Editorial

How many times have you heard it said that installers don’t have enough of a voice in the industry? How many times have you said it yourself? Installers have to take changes as they come and get on with the work, subject to rules and regulations they have little say in. This does not necessarily make the rules bad – look at the ACPO Policy and DD243. Many installers who originally moaned at the requirements for confirmation systems now work enthusiastically within them because they recognise they have cut false alarms and, in many cases, increased installer profits due to the extra kit needed.

I think we might have the same thing with the Euro standards looming large in October of this year. Today is a particularly difficult time for installers, with massive changes in technology (IP and all those strange new IT people) and cut-throat competition with massive undercutting and skills shortages (why aren’t more youngsters going into this business anyway?) The last thing installers really need is a complete change in their work patterns. However, the Euro machine grinds on slowly but relentlessly and the only thing to do is knuckle down to doing the job as decreed.

My guess is that in a couple of years installers will have seen the benefits to be had working under the more regulated, structured regime of EN50131-1 and PD6662 (and I’m not talking about the dubious right to work anywhere in Europe, which most UK installers are never going to do anyway).The grading of systems and classification of equipment is a logical step that can only make it better for installers in the long run. Having to take a structured, risk based approach to the job can only help installers better understand insurance company requirements (See the basics on page 39).

So why the fear of these changes? Talking to readers about this, it seems a lot of it boils down to the fact that installers are “do-ers” who would rather get on with the job than have to write about it. They do a great job in the field and keep the customers satisfied but are maybe not so hot with the paperwork. Maintenance and tick boxes are OK but they are not so happy with detailed proposals – area and historical checks, how a postcode is assessed for insurers, looking at surrounding roads, access to motorways etc. A lot of installers do not really want to get involved with this.

Installers forced to consider these areas might yet find that it gives a whole new meaning to the job – even though the basics of installing kit will not change. It will make the job more attractive to youngsters and could ease the skills shortage. So what should you be doing now? First, make sure you read all our articles which carry the “Deadline 1/10” logo. We will be running features on this in EVERY edition up to October. And make sure you visit our free Sandown Park Roadshow where you will have a chance to put your questions to Alex Carmichael, an expert in this field (See page 7).