESC conducted a survey of registered contractors found that 85% of electricians supported Part P – but with some improvements. A similar survey of MPs revealed 79% agreed all electricians carrying out work in domestic premises should be registered with a government-approved competent person scheme.
The ESC’s submission to government has included the suggestion that homeowners should be able to use a Part P registered contractor as an alternative to inspection by a building control body. This should reduce consumer costs and ensure homeowner’s safety.
If you are in agreement with the principle of retaining Part P but with simplified inspection, why not register with the ESC e-petition to raise awareness of, and strengthen the case for, the retention of Part P. It can be found at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20652.
John Houston can be contacted on 01797 364366 or by e-mail at [email protected]
