The Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR), an industry forum uniting electrical safety experts with the goal of improving electrical safety, has launched new guidance entitled How to Find a Competent & Qualified Person for Landlord Electrical Safety Checks. The guidance, published on 30 June, is a checklist that aims to support landlords in finding a competent and qualified tradesperson.
It is a legal requirement in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to have an electrical inspection and test of the electrical installation within a privately rented property undertaken by a suitably qualified and competent person at least once every five years.
For non-rented domestic properties, it is recommended that these are carried out every 10 years. This test is called ‘Periodic Inspection and Testing,’ through which an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is produced.
When Periodic Inspection and Testing is carried out with an EICR being issued, there are two options depending on the outcome: Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory.
With Satisfactory outcome observations coded as C3, there would be no other requirements for any additional works until the recommended date for the next EICR.
In the case of an Unsatisfactory outcome, providing that all observations coded C1, C2, and FI – or action points – are addressed and rectified with supporting certificates of either an Electrical Installation Certificate (EIC) or a Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (MEIWC), the electrical installation would be then considered as satisfactory and safe for continued use.
The ‘Competent Person’ undertaking this EICR should be a skilled individual, registered with a Full Scope Electrical Competent Person Scheme or Registration Body who monitors and regularly assesses the electrician/inspector to demonstrate their competency and ensure they hold Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
ESR’s checklist breaks down the necessary checks to be undertaken when selecting a competent person.
The checklist includes the certification, qualifications, insurance, and experience that demonstrate the electrical inspector and tester is a competent person to carry out electrical safety checks.
Nick Hayler, Chair of ESR’s Electrical Safety in the Home Group, says, “The Electrical Safety in the Home Group has created this checklist for landlords to highlight the necessary checks needed to find a qualified and competent person.
“This will give confidence to landlords, tenants, and electricians that the work is being carried out correctly and safely by people with the necessary skills and experience.”
For more from the Electrical Safety Roundtable, click here.