Competence question

[sparky.knight]

Hi All

I have just been doing some testing at work. When I unplugged a appliance I found that the wall socket from which I removed the plug from has a broken face.... :-/

My question is..... in the eyes of the law am I competent enough to replace this??? I know I can do it as I have done it any times before in my shed/garage etc, but wanted to know if I can do this at work

thanks in advance.

 

[Amp David]

How can we tell if you're competent with out know anything about you?

 

[RISElectrical]

If you changed the socket, then something bad happened then would you be able to prove you competence to an insurance company etc? Thats what you need to answer really. We cant say if you are or you arent and the fact your asking the question would suggest that you dont have qualifications to prove such competency claims.
Most people have the ability to change a plug socket but thats not what the insurance company etc will want to know should anything go wrong.
Depending on the person you are testing for they might even want test certificates for the work?

 

[SirKit Breaker]

Competence is up to you.
Do you have enough experience to have the confidence to isolate the circuit, and prove it dead, so you can replace the socket?
Do you have enough knowledge or experience to be able to remove the broken, and refit the new socket correctly?
Do you have the correct tools and equipment to carry out the work?
Can you confirm that once you have replaced the socket, it is safe to use?

If you can answer yes, to all of these then you are competent in my humble opinion. There are no qualifications in competence.

The work you describe is not rocket science, but as with all electrical work, it needs to be carried out safely.

Most people will just pull the fuse, replace the socket, job done. The problems will start if you are doing the job for a third party, and the circuit was out of spec before you started, but you didn't know, you fix the socket, and someone gets hurt, this may not be as result of what you did, but you were the last person to work on it. I will let you work out for yourself where the brown stuff will land.

Cheers............Howard

 

[sparky.knight]

thanks guys, I thought this might be the feedback.....

I know its not rocket science, I wouldn't do something if I didn't feel confident enough, unlike some idiots out there!!

think at the moment I will just stick to reporting it to the people above...

cheers guys

 

[PC Electrics]

And keep records that you reported it.

 

[oldtimer]

Hi All

I have just been doing some testing at work. When I unplugged a appliance I found that the wall socket from which I removed the plug from has a broken face.... :-/

My question is..... in the eyes of the law am I competent enough to replace this??? I know I can do it as I have done it any times before in my shed/garage etc, but wanted to know if I can do this at work

thanks in advance.

Its not just a question of being competent the other question that is overlooked is am I insured to do this a bit like a electrician who replace an electric shower yep electrics no probs but water and if it floods a house his insurance company says so you just done the electrics right..........

 

[sparky.knight]

And keep records that you reported it.

yep will do thanks

 

[mogga]

Its at WORL then its your employer who should be getting it done and certified as anyone else could come to harm if you did something wrong

 

[ohreally]

My question is..... in the eyes of the law am I competent enough to replace this

Perhaps reflect on BS7671 and the EAWA.

A person who possesses sufficient technical knowledge, relevant practical skills + experience for the nature of the work undertaken and is able at all times to prevent danger and injury to others

No person shall be engaged in any work activity where technical knowledge or experience is necessary to prevent danger unless he possesses such knowledge or experience or is under such supervision

Know your limits of capability and knowledge.