ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

What’s happened at BASEC in the past year?

Since I took the reins at BASEC it has started to move closer to the manufacturers who subscribe as clients; the contractors and specifiers who look for expert information and guidance; and the end-users of cable who want to understand practical issues.

The electrical industry is a challenging – and exciting – place to be these days. Keeping pace in today’s fast-moving business environment is difficult. Key is the rapid growth of China as the world’s workshop; then there is the volatility of the raw materials markets, especially copper; new EC and UK legislation; wide sweeping changes in the construction and fire sectors and new markets to consider overseas. These issues will not be solved easily or quickly. They are here for the long-term, and so is BASEC.

How do you plan to meet industry challenges?

We have to meet today’s fast moving challenges head on. We are evolving all the time, but we must not lose sight of our core business: providing a first class service in cable certification.

Market conditions mean it has never been more important to distinguish quality products. Raw materials markets have seen alarming price volatility – and it is not over yet. This brings the potential for poor quality or dangerous cable products to be sold by unscrupulous firms.

At the same time, new legislation such as the Restriction on the use of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) from the EC and Part P of the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Regulations make new demands on industry.

The RoHS has implications for manufacturers, component and materials suppliers and the distribution chain for electrical and electronic equipment. Its aim is to restrict the use of six substances in new equipment to help prevent them entering the environment in the future. Anticipating the impact of RoHS, BASEC has introduced the Eco-Green Management Scheme to help manufacturers maintain compliance.

Part P has also had wide sweeping effects and we are providing advice to contractors and clients on how best to deal with the extra requirements.

What about the new fire safety regulations?

In the fire performance market, the Regulatory Reform Order will be implemented in October. This increases the responsibility of the manager or owner of premises, with the emphasis being placed on risk assessment. Indeed, the safety of people and property should never be compromised and this is one of the cornerstones of our work.

Many owners will take the easy approach and install top quality systems. Although cables have been around for a long time, there are significant technical developments underway to tailor performance for particular applications, particularly in the data and fire areas. BASEC is working closely with manufacturers on new products as they emerge.

Raw materials have seen alarming price volatility – and it is not over yet

Is BASEC involved with any new areas?

There are several new areas where BASEC is working including the construction sector, which is changing rapidly. Many buildings are now being built in kit form including wiring and plumbing, and new cable products are emerging to satisfy these needs.

The scope of our work is broadening to include new user sectors such as transport and security – there is a plethora of new electrical devices on our roads and railways and cctv is now everywhere.

Why should firms seek the BASEC mark?

The BASEC mark stands for quality and we want to enhance and build that. It adds to a company’s equity if it can display a mark on its products that means something of real value. The BASEC mark means products have undergone rigorous and professional testing, production surveillance and often retesting. In short, there is nothing to hide and everyone in the supply chain is aware of that.

How can firms make use of BASEC’s services?

Through an expanding range of services, supported by our expert assessors, we want to become more accessible. We see communications with those ‘on the ground’ as a priority.

We have an enquiry helpdesk, a new web site, accept e-mail enquiries and will be regularly communicating and asking for feedback through our e-bulletin. We are encouraging current and prospective customers to register on our web site for some of these new services. We are also a supporter of Voltimum.

What plans are in place for future changes at BASEC?

Looking to the future, we believe training is an area we should consider getting involved in. We hold knowledge and expertise through our assessors and we see the key industry issues on a daily basis from where we sit.

Learning and development is an increasingly important part of our industry. Product specifications, development, the manufacturing processes and environmental management are key and we are looking at how we can bring something to the party here.

We work closely with the BSI and other bodies including the ECA, NICEIC and the British Cables Association to ensure we fully understand how products should be tested, approved and certified, and though the current agenda is long, nothing should deter us from that.