The tortoise that is the much-talked-about introduction of electrical safety into the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Regulations is slowly inching towards the finishing line (see pages 7 and 15). Barring any last minute glitches, the new Part P will be in place by the middle of next year, probably 1 July 2004.

  The government has made it clear that one or more competence assessment schemes need to be up and running before Part P is finally given the green light. Contractors enrolled with such a scheme will be able to self-certify that their installations are compliant with the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Regulations.

The fact that work needs to be signed off to the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Regulations means that contractors will have to demonstrate knowledge beyond that of the Wiring Regulations. Firms will need to know their Parts L (energy conservation), B (fire) and M (accessibility) as well their BS 7671.

Clearly, contractors should start preparing for the introduction of Part P now. As the ECA president points out in his column this month, if the government approves any of the four proposed assessment schemes in front of them, the race will be on to get certified before the summer. Make sure you are ahead of the pack.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor