Electrical Safety First, one of the UK’s leading safety charities, has issued a health warning regarding one-day training schemes for visual checks of electrical installations in UK homes.
Aimed at surveyors and energy assessors the £375 course, which launches this autumn, offers just a single day’s training and membership of the NAPIT/SAVA Electrical Safety Surveyor membership scheme. But Electrical Safety First has queried the purpose – and effectiveness - of the training, as similar information is freely available. And the Charity is also concerned that it will add to the confusion around regular electrical safety checks.
“The composition of the course itself is puzzling”, comments Phil Buckle, Director General of Electrical Safety First. “It includes, for example, a reference to identifying the key components of a consumer unit. Apart from clearly recognising an old consumer unit, you can only visually check if it has an RCD. This doesn’t need specialist training and anything else related to a consumer unit should be left to a properly trained, professional electrician.
“Given that supporting material for this course clearly states it will not qualify people to undertake a full electrical inspection and testing work, or complete an Electrical Inspection Condition Report (EICR), it’s difficult to see why it has been launched. Particularly since there is plenty of good, free information available – including our highly respected smart phone apps which were originally launched five years ago and have been regularly updated. These provide an easy and accessible way for anyone to undertake a basic visual inspection of home electrics, whether you are a lettings agent, surveyor or landlord checking a property before selling or renting it out, or a tenant who wants to ensure their new home is electrically safe. Our app also flags potentially serious issues and recommends when or where you need the help of a professional electrician.”
Comments from contractors also highlight another area of the charity’s concerns. “While our app clearly states that it offers an initial, basic review of home electrics, anyone taking this course can claim to be an Electrical Safety Surveyor”, adds Phil. “Feedback given to us regarding this course can be summed up by the saying that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing.”
To download Electrical Safety First’s free visual checks safety app, please click here.