We should aim to be better vetters

ON READING, AS EVER, MIKE LYNSKEY’S article on vetting employees (Security Installer, October ), I am amazed that the security industry does not follow the steps that we have in education. I have been issued a document/certificate entitled "Enhanced Disclosure Certificate".

It states the following details and parts that are recorded:

(1) Police Records of convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings;

(2) Department for Education & Skills Information;

(3) Department of Health Information;

(4) Other Relevant Information.

This Enhanced Disclosure Certificate covers the Meanings of Sections 115 and 116 of the Police Act 1997 – it is also issued in accordance with Part V of the Police Act 1997.

These offences that may be shown and logged against you include forgery or alteration of disclosures and using a disclosure issued to another person as if it was one's own

It shows your name (and any other name known), employment details, sex, date of birth, place of birth, the position that you have applied for and that which you are carrying out at the time of issue.

What has to be considered is the possibility of an installer (where nothing is known about his sexual habits) being left in a house with a young child. Where is that shown on the screening checks carried out by a security company?

I sent Mike a copy of this – it might be something that his inspectorate can follow up on instead of following a wild goose chase in connection with the "Part P Building Regs".

On that matter, it has been announced that the application by BRE Certification to run a "Competent Person" scheme relating to Part P will come into force on January 1 2005. As a professional ‘nit picker’ (so I have been told), I have had a look at various schemes that are on offer to become a "Competent Person". This, of course, can be achieved by paying a yearly fee of several hundred pounds to be able to complete what is called a "Small Works Certificate” – after attending a simple training course .

On checking with the relevant local building authorities, (ie, to whom would I need to show my certificate to enable me to be considered and have my name entered on the role as "An Approved Competent Person" and be able to complete and issue "Small Works Certificate"?) the sad reply was "We do not know. We have not been told anything. We are just as confused as the electrical industry is "

"Small Works Certification” as everyone knows is the form used when a circuit is simply modified or extended. For example adding socket outlets or a "fuse spur" to an existing ring circuit/radial circuit.

On disseminating all the various downloads and technical waffle I read that there are two main exclusions to be considered.

The first is that That the work is carried out by an approved "Competent Person"

The second exception is that if you are installing work that comes under the heading "Small Works" then you are exempt from this new Part P. Providing that you have taken a basic course on the need to complete a Small Works Certificate and thus deemed “competent” you do not have to register with the Building Control bodies. Work that need not be notified to Building Control Bodies is (I quote):

A: Adding Lighting Points (light fittings and switches to an existing circuit)

B: Adding Socket outlets and fused spurs to an existing ring or radial Circuit

These are based on the fact that the existing circuit protective device is suitable and unaffected and provides protection for that circuit and that the cable used to feed the fuse spur has the same current carrying capacity and that it does not serve more than one sub circuit through a distribution board.

Another way round this ill conceived scheme is if you have already taken the trouble to attend a special course and have been made fully aware of the dangers of being electrocuted (ie, not your neon screwdriver!), been shown how to use the correct approved equipment, carry out the relevant test on a demo rig and record all your findings. You will have to show where and when you took the training, show a copy of your certificate of competency and a copy of the course syllabus.

I am sure that there are many installers, managers, directors etc out there who claim that they are “competent “ especially when it comes to driving their prized possession, their car. But how many drivers ever look again at their Codes of Practice "The Highway Code" once they have passed their test ?

I wonder how many managers, directors, company owners actually do have all the relevant documentation and current standards ... or are even aware that they exist!

If any reader s want to study the relevant documentation that is available on line check out www.partp.co.uk or www.eca.co.uk or www.niceic.org or www.safety.odpm.gov.uk/bregs/conindex.htm and click on to Building Regulations.