Stroma Certification Scheme Hi Guys . 5yrs with NIC- hate em-want to rant. Giving Stroma a try- let u know!

[Kiers1970]

NICEIC shocking, complete botto feeding self serving arrogant gets.

 

[p496hav]

Hi Clink,
I downloaded 4 pages of nonsense from the HSE back in 08, I put my name in every single box, signed it, and it's kept NIC happy ever since. Can't find that link, but I reckon the template at this one will do just fine:-hse.gov.uk/risk/faq.htm#g6(plus w's)
I got pulled up in 09 for not having a "Complaints Procedure", so I dutifully made up a form with boxes for ate,name,address,date work carried out,Nature of complaint,action taken. The following year I was pulled up for not filling it in! "But I've had none!" Apparently I'm supposed to put May 09- May 10....NO COMPLAINTS! Hey-ho this sure is making my customers safer.
First asses' is stressful, but (bar one) NIC's guys were the only human contact I ever had. They will find fault, let them, it's their job, but if it's only procedure bull or lack of a sticker, so what. Pick their brains, it makes em feel useful, they won't fail you on first unless you're a complete numpty.
Good luck. Got mine with Stroma tomorrow- let u know!

 

[Amp David]

Welcome to the forum

 

[Geordie Spark]

Welcome

 

[p496hav]

Hi guys,
Stroma assessment update- good and bad news I'm afraid. Really nice chap turned up- IN A VAN! Got on well. Monstrous amount of repetitive paperwork to fill in- signed it at least 4 times! Whilst he was happy with my work, sadly he couldn't sign me off there and then- had to refer it back to the office.
Their response:-
Peter needs to send us photographic evidence showing that he has labelled the consumer unit with a next test and inspection sticker.
· Also evidence of risk assessment, health and safety procedures are in place
· Explanation of reporting and certification and how it meets CPS standards(he can reference IET website for most of this)
· Professional development (just needs to let us know he is keeping up with current standards etc)
· Method statements

My reply:-
Many Thanks for a very pleasant assessment, Mark was very professional, knowledgeable and helpful.

Now to the bureaucracy:-
Point1:- Test/ins' label- I correctly pointed this oversight out to Mark, but as I didn't install, test or inspect this board,(apart from my 4 circuits) I'm surprised that you want me to put my name to it. If you really want photographic proof of a sticker, I would prefer to send a pic of one of my own installs.

Points 2 to 5:- I have to say I'm disappointed with your vague responses to my requests for help with this. I am only a sole trader, and internet forums imply that none of this applies to firms of less than 5 employees. To the best of my knowledge ( I've been with the NICE for the last 6 years) no other scheme provider asks for it. Are you sure you're not confusing the requirements of CPS with those of MCS ?
Further to your clue about the IET, I have discovered the"ELECTRO TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT SPECIFICATION FOR USE BY CERTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION BODIES".(copy attached).

If you have access to documentation that supersedes this could you please send me a copy or a direct link.

As far as I can see, I comply, with the arguable exception of :-
"15.6.8 evidence that a written health and safety policy statement is in place and that risk Assessments are carried out as appropriate."
Even this gives us the "as appropriate" get-out. As a single operator with 32 years clean record, I think my assessments are proved sufficient and appropriate.

On a more positive note, during the many unpaid hours I have devoted to this ,I have found a General risk assessment form (copy attached). It's .pdf which is difficult for me to work with, needs tweaking and personalising, but covers more than I could ever have thought of. If it helps you tick a box, am I on the right track with this?

Their reply today:-
I can confirm that I will try to get someone to look at this evidence for you by the end of the week. At the moment a lot of our staff are away on business, so please be patient.

So still up in the air. I'm beginning to suspect I'm the first to try them. Some will say I'm pushing my luck rattling their cage like this, but I've had enough of mindless bureaucracy and really don't understand what they want. If anyone can give me templates relevant to a sole trader electrician?, I'll gladly fill them in and send back.

Interesting point I found in the iet spec, "14.2 A Certification or Registration Body may, following risk Assessment and at its discretion, vary the interval between surveillance visits. The interval shall not exceed three years."

Any advice? Thanks.

 

[Garythenab]

Hi welcome to the forum.

Another thumbs up for elecsa here.

 

[Sintra]

Hi & welcome.

 

[p496hav]

Hi Guys- Good news,

Phoned Stroma last week, and within 2hrs my certificate,logo and log-in were in my in-box. I just need to put a risk assessment policy in place for next year. Logo needed editing in paint to change "Approved contractor" to "Approved part P electrician" but that was easy, as was the notification system.
So, in-spite of the OTT paperwork, I would recommend Stroma. By phone or in person they're good to deal with, they're still learning and will get better.
If anyone needs help with this, please e-mail me

 

[Cleggy]

Hi and welcome