Letters

Part P pain

Please add my company’s name to the list of those closing down due to the way Part P has been implemented.

The firm was established in 1964 and specialises in factory maintenance, repairs, machine breakdowns and domestic and factory installations. What a sad loss to the British factory industry that electricians like me, with 40 years’ experience, City & Guilds, ONC and electronics qualifications are now worth nothing.

I blame the NICEIC, ECA, plus gullible politicians for the way Part P has been enforced and for the long-term damage this will do to our country’s industrial base. It needs to be addressed: the only consideration was jobs for the boys.

H W Smith, H & S Electrical, North Mymms, Herts

Scheme stress

Your comment was spot on – I have first-hand experience of these practices (‘Fast track to nowhere’, EMC, March, p5).

A colleague rang me a few weeks ago stressed about the fact that he’s had to elect to join a scheme. He has been in the trade 30 years as self-employed, but has never done any testing. He has bought himself an all-singing and dancing meter, but could not understand how to use it. I was asked to give him a day’s tuition on how to fill in certificates.

He was completely at a loss and struggling to understand even the minor works certificate. In my opinion he was a very clear case of needing a second assessment.

I rang him on the day of his assessment. He was over the moon; no problems, he had a ticket. What’s that about then?

This scheme is just lining the pockets of the select again. I am lucky and proud to be a member of what I consider to be a good organisation and have tested installations for many years, so I do not have a problem with the fundamentals of the scheme. Like most others I feel it does suck! But, knowing this lot of clowns in government, we are going to have to live with it.

Alan Drew, D & W Electrics (West Bromwich)

Don’t discriminate

Given that firms in the UK had eight years to prepare for October 2004’s Phase III of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), it is surprising that 80% of those on our high streets are still failing to make the necessary adjustments.

Part III affects commercial and public sector buildings and states that all organisations have to make ‘reasonable’ adjustments to their premises in order to accommodate disabled people. Many building occupants worry that this new law will be financially crippling.

It is estimated that one in eight people in the UK meets the DDA’s definition of disability, which includes people with poor eyesight. It is simple and economical to address the needs of this section of the population: illuminated, brightly coloured, large light switches, contrasting colours on door frames, brighter lighting and the use of automated presence detectors such as passive infrared controls can make all of our lives much easier.

Instead of worrying about hypothetical financial burdens, organisations should start taking action and making simple changes. These can make the world of difference to disabled people.

Marc Gaunt, product marketing manager, Clipsal, Shropshire

Congratulations to H Smith on winning this month’s vouchers.