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Lockdown Scotland New law? Essential electrical work only in private dwellings....

Former Community Member
Former Community Member
Scotland’s first minister announced today that:

“Fifth, we will strengthen the provisions in relation to work inside people’s houses.



We have already issued guidance to the effect that in level 4 areas work is only permitted within a private dwelling if it is essential for the upkeep, maintenance and functioning of the household.  We will now put this guidance into law.”


source:


 https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-update-first-ministers-statement-13-january-2021/



Any ideas what constitutes essential electrical works to avoid breaking the law unintentionally? 


  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Thanks for the replies.


    It seems the general consensus is the only allowed works so far is conducting an EICR, replacing bulbs where it is the only light source in a room, remediating any code given in an EICR, and extra sockets that supply medical equipment or stairlifts, 


    Does any one know if an “official” definition is available anywhere?


  • 0
    I think it is extremely unlikley there is a prescriptive list of what is allowed and what isnt, trouble with lists are, there will always be an item scenario that wasnt thought of, or an item in one dwelling house would be seen as diffrent in another. So a small house with the single and only light on the staircase not working, I could see that as being safety essential for repair/replacement. A larger house with four lights on the staircase but only one not working wouldnt be classed as essential as sufficient light would still be present, but if there was a strong smell of electrical burning then that would be essential.


    Its down to the homeowner and ultimately the contractor to decide if the work being engaged or likley to be engaged sits within the sentiment of the covid restrictions and everybody meant to be looking after not only their own health as well as that of others they may come in contact with.
  • 0
    Taking a step sideways, I thought that this article was interesting. The richest plumber in the land wants his staff to be vaccinated. Article If he manages to buy it, he must have some good contacts.


    Frankly, if I were going into several peoples' homes every day, I'd want to be vaccinated. However, the rules would not (yet) grant me any form of exemption.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    Chris Pearson:

    Taking a step sideways, I thought that this article was interesting. The richest plumber in the land wants his staff to be vaccinated. Article If he manages to buy it, he must have some good contacts.


    Frankly, if I were going into several peoples' homes every day, I'd want to be vaccinated. However, the rules would not (yet) grant me any form of exemption.


    Hi Chris, stepping back on topic, the rules you mention, please provide a link ? Thanks.


  • 0
    Weirdbeard,

    This is what the Scot Gov website published yesterday:
    Going to work / working from home – what the Law says
    Tradespeople, home repairs, and working in someone else’s home

    Tradespeople (which includes those carried out by the voluntary or charitable sector) must only go into someone else’s home to carry out or deliver essential work or services, for example:



    • to carry out utility (including electricity, gas, water, telephone, broadband) safety checks, repairs, maintenance and installations

    • to carry out repairs and maintenance that would otherwise threaten the household’s health and safety

    • to deliver goods or shopping, where essential

    • to deliver, install or repair key household furniture and appliances such as washing machines, fridges and cookers

    • to support a home move, for example furniture removal

    • domestic cleaner providing services in support of a clean and safe living environment for people in vulnerable circumstance, living with a disability or otherwise unable to clean their own home

    Safety when working in someone else’s home



    When carrying out essential work in someone’s house, tradespeople should stay 2 metres apart from the people who live there, wear a face covering and follow good hand and respiratory hygiene.


    This is just one part of a larger document https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/


  • 0
    Weirdbeard:

    Hi Chris, stepping back on topic, the rules you mention, please provide a link ? Thanks.


    My point was that no distinction is made between those who have been vaccinated and those who have not. I doubt that there are many 80+ electricians!


    I rather doubt that restrictions will be relaxed for people (customers or tradesmen) who have been vaccinated before the rest of us, but you never know what will come next. So for now there are no exemptions.


  • 0
    "to carry out utility (including electricity, gas, water, telephone, broadband) safety checks, repairs, maintenance and installations"


    Could be taken as "Oh I want to install an extra light to look pretty" if someone is daft enough to translate it such.

    Also fridges etc - What`s to prevent someone with one adequate fridge wanting an additional one without good reason?.


    People will try to apply rules and regulations to fit in to justify their own selfish wants rather than apply them in the spirit unto which they have been devised for. We see it a lot with Covid but it also happens in all of live`s tapestries too.

    No wonder our Lawmakers and rulemakers spend loadsa time on money making laws & rules in order to stop folk circumventing the intentions of Parliaments and Commitees . Unfortunately , speed of delivery of Covid rules is paramount and we do not get the luxury of time to mull with this.


    Too many people will not play fair and spend considerable effort "cheating" the system.


    I think all any tradesman can do is to apply reasonable judgement and say to oneself  "I looked as objectively as possible and agreed my actions were reasonable and proportionate"
  • 0
    My plan to avoid high risk locations failed last night, I ended up collecting my Dad from A&E after he was taken in by ambulance after a fall.


    Plan B of standing outside the door is the fresh air came into action rather than sitting in the waiting area. Changes of behaviour seems to be the order of the day and presumably will stick with us for some years to come.
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member
    GTB, thanks for the info, and thanks all for the replies.

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