In a little over a month after this issue hits the streets, the new Part P of the Building Regulations becomes law.

Readers can be forgiven if it has crept up on them – after all, the Government only published its plans to include new electrical safety regulations in dwellings at the end of July this year.

Even now as 1 January 2005, the date set for the introduction of Part P, draws ever closer, the Government is still busy approving Competent Persons schemes that will allow contractors to opt for self-certification of their work.

Scheme operators will no doubt struggle as an avalanche of applications from firms descends on them between now and the New Year. Contractors can’t be accused of leaving it too late. In some cases, scheme details are still being finalised while the Government makes up its mind over the detail and, as our news story highlights, one full scheme has only just been approved along with five more for electrical work by bathroom, kitchen and gas fitters.

It will be intriguing to see just how many firms are registered for self-certification come 1 January. It will be equally interesting to see what action is taken against the cowboys that don’t bother with registration at all. Happy New Year.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor