Voltimum - Certsure, ECA and Electrical Safety First develop plans to raise standards

[Social Integrator]

Certsure, ECA and Electrical Safety First (ESF) have worked together to develop plans to raise standards across the industry.

The trio are the driving force behind proposals to change the ways competence within the industry is measured.  

While the electrotechnical industry prides itself on a robust approach to competence and safety, and indeed has an excellent safety record, there is always more that can be done. Driving up standards of electrotechnical work is a fundamental objective if the sector is to thrive in the years ahead.

As leading bodies in the industry, Certsure, ECA and ESF have worked together to develop a blueprint which we believe will ensure that only qualified individuals with the right knowledge, skills and understanding are deemed competent to undertake electrotechnical work. This approach will help to drive up standards, works for industry, and aligns with Government policy on technical education standards and competence.  

We have put forward proposals to simplify yet strengthen entry requirements into the industry, and ensure consistency across all registration and certification bodies.  This aligns with our thinking that all applicants to a scheme should be from one of two routes: the apprenticeship route, or the experienced worker route.

The proposals will ensure that individuals seeking to become a qualified supervisor or electrical operative undertaking periodic inspection must have the following:

• an electrotechnical apprenticeship (or proscribed alternative).
  
• a minimum of two years’ experience.
  
• a recognised knowledge of the latest Wiring Regulations.
  
• be well versed in inspection and testing electrotechnical installations.
  

The proposal is fairly straightforward to implement for new applications. However, there remains a challenge for existing registrants. Our proposal is that there must be proportionate quality management systems, for new and existing registrants, in place for demonstrating business process and operative competence. This would need to be assessed in situ as part of the ongoing assessment process by registration and certification body assessors.

We believe that this proposal is the best way to properly ensure the competence of the registered organisation, qualified supervisors, and operatives undertaking electrotechnical work and provide the consumer protections that are required.

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Teaser: 
Certsure, ECA and ESF have worked together to develop a blueprint, which they believe will ensure that only qualified individuals with the right knowledge, skills and understanding are deemed competent to undertake electrotechnical work.


Type: 
Industry News



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Date of publication: 
27/02/2019


Target group: 
Voltimum


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[Sharpend]

Well well have they awoken from their den and realised that the 5WW’s are not competent? I’m just surprised it’s taken this long, but are they doing this themselves or is it they’ve been pushed from behind the scenes? 

 

[Murdoch]

Hum .............. 3 organisations, all part of the same "umbrella" company ............... it would only get some traction if it included all the CPS's .................

 

[Sharpend]

Give it time! Or is it because these are the worst? 

 

[Tony S]

This doesn't inspire confidence.

An electricians tool kit.

 

[kerching]

Now that EC has been slotted ( didn't have to work any notice!....not that I am casting nasturtiums or anything) it's all turned to a crock of

I heard from a reliable source that they were trying to veer away from the constant deluge of after sales and marketing 

 

[phil d]

Now that EC has been slotted ( didn't have to work any notice!....not that I am casting nasturtiums or anything) it's all turned to a crock of

I heard from a reliable source that they were trying to veer away from the constant deluge of after sales and marketing 

The trouble I find with a lot of these organisations is they seem more about promoting themselves rather than promoting good working practices. Look at the amount of 'branded' gear a certain organisation produces for it's members to buy, everything from hats to jackets and all sorts of other kit. I'd rather a bloke turned up in a polo shirt and jeans and actually knew what he was doing than someone who hadn't a clue about the job, but looked like a walking advert for their scheme. Then again, what is it they say about all the gear and no idea.

 

[Doc Hudson]

This doesn't inspire confidence.

An electricians tool kit.

View attachment 9889

I notice:  those uninsulated screwdrivers and  Steptoe's Neon-Screwdriver in the photo. What more do you need?

Doc H.   

 

[kerching]

I notice:  those uninsulated screwdrivers and  Steptoe's Neon-Screwdriver in the photo. What more do you need?

Doc H.   

Well obviously 

boot lace ferrules and some solid cable

A Vernier.....probably to measure how wrong they are getting it all