Part P, the long-awaited introduction of electrical safety to the Building Regulations, finally looks set to be issued for public consultation in early May.
Following several false starts, the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) is expected to release its consultation of the proposal, which should include a draft of the new Part P, soon after the 2 May local government elections. There is then likely to be a three month period for comment.

The inclusion of Part P in the Building Regulations is expected to dictate new legally-enforceable electrical safety requirements. An Approved Document will set out ways in which the legal requirements could be satisfied.

Self certification of works by 'competent enterprises' is likely to be included within the document. ECA and NICEIC contractors are expected to be recognised as competent enterprises.

For the latest on when the document will be released check the DTLR web site, www.dtlr.gov.uk, for updates. EMC will be featuring the subject in a future issue.