Part P
The first successful prosecutions under the new electrical safety law, Part P of the Building Regulations, have been welcomed by the Electrical Safety Council, which has called for vigilance in protecting homeowners from the dangers of unsafe electrical work.
The first successful prosecutions under the new electrical safety law, Part P of the Building Regulations, have been welcomed by the Electrical Safety Council, which has called for vigilance in protecting homeowners from the dangers of unsafe electrical work.
An unqualified bathroom fitter who installed an electric shower, has been fined £1,500 after pleading guilty to breaking the new electrical safety regulations. This followed an investigation by Bath and North East Somerset Council's Building Control department. In a separate incident, a rogue electrician, who falsely claimed to be approved by the NICEIC, was fined £16,000 after admitting 23 counts of breaching Building Regulations whilst working in a house in Newcastle.
Emma McCarthy, director of charitable affairs for the Electrical Safety Council said: "These first prosecutions should provide consumers with the confidence that they are protected. We must all be vigilant, but this demonstrates that electrical work carried out in their home is subject to scrutiny and tradesmen who are not qualified will be successfully prosecuted and fined."
The Electrical Safety Council advises householders to protect themselves and their property by ensuring that the person installing electrics in their home is either registered with a Government authorised scheme, or has notified their local Building Control Office before carrying out the work.
Continued Emma McCarthy: "We cannot emphasise enough how important it is for consumers to use qualified electricians who are registered with one of the Government's approved Part P scheme operators. "
To find a registered electrician, consumers should contact any one of the scheme operators including; NICEIC, Elecsa, BSI, NAPIT and BRE Certification. Electrical work in domestic premises should be carried out in accordance with national safety standards and in compliance with Part P of the Building Regulations. This requires every new electrical installation to be inspected and tested and a certificate issued before being put into service.
For further information contact media@electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk