The first prosecution of a firm has been made for non-compliance with Part P of the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Regulations.

A bathroom fitter was fined a total of £1500 by Bath & North East Somerset Council's ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Control department after pleading guilty to breaking the regulations. Roger Martin Drinkwater, trading as Salles de Bains, contravened Part P with regards to electrics in a replacement bathroom.

The defendant, who is not a qualified electrician, installed an electric shower at a private property. The method of wiring used was not in accordance with British Standards and while the installation was incomplete the homeowner was not advised it had still to be checked and should not be used. A certificate from a qualified electrician was only provided after insistence from the homeowner.

Drinkwater pleaded guilty to three charges. He was fined £1000 for the Part P offence and £250 each for failing to give a ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Notice to the council prior to the work; and failing to give notice of starting and completion of certain stages of the work. He was also ordered to pay £1066 costs.

Part P was introduced in January 2005 to eradicate substandard work and reduce fires caused by faulty electrics.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor