These came about because three key initiatives were being developed within the UK that influenced the ECA's thinking. These were: reference to electrical safety in the Building Regulations; Cowboy contractors and the Quality Mark Scheme; and Constructionline.
Simply, each of these initiatives required technical assessments to establish contractors' competence.
Looking ahead, the ECA Council felt that the Association should develop and implement a technical assessment scheme. Without it, bodies outside the industry would dictate the standards and the assessment process that ECA members would have to submit to in the future.
From the outset it was agreed that the assessment process should cover all categories of work as set out in ES 59004, Qualification of electrical contractors. These are:
Electrical installations up to 1000 V
A1 – Electrical installations in buildings and industrial installations;
A2 – Security and cctv systems;
A3 – Fire alarm systems;
A4 – Control systems installations for industrial process control;
A5 – Underground cable networks for power distribution, public lighting and traffic control (including electrical connection);
A6 – Overhead lines for power distribution, public lighting and traffic control (including electrical connection).
Electrical installations above 1000 V up to 36 kV
B1– Industrial installations;
B2 – Overhead power lines (including electrical connections);
B3 – Underground cable networks for power distribution (including electrical connections);
B4 – Public lighting installations.
Electrical installations above 36 kV
C1 – Industrial installations.
Communication installations
D1 – Communications systems in buildings and industrial installations;
D2 – Computers, network and peripheral equipment installations;
D3 – Communications infrastructure installations;
D4 – Overhead communications infrastructure cabling;
D5 – Underground communications infrastructure cabling extensions.
The two following extensions can be granted to any of the above categories
E1 – Installations in hazardous areas;
E2 – General contracting.
What assessment covers
For each of the categories listed assessment covers members' technical abilities for the design and installation as well as inspection and testing of an installation. We also review the member's facilities and equipment and appraise their understanding of their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
Through this assessment process a complete 'health check' of a company's technical capabilities is established, ensuring that clients are provided with safe, functioning installations.
Developing assessment standards
The ECA's technical department already had a well established assessment regime for new applicants to the Association – a good grounding to develop a robust and fair assessment of existing members.
We agreed that the officers should inspect to the relevant standards applicable for the work undertaken. However, to ensure consistency of the process, it was vital that each officer be provided with adequate guidance on how each stage of the assessment visit should be handled. A comprehensive set of notes, coupled with location-based training, has been provided.
The result is a consistent approach from the outset which ensures that members, whether based in Truro or Newcastle, receive the same impartial assessment for all categories of work. It also means that the ECA's technical assessment process is able to withstand the most rigorous external scrutiny.
For the future, we are looking to a new industry standard, of which more later.
An assessor calls
When we are going to carry out an assessment we ring members to arrange a convenient time and date for the technical assessment officer's visit.
For some members this is the first technical assessment they have had since joining the ECA, so understandably there are those who develop a touch of first night nerves.
To provide as much support as possible in helping the member to prepare for the visit, we send a set of guidance notes detailing what is required. This is usually four weeks before the appointment is due.
If doubts still linger at this point as to what will be required on the day, a telephone call to our technical manager (inspections), or the regional manager overcomes most difficulties.
In case of forgetfulness, members can expect a faxed reminder from the ECA just before the visit date and that gives the member a final opportunity to address any last minute problems.
During the visit the officer will assess the member's capabilities in the five areas previously mentioned (A-E).
The assessment covers:
Design
Installation practices
Technically qualified person
Health and safety requirements
At the end of the visit the technical manager (inspections) gets a report which outlines the recommendation of the technical assessment officer. To ensure fairness and consistency, the manager is the final arbiter.
Once the decision has been made the member is informed of the result immediately and we send an action plan, which includes timescales for remedial action if improvement are necessary. The action plan will also advise the member of when its next assessment is due – from six months to three years in the future – depending on its results.
How was it for you?
We want to ensure the continuous improvement of the assessment process and so the technical assessment officer leaves the member a customer questionnaire.
The results have been informative and very encouraging.
Typical are the following: "Very informative – well worth the visit", "Very good approach and attitude from assessor – proud to be a member", "Assessment carried out in a thorough way with correct attitude".
What's next?
The ECA is seeking accreditation of its inspection services by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). We see this as an essential step. Industry can only be seen to be unbiased and fair in its own self regulation if it is prepared to open up to external accreditation.
Because of this we have made it clear that the technical assessment officers inspect installations and advise on the problems found; they do not provide consultancy.
The ECA is also involved, through its membership of the Electrical Installation Industry Liaison Committee, in the development of an industry scheme for the competency of electrical installation enterprises.
When this scheme is published, bodies wishing to assess installation enterprises to its requirements will only be able to do so if they have been accredited by UKAS.
The fair competition in the assessment process that such a scheme allows can only be to the advantage of all.
By requiring accreditation by UKAS it ensures a consistency of approach by the bodies undertaking the assessments. It also provides for mutual recognition between assessment bodies, thereby providing a one-stop-shop for electrical contractors.
And finally...
Of the three key initiatives mentioned earlier the likelihood is that the Building Regulations and Quality Mark Scheme will require an assessment of technical competence.
The industry scheme currently being developed will provide the necessary criteria and consistency of approach that the sponsors of these initiatives will be seeking to ensure that they maintain their integrity.
In respect of Constructionline, the ECA, through implementing its programme of technical assessments has, along with Select, been appointed as the gatekeeper to Constructionline for the electrical industry.
As such, the ECA and Select are solely responsible for the entire technical approvals procedure for contractors wishing to be entered onto the Constructionline list. It's a ringing endorsement of our commitment to quality of which we are very proud.
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
Postscript
Phil Buckle is head of the ECA technical department.
