A new Code of Practice for Electrical Work in Social Housing

The Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR), a leading industry forum that undertakes research and draws up policy for the government and industry, has produced a new document setting out standards for the management of electrotechnical care in social housing.   To develop the new code of practice, which aims to standardise procedures and improve electrical safety in social housing. The ESR brought together over 20 social housing providers with first-hand experience in the sector.  

What does the new Code of Practice do?

  The Code of Practice for the Management of Electrotechnical Care in Social Housing has three main points:

• All electrical installation work must be carried out by competent, qualified engineers. Subsequent inspections should be carried out by individuals with a Level 3 Award in the Periodic Inspection, Testing and Certification of Electrical Installations (QCF) - or equivalent. An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) should be produced following an inspection with any remedial work identified and completed within a defined time frame.

 

• The electrical installations in a domestic tenanted property should be inspected and tested at least every 5 years, and at change of occupancy (including voids and mutual exchanges). This frequency should be increased if risk levels are thought to be high.

 

• To help standardise access procedures, the code suggests that three documented access attempts should be made when attempting to undertake essential electrical inspections. These should give adequate notice to the tenant, provide information on why it is important to allow access, and explain what will happen if access is not permitted.

 

Where can I find out more?

  There are three leaflets to download; a full Code of Practice, a summary document that summarises the key recommendations and a social housing access leaflet designed to help residents understand the importance of allowing regular tests.   Full details of the new code of practice can be found on ESR’s website: http://www.electricalsafetyroundtable.co.uk/social-housing.aspx.   EIR’s new code of practice was launched at reception hosted by NAPIT in the House of Commons on 23^rd January. Mike Andrews, NAPIT’s Group Chief Executive, said   "This document is a real step forward for the social housing sector. Striving for higher standards has always been a key part of NAPIT’s ethos, and while safety has improved dramatically in the past few decades, there is always more that can be done. If the recommendations in this Code of Practice are widely adopted, we are sure that the safety of social housing tenants across the country will be significantly improved."   Logic4training offers a qualification for experienced electricians who are responsible for:   Initial verification and certification of electrical installations: Initial Inspection & Testing Course – L3 QCF (2394)   and Periodic inspection and certification of electrical installation: Period Inspection & Testing Course - L3 QCF (2395)