NICEIC and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) have welcomed the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee report into Building Regulations.
After hearing evidence from the electrical contracting industry, Local Authorities and other key stakeholders, the Committee says it cannot support deregulation of the building regulations if electrical safety is compromised.
In a report released today (March 30th) the cross party Select Committee, said it had clear evidence to show that deaths and injuries due to electrical faults have decreased since the introduction of the regulations.
“For a long time now NICEIC has been voicing its concerns that electrical safety must not be compromised by any amendments,” comments NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy.
“Carrying out any electrical work around the home can be potentially fatal. It should not be taken lightly and should always be undertaken by a competent person who is registered with an accredited body.
“NICEIC welcome the latest comments and hope the government take on board the views of the Committee when it completes its consultation into proposals surrounding the building regulations.”
Steve Bratt, ECA Group CEO adds: “There is no room for compromise on safety, and the ECA is pleased that the Committee shares our view that the introduction of Part P has raised safety standards.
“The Government must ensure that any reduction in regulation will not put people at risk. This report is a welcome ‘first step’ and we look forward to playing a full and constructive role during the government consultation.”
Clive Betts, Chair of the Communities and Local Government Committee, said: “We could only support de-regulation if there was clear evidence that safety standards would not suffer, but such evidence has not been provided by the Government.”
Additionally, the Committee, which also heard evidence from the Minister with responsibility for building regulations Andrew Stunell, said more needs to be done to raise public awareness that electrical work can potentially be extremely hazardous.
The Committee will now be recommending that all electrical equipment sold in DIY stores carries a health warning that it is illegal for an unregistered person to carry out most electrical works in the home.
“Such labelling is vital to reinforce the important message to the general public that they must use a registered electrician to carry out electrical works in the home,” added Clive. “It will also reinforce a broader health and safety message that electrical work can potentially be extremely hazardous.
“More must be done to alert households to the dangers of using sub-standard electricians and of the need to complete regular maintenance checks on electrical circuits in the home.”
In February this year Emma Clancy and Steve Bratt were among a panel of leading electrical contracting industry figures called in front of the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee to discuss the case for retaining electrical safety as part of the building regulations.
They were joined by Phil Buckle from the Electrical Safety Council, Paul Everall, Chief Executive, Local Authority Building Control, Chris Town, Director, Residential Landlords Association and Diane Marshall, Group Head of Building Control, NHBC.