PROPOSED ELECTRICAL LEGISLATION

Back around 2005 when the Government were introducing Home Condition Reports that were to be required for the sale of domestic properties I considered doing the training course and qualifying, I bought the RICS Home Inspectors handbook and still keep on a shelf  it under my desk, actually I have it in front of me now.


The report writing was to be very specific to the extent that you had to use standard reporting software that used set phrases and descriptions, the intention was that if a client commissioned a report they would get an identical report utter regardless of who wrote it, you should not have been able to tell who wrote the report by looking at it and reading it, there was to be no individual flourishes or personalisation that would set one inspectors report apart from the standard.


There were three condition rating codes:

Code one- No repair is presently required. Normal maintenance must be undertaken.

Code two- Repairs are required, but the home inspector does not consider these to be either serious or urgent.

Code three- Defects of a serious nature exist or require urgent repair.


The book and training course gave very detailed explanations and guidance on how structure and fabric of the building should be coded on the Home Condition Reports, if at all, which obviously they should do as they are training for inspectors.


The 18th edition course and training does not even cover the coding of issues for an Electrical Installation Condition Report and they certainly doesn't go through the outcome decision making process. I have now taken three Wiring Regulations courses, the full 16th, the 17th update and the full 18th, not once has any guidance or training on coding for EICRs has been given. The simple truth is most electricians are making codes up on the hoof, it is not a defined process.


NAPIT have actually nailed it with NAPIT Codebreakers, particularly if you use NAPIT Desktop for producing the reports because it's preloaded into the reporting software, when you code an item on the schedule of inspections it brings up a choice of entries for the observation which can then be tailored for the particular circumstances. I have bought the lady in charge of maintenance at one of the letting agents her own copy of NAPIT Codebreakers to keep in her office desk so that if there are any queries as to how I have coded issues on an EICR she can quickly check using the reference number what the NAPIT recommendation is to see if I am following a defined process or making it up on the hoof.


When I did the 17th update course the lecturer said to me that any one who could look things up quickly in the Argos catalogue could pass the exam, actually going beyond just picking the correct reference in the regulations book to pass an exam and applying it to coding an EICR is a process that many people seem to get to grips with.


Andy Betteridge

Try coding this simple and common issue.


Andy Betteridge

So the Government are allowing themselves a month from the introduction of the legislation to when it will have to be up and running; and within those four weeks they will decide who can undertake the work.


The old saying “Putting the cart before the horse” comes to mind.


Andy Betteridge

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT STATUTORY GUIDANCE ON ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND APPLIANCES IN PRIVATE RENTED PROPERTY


Alternatively, a landlord should seek evidence of competence and have regard to the details provided. A competent person (other than a member of NICEIC, SELECT or NAPIT) should be able to confirm all of the points listed in the checklist form provided on the following page.


Evidence of competence to carry out an Electrical Installation Condition Report for the purposes of assessing the safety of electrical installations, fittings and fixtures in private rented property.


Checklist for Electrician

 

Check*


I am a member of a professional body

 

I have public liability insurance (£2 million minimum is recommended)

 

I have employers’ liability insurance (£2 million minimum is recommended), unless the business has no employees


I have professional indemnity insurance (£0.25 million is recommended for contractors undertaking electrical installation condition reporting)

 

I have completed appropriate assessed training on current version of BS7671 within the past 5 years

 

I can provide:

 copies of wholesaler bills made out to entity trading, or

 a company registration number, or

 a Unique Tax Reference (UTR)


I can provide copies of trade qualification or equivalent


I can provide a copy of a written health and safety policy statement for the business

 

I have completed Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) Health & Safety Assessment within the past 3 years


I have been granted, or am eligible to be granted at least Approved Electrician grade.


* The electrician should tick each item in this list to confirm that it applies. I certify that I can provide the above listed evidence of competence.


Name Firm/Trading Name Signed

Date

    

https://www.gov.scot/binaries/content/documents/govscot/publications/advice-and-guidance/2016/12/electrical-installations-and-appliances-private-rented-properties/documents/guidance-electrical-installations-appliances-pdf/guidance-electrical-installations-appliances-pdf/govscot%3Adocument/Guidance%2Bon%2BElectrical%2Binstallations%2Band%2Bappliances.pdf

That appears to rule out the majority of English electricians.


I am not a member of a Professional body and most people who are don’t have any trade qualifications.

Yes tAndy I like the points you made. It also looks like you can tick boxes to say you`re considered competant in your own eyes thereby bypassing any checks, That`s if I read it right

So the Scottish approach is you have to be a contractor registered with the NICEIC, SELECT, NAPIT or an individual member of the IET.


Is there an electrical professional body other than the IET? I cannot think of one that is relevant within the UK.


How many people who are not trading as a contractor registered with the NICEIC, SELECT, NAPIT are members of the IET and have trade qualifications?


Andy Betteridge