Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, concerning Part P of the Building Regulations - and the definition of an 'electrically competent person', is answered by the ECA:
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| The definitions of 'competence' are changing. |
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Question: Could you please define an electrically competent person? I have heard of builders, labourers, carpenters and plumbers etc, all claiming to be electrically competent. What sort of training is needed to become electrically competent? Surely it makes a mockery of all our 'trained' electricians' qualifications if a bricklayer can fit an electrical item and claim to be electrically competent without knowing how to test and certify his work?
Answer: A person is regarded as 'competent' where he or she has sufficient training and experience, or knowledge, to enable him or her to carry out the work safely. A person doing electrical work would need to know how to test and certify the work in order to be considered competent.
Voltimum Managing Editor James Hunt says: The 17th Edition of the IEE Wiring Regulations will be published in early January 2008. This provides a different definition of a 'competent person' from the 16th Edition. In Part 1: Scope, Object & Fundamental Principles, 134.1.1 is about 'Good workmanship by Competent Persons' or persons under their supervision and proper materials, while 134.2.1 is about Inspection & testing to be carried out by 'Competent Person'. In Part 2: Definitions, there are approximately 260 definitions in the 17th Edition (only 170 in the 16th Edition). New definitions include that of a 'Competent Person'. A 'Competent Person is: A person who possesses sufficient technical knowledge and experience for the nature of the electrical work undertaken and is able at all times to prevent danger, and where appropriate, injury to themselves and others.
To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link: http://www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions
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