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The Government’s aim to reduce Building Regulations red tape – such as the new amendments to Part P – have been generally welcomed by electrical sector trade and safety organisations, which say that the changes broadly reflect sector demands. The Government has streamlined Part P. One result is that notification requirements are now focused on higher risk jobs, such as the installation of new circuits. The ECA and NICEIC both say that this ‘reflects the recommendation of the joint submission made by the organisations in response to the 2012 consultation:
The ECA and the NICEIC both, therefore, say they are pleased with the reduction in the number of notifiable works, saying that the move will cut some of the 'red tape'. Both organisations also believe that the recent launch of the Electrical Safety Register (www.electricalsafetyregister.com) ' fits well with the Government's plans to work with external partners to promote the use of certified electricians'.
ECA Group CEO Steve Bratt commented: "We are delighted that the Government has listened to industry. A tighter focus on notification requirements will maintain safety, while reducing the burden placed on electrical contractors. This is exactly what we need to ensure the Regulations protect the public, while ensuring our sector can still benefit from vital work opportunities."
And NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy said: "The Government's intention to work with external partners to promote the use of qualified electricians is an important step forward. The Electrical Safety Register is perfectly placed to communicate to the general public not only why certification is important, but where they can find a certified electrician. We are delighted that Government is in sync with the electrical industry about the best way of ensuring safety."
In addition, the amendments to Part P allow third parties, other than Building Control, to certify work carried out by 'DIYers'. As Steve Bratt said: "There is no uniform cost for certification by local authority building control, so this could create a potential new workstream for electricians where local authority costs are high. Time will tell whether this policy will prove successful, but we hope contractors will be able to reap the benefits."
In February last year, Steve Bratt and Emma Clancy were among a panel of leading electrical contracting industry figures who discussed electrical safety as part of the Building Regulations, and the Government's then ongoing review of the Building Regulations, in front of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee.
The Electrical Safety Council (ESC - www.esc.org.uk) has also responded. It too broadly welcomed the reduced the regulatory and cost burdens of Part P on industry, but expressed concerns about the potential impact that a 'watered down' version of the regulation could have on consumer safety. Prior to publication of the new amendments to Part P in April, the organisation had said: "We are particularly concerned with the government's preferred course of removing electrical work in bathrooms, kitchens and outdoors from the scope of Part P and would urge that these areas be retained as notifiable, because of the increased risks to householders.
At the time of going to press with this VoltiTECH, it is probably far too early to tell exactly what impact the amendments to Part P are actually having.
Building Regulations compliance:
Those who own a home or rental property are legally responsible for compliance with the Building Regulations. The following has been obtained from the NICEIC, which says that compliance is governed by CLG in England and Wales, and in Scotland by SBS. These ensure compliance by using an NICEIC-registered contractor to undertake work covered by Building Regulations.
The Building Regulations set standards for the design and construction of buildings to ensure the health and safety of people in or around those buildings. Equivalent Regulations apply in Scotland.
NICEIC enables householders and landlords to find reputable contractors that are registered to certify their own work to the relevant Building Regulations.
A table (use the link near the bottom of this web page) displays the Building Regulations applicable for a range of common installation activities, but in brief, those Building Regulations that concern most Voltimum UK users are:
- Part F - Ventilation
- Part G - Plumbing
- Part J - Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage
- Part L - Conservation of Fuel and Power
- Part P - Electrical Installation.
Compliance with the Building Regulations in England and Wales is governed by CLG and in Scotland by SBS.
For more information about Building Regulations compliance in England and Wales, visit The Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) website at www.communities.gov.uk, and/or The Planning Portal at www.planningportal.gov.uk.
For more information about Scottish Building Regulations, go to The Scottish Building Standards Agency website at www.sbsa.gov.uk.