Here is an e mail off the ESC
Part P - third party certification schemes |
The analysis of responses to the Part P consultation is now complete and the revised Part P Regulations will be laid before Parliament on 10th December, coming into force on 6th April 2013. Our understanding of the situation is that the changes to Part P will be similar to those proposed in the consultation document, including a reduction in the scope of notifiable work and the introduction of third party inspection and testing. There may be a list of work that is notifiable, rather than non-notifiable (as at present). The phrasing of the legislation has yet to be decided with details still to be worked out. For legal reasons, the government needs to set up new third party certification schemes, under which inspectors will need to be registered. Those wishing to operate inspection schemes will need to apply to DCLG for authorisation once a framework is in place early next year, with the schemes expected to come into effect in the autumn. Members of third party inspection schemes will need to demonstrate competence in inspection and testing, and membership will not just be open to Part P scheme registrants. DCLG will be looking to industry to help develop competence requirements for assessment purposes. The ESC is likely to be invited to join a working party, along with some of the Part P scheme operators. Electrical installers (DIY or trade) using a third party inspector will not need to notify a building control body before carrying out work or pay building control body fees. The third party inspector will, if satisfied with the work, notify compliance with Building Regulations. Inspectors will need to ‘take all reasonable steps’ to determine whether or not work complies with the Building Regulations – the same requirement as currently applies to building control bodies. Professional Indemnity insurance will be a requirement. The liability for defective work will lie with the installer, not the inspector (unless negligent). We expect the analysis to be published after the party conferences and will continue to work to raise awareness of the importance of Part P among householders. |