The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) could spearhead a coordinated government public awareness campaign on Part P for the Competent Person Schemes?
Following the deliberations of a DCLG (Department of Communities and Local Government) Select Committee, the government’s has resolved: “We would welcome further coordinated effort from scheme providers, for example, through the Electrical Safety Council.”
ECS director general, Philip Buckle, believes it’s a ‘natural fit’ for such a role. He says: “We are well-placed to undertake a lead role in such a public information campaign. While committed to consumer protection, we also understand the need for balance – reducing the complexities of Part P without compromising safety – and we have worked closely with industry to see how this can best be developed.
“Householders and not installers are legally responsible for any electrical work in their homes, yet the majority of householders are unaware of this. Our long-standing expertise in running public awareness campaigns is a strength which can benefit both consumers and industry, by supporting an integrated approach to the promotion of Part P.”
Other key elements in the Government response to the CLG Select Committee report include:
- A reiteration that changes to Part P should not ‘unduly diminish’ safety but should strip away unnecessary cost and bureaucracy.
- Proposals to reclassify certain work in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms have not been rejected but the Government is still considering responses to its consultation.
- A rejection of the recommendation for work to be notified to the Local Authority Building Control before being carried out.
- The call for DIY stores to carry health warnings on sockets and other electrical equipment was not agreed but the need to increase public awareness of electrical safety and the need to use competent installers was acknowledged.
- A recommendation for greater independent supervision of the Competent Person Scheme was accepted but the call by some Schemes for a mandatory use of registered installers for all electrical work was rejected.
More information:
to read the Government response in full, go to http://www.official-documents.gov.uk/document/cm83/8369/8369.pdf.
to find out more about the ESC’s work on Part P, visit http://www.esc.org.uk/public/guides-and-advice/building-regulations/