CABLEtalk December 2018/January 2019

December 2018/January 2019 £4.50

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Delivering a powerful message SELECT takes the fight for industry regulation to the Scottish Parliament PAGES 6&7

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Find out more about the Registration Board

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Important changes to your SJIB card

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Up close with Apprentice of the Year Blair Hendry

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019 OPINION

04

SELECT staff and industry figures reveal secret Christmas wishes

05

Acting Managing Director Alan Wilson looks ahead to a new year

NEWS

06

All the latest updates from across SELECT and the wider industry

FEATURES

FEATURES

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Stan Johnston discusses the vital work of our Registration Board

16

Fiona Harper discusses potential impacts of the updated SJIB Card

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Find out why our Welfare Benefits could be a matter of life and death

20 21

SECTT centre throws party to celebrate its 25th anniversary

28 30

Training, payments & awareness are all among our goals for 2019

Technical update No6 shines a light on residual current devices

We unveil our exclusive new suite of certificates and report forms

FOCUS

34

Is there finally some light at the end of the retentions tunnel?

TRAINING

37

Apprentices Rhys and Paul dazzle at this year’s WorldSkills UK LIVE

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

40 FEATURES

25

We put Apprentice of the Year Blair Hendry under the spotlight

The very latest innovations and inventions now on the market

DIARY

43 CABLEtalk

Win £50 of Amazon vouchers in our fabulous festive crossword

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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SEASON’S GREETINGS

All I really want in my Christmas stocking is...

My wish for Christmas is for businesses in the Scottish construction sector to see a change to the outdated and much-abused system of retentions. There is a better way of doing things and the industry needs to change this practice now.

ALAN WILSON, Acting Managing Director, SELECT

My biggest wish is for better and fairer payment practices that help businesses across Scotland to thrive and prosper.

LEN BUNTON, SEC Group Scotland

I would like to see more qualified apprentices coming through, shaping our industry and giving it a bright future.

ANNE GALBRAITH, Chief Executive, SECTT

For private landlords to begin to fulfil their potential to solve the housing crisis, the government to acknowledge and support the role of landlords in solving this crisis, and landlords to continue to increase standards and provide flexible, high quality housing.

JOHN BLACKWOOD, Chief Executive, Scottish Association of Landlords 4

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For a bit of fun, we asked SELECT staff and industry figures who’ve appeared in CABLEtalk this year for their Christmas wish-list

I have just one wish this year as I got a bit greedy in 2017: If construction industry clients want the innovative, sustainable and high quality industry they claim, could one of Santa’s legal elves please publish cost-scoring criteria for them that does not always award the cheapest price the highest mark, and acknowledges that it’s most probably the one that should be put in the bin (along with the highest, obviously).

BRUCE DICKSON, Regional Director – Scotland, BAM Construction Ltd

There are only three things on my list this year: Regulation, regulation and regulation!

FIONA HARPER, The Secretary, SJIB

I would dearly love to find one thing in my stocking: A statutory mandatory 30-day payment period starting from application and/or invoice.

RUDI KLEIN, CEO, SEC Group

A new year brings new expectations

T

his is the time of the year when we often reflect on the past but, more importantly, look to the future to see how our lives may change in the next 12 months. For individuals this can mean resolutions to eat less, or more healthily, to exercise more or perhaps even decide to change career.

However, for industry sectors, it becomes slightly more difficult to agree what we would all like to see, never mind achieve.

But, for the first time in many years, sense that there is now a real appetite not only in resolving to make change but to actually follow through and implement changes.

A few examples illustrate this. Firstly, our campaign to regulate the industry via Protection of Title is gaining more and more support across the political and industry spectrum. A recent debate in Holyrood showed full cross-party support for such a move, which would go some way in protecting the Scottish public from unsafe electrical work carried out by unqualified individuals. 2019 will see the campaign moving forward again to ensure that the Scottish government does the right thing and introduces a legislative and regulatory framework for our industry. During

“I am confident that change will be made in many ways over the coming months, and that these expectations will turn into reality” a recent discussion with an MSP, a point was made about considering the “unintended consequences of regulation”. I would ask, what are the unintended consequences of not regulating? More dangerous work, more lives put at risk, part or unqualified ‘electricians’ falling further behind on safety requirements? The argument is overwhelming.

Secondly, we are working much more closely with Construction Scotland. This body was set up by government and is seen as the ‘voice’ of the Scottish industry. Through our work with Construction Scotland, we are now beginning to see real support and more importantly, some real actions which will begin to assist Members. Reductions in the limit at which Project Bank Accounts are introduced into public sector works are being considered and we fully support moves in this direction. Work on ring fencing, then removing forever the outdated and often abused retentions system, is also on the agenda, and after years of talk it does look like there will be a positive outcome for our industry.

While there’s a long way to go in all of these issues, I am confident that change will be made in many ways over the coming months, and these expectations will turn into reality.

From a personal perspective, can I take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in producing our magazine CABLEtalk, which is the envy of many in our industry.

And finally a special thanks to all our readers. We appreciate your input and comments (most of which are positive!)

For those contemplating a change in their lives in the next 12 months, good luck and stick with it!

By Alan Wilson Acting Managing Director, SELECT CABLEtalk

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NEWS REGULATION

December 2018/January 2019 £4.50

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£50 IN OF VOUC HE PAGE 43

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Delivering a powerful message SELECT takes the fight for industry regulation to the Scottish Parliament PAGES 6&7

out more about Important changes 25 Upof thecloseYearwithBlairApprentice Hendry 14 Find the Registration Board 16 to your SJIB card

CABLEtalk MANAGING EDITOR Alan Wilson alan.wilson@select.org.uk PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Demi Armstrong demi.armstrong@select.org.uk EDITOR Iain Mason iain@connectcommunications.co.uk 0141 560 3022 PUBLISHER Connect Publications DESIGN & PRODUCTION Ryan Swinney ryan@connectcommunications.co.uk ADVERTISING David Hughes davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk 0131 561 0022 Jane Deane jane@connectcommunications.co.uk 0131 561 0020 CABLEtalk is produced by Connect Publications on behalf of SELECT

Connect Publications Studio 2001, Mile End 12 Seedhill Road Paisley PA1 1JS Tel: 0141 561 0300

The Walled Garden Bush Estate Midlothian EH26 0SB Tel: 0131 445 5577 CABLEtalk is the official magazine of SELECT and is distributed free to qualifying readers.

ISSN 1365-3288 SELECT is the trading style of the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Scotland. The SELECT logo is a registered Collective Mark.

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Our campaign Staff join trip to Scottish Parliament as campaign to regulate electricians is debated in the chamber

T

he long-running campaign by SELECT, the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Unite the Union for recognition of electricians as a profession achieved a major milestone when the issue was debated in the Scottish Parliament.

More than 40 SELECT staff climbed aboard a special ‘battle bus’ and travelled to hear the debate, which also saw a special billboard displayed outside Holyrood to reinforce our vital message.

In a wide-ranging discussion, MSPs from all parties debated the call for the privilege of calling a person an

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electrician to be limited only to those who are properly qualified.

The Holyrood debate on 25 October was opened by Jamie Halcro Johnston, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, who has backed the campaign in the interests of public safety from its early stages.

During the debate, Mr Halcro Johnston told parliament that he had been staggered to learn that the people who entered our homes and businesses to install and maintain our wiring, fuse boxes and appliances need have no qualifications at all and yet they can still call themselves electricians.

Responding to the debate, Jamie

SEC Group applauds payments crackdown

hits Holyrood Hepburn, Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills, thanked MSPs for their contributions and said discussions would continue with the aim of bringing a ministerial view to parliament in due course.

Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, thanked the MSPs who initially signed the motion and those who took part in the debate.

He said: “Protection of title has been at the forefront of our work for a number of years. In fact it was triggered following a speech by a Government Minister at a European electrical contractors conference held in Edinburgh in 2015. We are very grateful to have received support from Unite the Union, the SJIB, other trade bodies and politicians from all parties.

“It is a major issue. The overall cost of poor and potentially dangerous electrical work in Scotland is around

£120 million a year. It is a serious matter of public safety.

“Recognition of the vital role that qualified electricians play in all parts of Scottish society is long overdue. These are highly-trained, uniquely qualified professional people whose contribution to modern life is immense.”

Mr Halcro Johnston pointed out that, while more than 100 regulated professions exist in the UK – including gas engineers and even door supervisors at clubs – there is no protection afforded to electricians.

His motion asked Parliament to recognise that improperly-installed electrical work creates a significant risk of fire as well as other harm to householders and that the installation of electrical work by unqualified or part-qualified individuals carries a major safety risk.

The Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group has welcomed a recent announcement by the Cabinet Office that it intends to exclude late payers from government contracts.

The leading construction body – which represents the largest sector of UK construction by value – said the measure was long overdue and urged the government to act on it.

SEC Group CEO Professor Rudi Klein said: “For some years we have been advocating a yellow and red card policy for public sector procurement.

In other words, poor payers should be warned about their payment performance and then banned from public sector contracts if their performance doesn’t improve.”

The Reporting of Payment Practices and Performance Regulations 2017 currently requires large companies to report on their payment practices.

This includes providing information about standard payment terms and the proportion of invoices paid late.

Professor Klein hopes that this data will give public sector procurers sufficient evidence on which to base their decisions to exclude poor payers. He added: “Public sector procurers must also up their game to ensure they pay on time.

“Furthermore, I would expect the whole of the UK public sector to follow suit and proactively challenge payment abuse.”

For Rudi’s latest update on payments and retentions, turn to pages 34&35

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NEWS ROUND-UP

Alan is appointed Vice Chair of SBCC The Scottish Building Contract Committee (SBCC) has elected SELECT Acting Managing Director Alan Wilson to be its Vice Chair.

Alan (below) – who was elected at the SBCC’s AGM on 7 November – said: “It’s a great honour to our organisation, as well as to our sister body, the Scottish Engineering Contractors Group, (SECG), to have been elected as Vice Chair of SBCC.” The SBCC,which provides definitive guidance on building contracts and construction law in Scotland, was founded in the 1960s. Until now its office bearers have been drawn from the membership of the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Chair of the SBCC, Lisa Cattanach, a chartered surveyor who is also a director of Glasgowbased Contract Dispute Resolution, said: “We have worked closely for some years with SELECT and SECG and have a high regard for their professionalism and abilities. In our view, the election of Alan is a timely and appropriate development reflecting our due acknowledgement of his organisation”.

Lisa’s first official role as chair of the SBCC was to host a successful annual conference, held in the Merchants House in Glasgow on 14 November.

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SELECT President Kevin is honoured at prestigious fire and safety ceremony

S

ELECT President Kevin Griffin has received a major award in recognition of his long involvement in the crucial fire and safety side of the electrical profession.

Kevin was this year’s

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

recipient of The Ian Marsh Award, which recognises individuals who demonstrate enthusiasm and selfless concern for the fire and emergency systems industry.

The award was made on behalf of the Fire and Security Association at the prestigious IFSEC Security and Fire

Select President Kevin Griffin (right) and Pat Allen of Abel Alarm Company celebrate awards

Newell is made an Honorary Member Former Managing Director Newell McGuiness has joined a select band of individuals after being awarded Honorary Member status by the Central Board of SELECT. He was awarded with his membership certificate by current SELECT president Kevin Griffin at a past president and honorary members’ lunch.

Newell said he was honoured and privileged to have received the award and he thanked the members of Central Board for their support during his time as SELECT MD.

Excellence Awards in London on 21 November.

Kevin received the award in front of nearly 1,000 of the industry’s foremost practitioners at the prestigious event.

He said: “I am humbled and extremely gratified to receive this unexpected recognition, especially from fellow professionals who have also dedicated their efforts to keeping people safe in the workplace and at home.

“Safety is at the heart of everything we do in the electrical sector and I wish to share this award, not only with the people in my own firm but also in SELECT, which

continues to do invaluable work throughout this field.”

Kevin has been chairman of the Lanarkshire branch of SELECT on a number of occasions and has been closely involved with the work of the Fire and Security Association for a number of years.

Alan Wilson, Acting Managing Director at SELECT, said: “This is a particularly welldeserved award for our President, who has been active in SELECT for many years and has diligently carried out a series of roles, including branch chairmanships.”

NEW MEMBERS

Nine firms have become SELECT Members since September 2018

Premier Electrics Scotland Limited – Glasgow G Muir Electrical Services – Ayrshire Bright Sparks Electrical – Glasgow Combined Electrical Engineering Limited – Glasgow Kenny Ironside Electrician – Tayside Steven Oakes Electrical Ltd – Inverness A M Electrical Services – Tayside APF Heating & Mechanical Services Limited – Inverness C Squared Electrical – Edinburgh

New alliance with BSG takes the risk out of assessments SELECT has added to its extensive portfolio of services with a new tool to assist with producing risk assessment information and guidance.

A new arrangement with the Building Safety Group (BSG) will provide Member companies with online risk assessment software to help them to remain compliant with regulatory obligations.

Under the agreement, SELECT member companies will be able to log in to BSG’s system and access more than 70 different types of risk assessment template.

Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services, said: “This new alliance will open up a tried and tested means of ensuring workplace and

public safety and meeting the legal requirements in health and safety provision.”

Each BSG template is pre-configured with unique control measures relevant to the hazard. Users apply a risk rating for each hazard appraised, using BSG’s 5 x 5 evaluation matrix. It then calculates scores based on risk severity and likelihood.

Users can then apply a residual risk rating once the control measures have been considered. After an assessment is completed, it can be saved as a PDF before being emailed to the location of construction work.

Member firms can register for the service using their SELECT contact details.

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NEWS MEMBER UPDATES

Three bright sparks on the rise in Oban

K

enneth Ferguson Electrical Contractors is currently reaping the rewards of its training programme, with its trio of apprentices making great strides.

The award-winning company, from Connel, near Oban, now has three trainees on its books: ●●Matthew Kelly, of Oban, is now in his third year and just about to apply for his final test. He came through the right to work scheme before starting his apprenticeship and plays football for local amateur team Oban Saints in his spare time. ●●David Cameron, from the Isle of Mull, is 17. He spent his secondary education at Oban High School, staying away from home in a hostel.

While he was there he carried out work experience with the firm and

then pursued his electrical “The electrical world is an everapprenticeship. He plays rugby changing place and we’re constantly for Oban Lorne 1st XV. looking at new ideas and technologies. ●●Daniel MacVicar of Oban, It means our areas of expertise gained great academic now cover everything from results and could have fire alarms, CCTV and gone to university, but solar PV to electric car was determined to charging, LED lighting follow up his upgrades and air apprenticeship. source heat pumps.”

When he’s not Established in 2006, working, he plays Kenneth’s company shinty for local team has carved out a David Oban Camanachd. substantial business Cameron During their first year, in the local area, with its all three spent 20 weeks work stretching from on block release at West Campbeltown to Fort College Scotland, travelling down on a William and the nearby islands.

Sunday and staying in digs till Friday.

The firm’s work providing domestic, Kenneth Ferguson said: “All three commercial and industrial services have proved a great asset to the team was recognised when it scooped Best and have been busy learning the latest Medium-Sized Contractor at the developments in the industry.

SELECT Awards 2018.

Matthew Kelly tackles another job

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Daniel MacVicar enjoying his work

Multi-skilled Moray graduates from Napier University Enterprising Moray Robertson has graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a degree in Business Management.

The Managing Director of Moray Robertson Electrical Services (MRES) was delighted to receive his degree following more than a year of hard work and commitment, juggling business, family and studying.

“I’ve been self-employed for around 30 years now and wanted to make sure I was doing everything right as far as the business is concerned and have the opportunity to learn new management skills.”

Moray and his proud wife Cherene attended the university’s graduation ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall in October.

Moray’s graduation came just weeks after his electrical firm was nominated for the Best MediumSized Contractor prize at the SELECT Awards 2018.

Moray is an advocate of lifelong learning and wanted to ensure his family firm is on the right track by studying all aspects of business including law, managing staff, statutory procedures and administration.

He said: “I’m proud to have completed the degree, which I felt was an important part of my development as a business owner and manager.

TELL US YOUR NEWS! We want to share our Members’ good news – so please let us know what’s going on in your business

Tell us about your: ●●New contracts ●●Special projects ●●Apprentice news ●●Awards

CABLEtalk

●●Promotions ●●New arrivals Email any news to iain@connectmedia.cc or call 0141 560 3022

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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NEWS ROUND-UP SELECT training courses enhanced by donation of Crabtree consumer units

SELECT Training and Development Adviser Malcolm Duncan (left) accepts the equipment from Crabtree Sales Engineer Billy McDonald

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Crabtree has kindly donated a number of single phase consumer units to help SELECT as we expand our training provision.

Due to increasing demand, SELECT has had to build several new test board simulators and refurbish existing equipment.

Crabtree’s units will now be installed on both the new and refurbished simulators to allow the practical assessment of

individual candidate skills.

The simulators offer a realistic hands-on inspection and test facility for candidates attending SQA-approved training courses.

This training provision includes the Design and Verification of Electrical Installations course (208), Initial Verification course (209) and the Periodic Inspection and Testing of Electrical Installations training course (214).

A Historic moment Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has become a member of SELECT. Richard T. Aitken, Head of National Operations, Conservation & Maintenance, said: “HES is delighted to obtain membership of SELECT. “This membership is direct recognition of hard work, dedication and expertise of our staff in promoting, demonstrating and maintaining high quality work and standards.

“Working in Partnership with SELECT will provide HES staff with the invaluable technical advice and expertise, which we will utilise and build upon to enhance best practice and high standards in the workplace.”

SELECT welcomes BSI agreement SELECT has welcomed the approval of a plan which secures full post-Brexit membership of the British Standards Institution (BSI) within European Standards Organisations (ESOs).

The decision, taken separately

by ESOs CEN and CENELEC on 12 November, means the BSI, UK industry and other stakeholders will continue to have a central role in shaping and maintaining best practice standards across Europe.

Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services, SELECT, said: “This is the best possible outcome of what has been an uncertain situation.

“It displays a pragmatism on both sides that will reassure UK standards users that the system will continue to meet their needs.”

RIGHT: Yvonne Wilson, Membership Representative, presents HES with its membership certificate

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FEATURES THE BIG INTERVIEW

Ensuring everything is above board SELECT’s Registration Board is a vital part of the organisation, working quietly and effectively behind the scenes to deal with any complaints against Members. We spoke to its Chairman, Stan Johnston, to find out exactly how it does it

How do you deal with the complaints?

Members of the public typically, lodge complaints with SELECT about the conduct or behaviour of Members or the quality of work they have done. We usually handle two or three complaints at each meeting, but it can be anything up to a dozen. The technical team will have looked at each complaint and formed an opinion about what needs to be done; they may have taken some action by the time we look at it. We have to deem whether the course of action is appropriate.

What kind of action can be taken against Members?

It could range from simply sending a letter giving a rap on the knuckles to an

By Iain Mason electrician being subjected to a further inspection by the technical team.

Hello Stan. What is the SELECT Members have to go through a periodic Registration Board and what inspection to make sure they comply does it do? with the standards that SELECT put The Registration Board was set up upon them. We can say: “OK, let’s have 15 years ago to oversee an inspection of these people”, or the SELECT complaints “let’s make sure they have an procedures and ensure all inspection every six months complaints are dealt with or year rather than the usual in a fair and proper and two years”. It can go all the timeous manner. When way to expulsion from the Registration Board SELECT for a contractor.

Stan Johnston meets, we look at what has That can’t be done by the been going on in SELECT Registration Board; the that may affect the proper Registration Board can make a governance of the organisation. The recommendation to SELECT’s Central core of the meeting, however, is to Board, which is the management board, look at complaints. Any electrician and then they can take a decision based who signs up to become a member of on that recommendation.

SELECT signs a code of conduct and if he or she does not behave within What else does the Board do? the code of conduct, SELECT will We sometimes get contractors and take appropriate action. their customers together and help to 14

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resolve the impasse situations that can arise. It’s an informal type of dispute resolution. I take that responsibility myself usually, but sometimes we have some other independent people involved. I can recall one instance where we had a contractor who had agreed a contract with a client who was notionally a property developer and also a lawyer to trade. And he had agreed the contract on a handshake!

We pointed out to them that really that’s not good enough. The one thing that it doesn’t cover is contractual disputes. So if a customer phones up

plus some other independent people.

The independent people represent bodies such as the Institute of Electrical Engineers, Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, RoSPA, the Electrical Distributors’ Association and others like that. We’re involved in the safety and proper management of the electrical industry from bodies that SELECT interacts with.

Why do you think SELECT and its work is so important?

The whole point and purpose of SELECT existing is to make sure that the quality of electrical work carried out in Scotland is to proper standards.

Electricity is of course dangerous stuff if it’s not dealt with properly, so what we need to ensure is that all people carrying out electrical installation work are doing it properly. That means they have to be up to date with training, on legislation matters of health and safety and so on, and it means they have to be working in a proper professional manner and their accounts are right. SELECT provides them with a mechanism to keep all their training up to date, in the form of training courses and updates about revised regulations. SELECT also provides a backstop for a contractor’s clients, in the case of something terrible happening.

How has membership of SELECT changed over the years?

SELECT and complains that a contractor is charging them too much but they don’t have a quote in writing, well, the contractors are supposed to give you things in writing and he will get his knuckles rapped for that.

What does the role of Chairman entail?

I’ve been the Chairman of the Board ever since it was set up. Our first task was to write a remit, based on a draft presented to us by SELECT, and we had to go through that line by line to make sure it was entirely fit for

purpose. As a registered trade body, SELECT needs to have external oversight. I’m not employed by SELECT and I’m not an electrician to trade. I’ve been in the building industry doing mechanical and electrical engineering for 40 years and have run my own consultancy business for most of that time. I have a lot of familiarity with the electrical industry but I’m not directly engaged with SELECT.

As a trade association, SELECT has to work hard to ensure that its Members carry out work in the proper manner.

Some years ago the regulations were changed so that contractors could self-certify their work, and that means they have to be fully aware of all the regulations. That was what really sparked SELECT to create the Registration Board. All the certification is now done online and that can present a challenge for some of the older guys who have been in the industry for a long time.

Who else sits on the Board?

The other Board members are representatives of the local branches, CABLEtalk

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To find out more about the SELECT Registration Board, visit www.select.org.uk

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FEATURES SJIB CARDS

Change on the cards The SJIB Grade (ECS) Card in your pocket is changing slightly and will now be underpinned by qualifications. We explain the move, why the cards are vital to every electrician – and why it’s equally important to keep them updated and common understanding across the UK. Their purpose is to advise a potential employer that someone is a qualified electrician. So if they see someone with

By Fiona Harper Head of Employment Affairs, SELECT

T

he SJIB Grade (ECS) Cards have been around for as long as the SJIB itself – nearly 50 years in fact.

They come in all colours, from white cards with a red stripe for apprentices to a gold card that, unsurprisingly, represents the gold standard in the industry.

But whatever their colour, they all mean something and ensure a shared 16

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“Although the cards themselves aren’t changing, it’s vital to keep them up to date” an SJIB card, they know they’ve gone through an official SJIB programme and can be confident that they’ve been properly trained.

The card is also vital in the ongoing push for industry regulation, as if you’ve got one, it shows that at the very least you’re on your way to being qualified, or doing the additional training that will upgrade you to an approved electrician.

Plus, thanks to our affiliation with Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS), prospective employers can also

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tell that you’re expert in health and safety and have taken an environmental assessment.

As our table shows, the main cards are for approved and skilled electricians, as well as apprentices, but in addition, there are ones for labourers and other ECS-related occupations, such as data communications and fire and security.

So what’s changing?

So far so good, you might think.

However, during the past year, fundamental changes have been implemented by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).

The biggest change is that all these cards now have to be underpinned by specific qualifications – and it’s going to be an evolving and ongoing process,

THE ECS SCHEME The Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) is a partner of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS), instantly recognisable within the electrotechnical industry to allow card holders to demonstrate their credentials to others; from employers and clients to business contacts and colleagues

which requires close attention.

It might seem complex at first, but in a nutshell, the qualifications and paperwork you hold will be crucial to every card, and you may need to undergo new training to make sure every box is ticked.

So for example, if you currently hold a manager’s card, you will have to undergo a different type of health and safety course to meet the requirements of the new card.

To help support this, from early next year, the SJIB will be developing specially customised training courses with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

This will help ensure that everyone has the qualifications they need to hold a card, so you can continue to do your job.

aware and check what the requirements are for your particular card.

If, for example, you currently have a site manager’s card, you’ll need to think about what’s appropriate for you in the future. It could be a site support card, a manager’s card or even a special card for an Academically Qualified Person (AQP).

You just need to be thinking about where you’re going next and which card you’ll need. And remember – YOU are responsible for your cards, not the SJIB. The SJIB will honour all current cards until they expire, and only then will we be telling people the appropriate action to take.

Until then, we will be distributing circulars and updating our website with important messaging – so please get in touch if you have any queries.

Don’t panic!

Although the physical cards themselves aren’t really changing, what is important is that you have your cards up to date.

SELECT Members don’t need to do anything now, but you do need to be

To find out more, email fiona.harper@select.org.uk

SJIB Grade Cards SJIB Grade Card

Colour

Criteria

Apprentice

Red

Undertaking the SJIB Apprentice and Adult Training Scheme Modern Apprenticeship

Adult Trainee

Red

Undertaking the SJIB Apprentice and Adult Training Scheme Modern Apprenticeship

Electrical Labourer (new)

Green Stripe

Hold a valid ECS Health, Safety and Environment Assessment certificate or an approved exemption

Electrician

Gold

Successfully completed a recognised Electrical Installations Apprenticeship

Approved Electrician

Gold

Successfully completed the Advanced Competence Assessment (ACA)

Technician

Gold

Successfully completed the SQA [SELECT] Tailored Award in Design and Verification of Electrical Installation (BS 7671) or an approved equivalent

Crediting Electrotechnical Scheme (CEC)

Gold

Registered on the CEC Scheme

ECS Manager

Black

Must have been graded as an Electrician, Approved Electrician or Technician or achieved a minimum Level 4 management qualification

Site Support Manager (new)

Black Stripe

Hold a valid ECS Health, Safety and Environment Assessment certificate or an approved exemption

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FEATURES WELFARE BENEFITS We might not want to think about it, but serious accidents at work can happen to anyone. SELECT offers a range of benefits to help in the event of dismemberment, disability and even death. In this issue, Benefits Adviser Michelle Courtney tells us more…

By Iain Mason Hi Michelle, can you give us an overview of the kind of benefits that are available?

It’s all part of our Welfare Benefit scheme, and is broken down into death in service, dismemberment and total and permanent disability. It’s all done in line with national working rules and SJIB rules and has been in place since the mid-1960s. It’s a really good way to offer peace of mind for both employers and their employees.

Can any SELECT Member claim the benefit for their employees?

Yes, as long as they’re part of our Welfare Benefit scheme. Obviously there’s a cost involved for the employer, but any SELECT Members can include themselves and their employees – there’s no limitation on who can join, they just have to pay into it monthly.

So unfortunately you can’t just phone up and say, ‘Someone’s died, can I claim?’ You have to be on the scheme to cover your employees.

How much is the payment?

It’s £6.45 per week per person, which is a combined payment for all the benefits already mentioned, as well as sick pay.

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It pays to be covered Rates and rules: Operatives and apprentices Sickness benefit Operatives only. Grade-related and payable after 10 days’ absence.

Technician Approved electrician Electrician Labourer/adult trainees

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Weeks 3 – 24

£180 per week

Weeks 25 – 52

£90 per week

Weeks 3 – 24

£170 per week

Weeks 25 – 52

£85 per week

Weeks 3 – 24

£160 per week

Weeks 25 – 52

£80 per week

Weeks 3 – 24

£150 per week

Weeks 25 – 52

£75 per week

on top for accidental death on site.

There’s a sliding scale for other things too, like disability and dismemberment.

Rates and rules: Staff Sickness benefit Payable after three days’ absence, for a maximum of 18 weeks in a two-year period.

Salary

Who makes the claim?

Everything is done through the employer. So they need to contact us and tell us what’s happened. We then advise them what to do next.

Salary

£ 5,500 – £8,500

£53 per week

£16,001 – £17,500

£149 per week

£ 8,501 – £10,000

£60 per week

£17,501 – £19,000

£169 per week

£10,001 – £11,500

£80 per week

£19,001 – £20,500

£188 per week

£11,501 – £13,000

£99 per week

£20,501 – £22,000

£207 per week

£13,001 – £14,500

£118 per week

£22,000 +

£226 per week

£14,501 – £16,000

£130 per week

What is the claims process?

The company has to write to us with some basic information like the employee’s name, the date they started and the last day they worked.

We also need an original death certificate. Everything is then sent to our insurance company, who process the claim.

Death in service benefit Salaried staff aged 18+

£30,000

And who’s covered?

There’s an option for both operatives and office staff, with different levels of cover for each. Operatives have a bit more cover because they’re obviously out on site doing the more hazardous work. But office staff still have a death in service benefit of £30,000, so companies have the option to cover everyone.

Are there any limits with a death claim, i.e cause of death?

The good thing is there are no

limitations – it’s anytime and any cause. The only restriction on it is the upper age limit, which is 75.

Any q uestio ns?

Con

ta miche ct Michelle at lle.c select ourtney@ .org.u k

How much are operatives covered for?

Operatives’ death in service benefit is £30,000, plus there’s also an accidental death on site benefit of £55,000 on top. We also have a death in service benefit for apprentices that isn’t charged for, which is £10,000 anytime, any cause, with an additional £25,000

Death in service benefit Operatives

Apprentices

Death in service for any cause

£30,000

£10,000

Accidental death on site

£55,000

£25,000

Total accidental death benefit on site

£85,000 (£55,000 + £30,000)

£35,000 (£25,000 + £10,000)

Dismemberment benefit and total and permanent disability benefit Operatives

Apprentices

Dismemberment

up to £4,000

up to £2,000

Total and permanent disability benefit

up to £50,000

up to £10,000

Who gets the payment?

Whoever the deceased person has nominated as their beneficiary.

Again, that should be done through their employer, who should provide an expression of wish form, which states who they’d like the benefits paid to. We never make that decision and the employer shouldn’t either. We know that it often isn’t done, particularly in smaller companies, but it can cause issues. We also know it can be a touchy subject, but if you don’t do it now there can be a battle later.

What are the benefits and why should Members take it out?

The main thing is for peace of mind and just to know you’ve got something in place. For employers, it’s an extra thing they can offer their employees so it helps put them ahead of the pack. Your employees know they’re covered, you know they’re covered and their families know they’re covered. I think you’ve really got to ask yourself, why wouldn’t I do it? A lot of people say, ‘Oh, I don’t need it just now – I’m fine.’ But if something happens – and things happen far more often that you think – then it’s simply too late.

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DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

19

FEATURES SECTT ASSESSMENT CENTRE Representatives from SELECT are among the guests at special 25th birthday bash

Centre celebrates its quarter century

G

uests from across the centre, which he said felt created said: “Twenty five years in operation industry flocked to the the right atmosphere for candidates. is a great achievement and should be west of Scotland recently The centre was opened in 1993 by celebrated. I was delighted with the as the SECTT Gavin Laird CBE, the General turnout and the conversation flowed.

Assessment Secretary of the Amalgamated It was a good day and I was pleased to Centre threw Engineering Electrical show off the newly refurbished centre. a celebration Union. It was therefore “It can be quite daunting to sit the lunch to mark its 25th fitting that Pat Rafferty, FICA and we want to ensure that anniversary. the Unite Scotland the environment is as welcoming as Representatives from Regional Secretary, possible. The Assessment Centre SELECT, the SJIB, Unite attended the Manager and his team do the Union, Education event, where an excellent job and very Scotland and SQA, enjoyed he spoke much try to calm the Billy Parker an informal get-together at highly of candidates’ nerves on the centre in Cambuslang, the quality the day.”

Glasgow. Two previous centre training and Anne added: “It was managers also attended. assessment that every also good to see Billy The centre – which has recently apprentice and Parker at the event. He been refurbished – delivers the adult trainee enjoys. attended the opening in Pat Rafferty Final Integrated Competence Also present was 1993 and has been a great Assessment (FICA) and the Alastair Young, a supporter of SECTT during Advanced Competence newly-qualified electrician his 25 years as a SECTT Trustee, Assessment (ACA). from Power Service Scotland, now retired.”

SELECT President who spoke about his Kevin Griffin took experience as an time out of his busy apprentice, and how Kevin schedule to attend, he passed his FICA Griffin and was among those first time.

Scottish apprentices triumph at the who was impressed Anne Galbraith, in WorldSkills competition: Pages 37-39 event with the modernised SECTT Chief Executive, 20

CABLEtalk

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

FEATURES TECHNICAL UPDATE

Current affairs In this issue, we continue our technical updates on the BS 7671:2008+A3:2015 test sequence. This instalment deals with the sixth test in the sequence – verifying the effectiveness of additional protection provided by residual current devices (RCDs) Continued on page 22 >>>

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21

FEATURES TECHNICAL UPDATE Auto test selection, with the settings of Auto and 30mA chosen

By Bob Cairney I Eng MIET Technical Standards Adviser, SELECT

T

his a power-on test, therefore as mentioned in previous articles, great care is required by the person undertaking such tests to ensure safety and appropriate test equipment and test leads are used.

What is additional protection?

Additional protection is required where specified with a protective measure under certain conditions in BS 7671 and in certain special locations as per the Sections of Part 7. Section 415 identifies that additional protection can be provided by RCDs or by supplementary equipotential bonding in certain instances. The use of RCDs provides protection in the event of the failure of the provisions for basic and/or fault protection or carelessness by users of the installation.

Regulation 411.3.3, for example, requires additional protection, as part of the protective measure automatic disconnection of supply (ADS), to be provided by an RCD with a rated residual operating current not exceeding 30mA generally for socketoutlets with a rated current not exceeding 20 A (with permitted exceptions) and for mobile equipment with a rated current not exceeding 32 A for use outdoors.

Section 701 which provides particular requirements for locations 22

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containing a bath or shower, similarly requires such RCD protection for all low voltage circuits serving the location and circuits passing through Zones 1 and/or 2 not serving the location.

To verify the effectiveness of additional protection

Regulation 612.10 states that the verification of the effectiveness of the measures applied for additional protection is fulfilled by visual inspection and test.

Where RCDs are required for additional protection, the effectiveness of automatic disconnection of supply by RCDs shall be verified using suitable test equipment according to BS EN 61557-6

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

to confirm that the relevant requirements in Chapter 41 are met.

RCDs installed for this purpose in a new installation will therefore be either RCCBs manufactured to BS EN 61008 or RCBOs manufactured to BS EN 61009 with a rated residual operating current |not exceeding 30mA. The first step in the test procedure is therefore to select the appropriate RCD test setting on the test equipment being used and to select the appropriate test current to be applied.

The test current options are ½ x the rated residual operating current (I ∆n), 1 x the rated residual operating current (I ∆n) and 5 x the rated residual operating current (I ∆n).

The test procedure ½ x I ∆n test

Select the ½ x I ∆n test setting on the test equipment and connect appropriate test leads to the load side of the RCD (preferably at a point close to where the RCD has been installed) then operate the test instruments test button to perform the test. The outcome of the test is satisfactory if the RCD does not operate/trip. A record of the outcome of this test is not required on the schedule of test results.

1 x I ∆n test

Repeat the above test but change the rated residual operating current test setting of the test equipment to 1 x I∆n and if operating correctly the RCD should operate/trip.

The test will then have to be repeated as it should be carried out at different parts of the AC waveform, i.e. with the current rising and falling.

A test function button on the test equipment is provided for this The 5 x I ∆n test

The 1 x I ∆n test

purpose usually indicating 0⁰ or 180⁰ and this function will need to be used during the test.

After concluding the tests the outcome is deemed to be satisfactory if the RCD operates/trips within

300mS and the highest of the test results obtained should be recorded in the appropriate column of the schedule of test results.

5 x I ∆n test

The purpose of the RCD is to provide additional protection so further testing is required as above but now with the rated residual operating current test setting at 5 x I ∆n and again if operating correctly the RCD should operate/ trip on both the 0⁰ and 180⁰ settings.

After concluding the tests the outcome is deemed satisfactory if the RCD operates/trips within 40 mS and the highest of the test results obtained should be recorded in the appropriate column of the schedule of test results.

Continued on page 24 >>>

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23

FEATURES TECHNICAL UPDATE

The ½ x I ∆n test Continued from page 23

Functional testing

To complete testing of the RCD, functional testing is also required – this particular test will be covered in a future technical update article but simply requires the operation of the test button incorporated in the RCD to be checked.

Alternative test options available

As an alternative to the procedure described above, if the RCD test equipment incorporates an auto test function this could be used to carry out all the necessary tests automatically. Simply select the appropriate test setting for the test required, i.e. to test a 30mA RCD

Findings are reported on the schedule of test results

select the 30mA RCD time setting then select the auto test function and connect appropriate test leads to the circuit protected by the RCD to be tested. The inspector then only needs to operate the test button on the test equipment once and reset the RCD each time it trips during the tests until the sequence of RCD testing is complete.

On completion the inspector simply scrolls through the disconnection times recorded for each test, verifies they are satisfactory and then records them in the appropriate columns of the schedule of test results.

i

In the next Technical Update in CABLEtalk, we will look at test No7 – measurement of prospective fault current.

TECHNICAL UPDATE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER: CORRECTION In the Technical Update contained within the September/October edition of CABLEtalk, a production error meant that a sentence in the fifth paragraph read “…which provides for connecting the circuit protective conductors (cpcs) of the circuloch gaits”. This should obviously have read “…which provides for connecting the circuit protective conductors (cpcs) of the circuits”. We apologise for this error.

24

CABLEtalk

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

FEATURES APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Talented youngster Blair Hendry is still on cloud nine after winning the SJIB/ Edmundson Apprentice of the Year at the SELECT Awards 2018. Here, we reveal everything you need to know about the 22-year-old, including his work at Fife Council, his hopes for the future – and why he gave his award to his grandma for safe keeping....

By Iain Mason Congratulations on your award Blair. Has it sunk in yet?

I think it finally has. At the time, it was such a shock and I didn’t expect it at all.

Obviously there were only three of us that could have won it, so the odds were pretty good, but everyone was just talking about how good it was to get there, and being in the final itself was such a great achievement. So when I won, I couldn’t believe it.

Did you have a good night?

Who was there with you?

It was a brilliant night. It was my first black-tie event and I was quite surprised by the size of it. I’d been to other awards nights but nothing quite as grand as that, so it was great to swap the work clothes for the tux for a change! I had Continued on page 26 >>>

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DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

25

FEATURES APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Who else has been in touch to congratulate you?

All the people at Fife Council and even the other apprentices that I went to college with – I got some texts from them and they were all so pleased for me.

So how did you get started in the industry?

My dad built an extension on our family home when I was around 14 and he’d always gone on about how he wished he had a trade, so he really got me involved in it. After that, I weighed up the options of what I thought was the best trade.

Then I went on to apply for the apprenticeship with the council at 17, and I think it was a good pick.

What do you think you learned as an apprentice?

Blair with his proud parents and girlfriend Innes at the Awards bash in Glasgow Continued from page 25

my mum Lorraine, dad Martin and girlfriend Innes with me, and they absolutely loved the whole occasion.

And obviously it made their night when I actually won.

Where have you put your award?

It’s had two homes so far. First of all I gave it to my grandma to keep, to make up for me not taking her to the awards – she was gutted not to go. So I gave it to her but she has since given it back because she was scared that she would break it, which is probably quite a good

Stephen Berry at the Awards 26

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thing because she is a wee bit clumsy.

It’s now in the living room at home, with a good spot on the mantlepiece.

Has there been much banter at work?

Not that much – they were just so happy to see me win it, although I got a few funny texts when they saw I was on the cover of the last issue of CABLEtalk!

There was more banter from my team-mates at Leven United. One of them saw my photo in the local paper and cut it out and stuck it up in the changing rooms, so I got more stick from them than I did my workmates.

Finalists all have a bright future ahead DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Apart from the skills and the information and so on, the biggest thing I learned was maturity. Coming into the trade at 17, straight from high school without any serious job experience, it made me grow up quite quickly. I know it’s a cliché but it really made me adapt to being in the real world.

How did you find the FICA? Was it tough?

It was tough. I’m quite a nervous person when it comes to tests, so for me the biggest thing was always going to be controlling my nerves. I’d done everything in the test already through my apprenticeship and I studied a lot for it with help from everyone at Fife Council and the tutors at Fife College, who were

Blair lifted his award – sponsored by the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) and Edmundson Electrical – at the SELECT Awards in Glasgow on 12 October.

His victory reinforced Fife Council’s track record of excellence in training of young people, with a council apprentice also winning the award in 2013.

Blair, who works out of

the Glenrothes depot, beat off competition from hundreds of other young hopefuls who are currently making their mark in the highly technical sector.

His fellow finalists were Stephen Berry, who works with Electrical Solutions Network of Ayr, and Elyse McBride, from TClarke Contracting of Falkirk.

Fiona Harper, The

absolutely brilliant. I’d asked them all my journeyman questions and it was just about controlling my nerves on the day and taking my time, thinking things through. I was over the moon when I got my letter to say that I'd passed.

What job or project have you been most proud of?

During the third year of my apprentice we restored an old car garage – it was quite a big job and I was left in charge of rewiring the office and storage area of the building. For me, it was brilliant because I was getting to put in all the skills I'd learned and I was in control of it. They just left me to get on with it and it was my first experience of being a proper tradesman. Obviously I asked them questions and for help, but it was a taste of what was to come.

What’s been the biggest surprise about your career so far?

I think the biggest shock has been how quickly the four years of my apprenticeship have gone. At the start, when I had my induction at the council, Everyone said: “These four years will fly in and then you will be a tradesman.”

I thought four years would feel like a long time and it would go slowly, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.

What have you enjoyed most?

I’ve enjoyed meeting so many different people and all the different experiences you get as an apprentice. The different places you work, the different journeymen you meet and learn from…

Secretary of the SJIB, said: “Young people are the future of our industry and it is vital that we make sure we have a healthy pipeline of talent coming through.

“With the support of their employers, trainers and SECTT, these young people have worked hard to become fully qualified electricians, enabling them to work in a safe and

Blair (front row, fourth from left) had some ribbing from his Leven Utd team-mates

“...it made me grow up quite quickly.

I know it’s a cliché but it really made me adapt to being in the real world” also I’ve made a lot of new friends at college, and now it’s just a great feeling to be set up for life with a trade.

What are your hopes and aims for the future?

In the short term I want to keep learning and developing and then go for my

“These young people have worked hard to become fully qualified electricians”

competent manner.

“To have reached this stage, the finalists not only exhibited high levels of technical and academic expertise, but also energy and enthusiasm, a good approach to teamwork, good communication skills, broad industry knowledge, strength and resolve, and an ability to face and overcome challenges.”

approved status in a couple of years’ time. Longer term, I would love to go and travel and work. That’s something I really want to do and I think my skills can be transferable anywhere in the world.

Would you like to specialise in anything?

I’ve always had a really big interest in electrical design, from when I did a project at college. In our second year we got to do an electrical installation design project and designed an installation for a warehouse. I loved the idea of being in control of the design of an installation – the best way to do it, the layouts and so on – and from that I set up a week’s work experience shadowing a member of Fife Council’s electrical design team. That was a great experience and hopefully I can follow that up. I’d be happy to go back to college for that.

Elyse McBride at the Awards

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DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

27

FEATURES MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Our goals for 2019

As Scotland’s largest construction trade association, we pride ourself on offering the best possible service to our Members. We’re already proud to offer an outstanding range of services and schemes – but we don’t believe in resting on our laurels either. So to keep us delivering exactly what you need, here are some of the things we’ll be focusing on to help you even more in 2019 Regulating the electrical industry

Over the past few years SELECT has, with the full support of the SJIB, Unite the Union and SECTT, been lobbying the Scottish Government to introduce ‘Protection of Title’ for electricians. This would mean that only those who held industry-recognised qualifications could call themselves an electrician. In 2019 we will continue raising the profile of the campaign to get a positive outcome for the industry and the Scottish public.

Training and skills development

All of our technical courses have been updated to take account of the changes in BS 7671:2018 and these will be ready for delivery in the new year. We have also introduced new courses in a number of energy efficiency areas, including the installation of electrical vehicle charging points. These will help SELECT Members broaden and enhance their skill base in the energy efficiency market.

This year will see the development of additional courses and Members will continue to benefit from a special reduced rate on their training costs. We will also be looking at the most 28

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effective way to deliver programmes, including the use of more internet based-training programmes.

Services to assist Members

We need to provide services which help Members in their busy working lives and focus on delivering support in the areas that impact on Members the most.

Our employment affairs, technical, commercial, and health and safety advice services are well used and offer great support to Members.

Our technical inspections and assessments, publications, stationery and welfare benefits and affinity services also take some of the burden and lessen the cost for many Members too.

In 2019, we will continue to develop our services. For example, our electronic certificates and reports package, SELECTcerts, will be updated and enhanced with additional features and functionality, maintaining its place in the industry and strengthening its value to Members as a means of producing BS 7671 certificates and reports.

We have recently introduced a free online Risk Assessment scheme to Members via the Building Safety Group

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Training

and in 2019 we will be looking to enhance this service by seeking to add a Method Statement process.

Speaking with Members

We have developed the content, style and distribution of CABLEtalk, establishing it as leader in the field and we will continue to develop the magazine to make sure it includes items and features of interest to Members.

Our online presence has increased greatly and we get a great deal of traffic to both our website and our social media sites which help raise the awareness and profile of SELECT and its Members.

Improving payment practices

We know that Members continue to suffer from poor payment practices and SELECT will continue to press the Scottish Government to ensure that they support the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act which already places a requirement on public bodies to make sure payment is made down the contractual chain within 30 days.

We will also continue to lobby to reduce the financial limits at which Project Bank Accounts (PBAs) are used.

We will also seek to achieve a Scottish solution to the issue of contract retentions, maximising political support which recognises and supports a change in legislation.

Raising awareness

SELECT will continue to undertake a number of promotional activities to raise public awareness, so that Members are positioned as the ‘safe first choice’ for the public and wider industry. We will continue with our media relations work, various forms of advertising and other marketing activities, including a stronger social media presence, to reinforce our position in the marketplace and differentiate the organisation from other industry bodies.

Additionally, a range of activities will be implemented with specifiers, clients, manufacturers and distributors to position SELECT Members with the wider supply chain.

And finally….

It’s always useful to say what being a Member of SELECT means. So we are: ●●The trade association and employers’ organisation for the Scottish electrotechnical industry ●●Committed to providing a range of value-added services for Members ●●A scheme provider for Certification of Construction ●●The leading industry training body ●●Responsible for running all the additional organisations that support the Scottish electrotechnical industry, eg SJIB, SECTT, EETF SECI etc ●●Committed to a personal and local service ●●Actively involved in representing the interests of Members.

i

If you need any more assistance or information about your SELECT membership, please contact us at The Walled Garden.

Payments Awareness CABLEtalk

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

29

FEATURES NEW CERTIFICATES AND REPORT FORMS

By Jim Cornwall Technical & Safety Adviser, SELECT

I

nstallations – and additions and alterations to existing installations – designed from 1 January 2019 require to be verified in accordance with the 18th Edition. Likewise, existing installations periodically inspected and tested from that date also require to be reported upon in accordance with the revised standard.

In order to assist Members’ compliance with these requirements, the revised suite of six SELECT BS 7671 certification and reporting forms, which are exclusively for issue by Members, are now available in pad format for hand-completion.

The band along the bottom of each of the 2018 pad covers is now coloured blue to reflect the cover of the new regulation book and assist Members in distinguishing them from the 2015 (yellow) versions.

Notes for the person completing each form is provided on the reverse of the cover, which is also used as an interleaf between each set of pages. A blue carbonless copy of each page is provided for retention by the Member.

The revised forms are also available to Members utilising the SELECTcerts electronic certificates and reports system.

Continued on page 32 >>>

30

CABLEtalk

All change The introduction of BS 7671:2018 (IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition) brings some changes to certification and reporting forms. Here, we reveal the suite of exclusive new SELECT documentation

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (4 Circuits) The Minor Electrical Installation Works Certificate (4 Circuits) is intended to be used to certify additions and alterations carried out on up to four circuits in an electrical installation, which do not extend to the introduction of a new circuit. Examples include the addition of socket-outlets or lighting points to an existing circuit, the relocation of a light switch etc.

The certificate may also be used for the replacement of equipment such as accessories

or luminaires, but not for the replacement of distribution boards or similar items.

A pad provides 50 certificates.

Guidance for recipients is provided on the reverse of the master copy of the certificate.

Stock code: 30190

Electrical Installation Certificate The Electrical Installation Certificate is to be used for the initial certification of a new installation or

for an addition or alteration to an existing installation where one or more new circuits have

Two-page Certificate

been introduced, or the replacement of a consumer unit/ distribution board.

Schedule of Inspections

A pad provides 25 sets, each comprising the following four pages:

Circuit Chart and Schedule of Test Results (18 Circuits)

Guidance for recipients is provided on the reverse of the master copy of the first page of the certificate.

Stock code: 30180 CABLEtalk

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FEATURES NEW CERTIFICATES AND REPORT FORMS Continued from page 31

Schedule of Inspections

Electrical Installation Certificate (Single-signature) The form of Electrical Installation Certificate (Single-signature) is to be used only where design, construction, inspection and testing are the responsibility of one person.

The certificate may be used for the initial certification of a new installation or for an addition or alteration to an existing installation where one or more new circuits have been introduced, or the replacement of a consumer unit/distribution board.

A pad provides 25 sets, each comprising the following three pages (right).

Guidance for recipients is provided on the reverse of the master copy of the first page of the certificate.

Circuit Chart and Schedule of Test Results (18 Circuits)

Single-page Certificate

Stock code: 30185

Electrical Installation Condition Report The Electrical Installation Condition Report should only be used for reporting on the condition of an existing electrical installation.

This report is not to be used for new work (which would include additions and alterations to an existing installation) for which an Electrical 32

CABLEtalk

Installation Certificate should be used.

A pad provides 20 sets, each comprising the five pages that are shown on the right.

Guidance for recipients is provided on the reverse of the master copy of the first page of the report.

Stock code: 30195

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Two-page Report

Circuit Chart and Schedule of Test Results (18 Circuits) The Circuit Chart and Schedule of Test Results ( 18 Circuits) can be issued with the associated: ●●Electrical Installation Certificate, or ●●Electrical Installation Certificate (Singlesignature); or ●●Electrical Installation Condition Report to record the circuit

details and test results for additional distribution boards etc.

A pad provides 50 Schedules of Test Results (18 Circuits).

Stock code: 30205

Condition Report Observations Continuation Sheet The Condition Report Observations Continuation Sheet should only be issued in conjunction with an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) and associated schedules of inspection and testing.

One or more Continuation Sheet(s) can be used to record additional observations on the condition of an existing electrical installation where there is insufficient space available in Section K of the EICR. A pad provides 50 Continuation Sheets.

Stock code: 30200

Two-page Inspection Schedule

Circuit Chart and Schedule of Test Results (18 Circuits)

CABLEtalk

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

33

FOCUS RETENTION UPDATE

Light at the end of the tunnel?

Despite the reading of the Retention Bill being delayed again, there are some encouraging noises coming from Westminster. And elsewhere, there’s plenty of other important activity that could finally signal a significant step on the journey to safeguarding payments

By Professor Rudi Klein SEC Group CEO and Barrister

S

o, the retention saga continues – but at least the news looks positive.

Richard Harrington, the Construction Minister at Westminster, has recently confirmed that he will legislate to deal with retentions abuse. But before we get too excited, he wants to seek a workable solution and any legislation is unlikely much before 2022.

In the meantime, the second reading of the Retention (Deposit Schemes) Bill introduced by Peter Aldous MP has been put off yet again, this time to 25 January. Keeping this Bill in play is intended to maintain pressure on the Business Department at Westminster to address the issue.

SEC Group has been working with various players in the financial services 34

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sector to develop a simple and costeffective way of safeguarding retention monies. This will use the latest digital technologies to set up an IT platform that will process all cash retentions and ensure that they are safeguarded.

Accessing such platform will be no different from banking online.

In Scotland, we’ll need to bring more pressure on the Scottish Government to address the inequality of distribution of risk with regard to the loss of retention monies through upstream insolvencies.

On public sector projects, Tier 1 contractors are never at risk of losing their retentions because public bodies do not go bust. This protection is not accorded to the supply chain because Tier 1 contractors DO go bust.

Kilmarnock MP Alan Brown has now written to Derek Mackay, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, to ask that he bring in one simple measure in regard to public sector works contracts.

At pre-qualification stage, Tier 1 contractors should be asked to provide a bank guarantee to sub-contractors that will ensure retention monies are

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

released in the event of the insolvency of the Tier 1 contractor.

The other option would be for public bodies to make direct payments to sub-contractors in the event that the Tier 1 contractor fails to discharge outstanding payments, including retentions.

Survey on public sector payments SEC Group Scotland will shortly be carrying out a survey on payment practices in the public sector. The aim is to find out whether contractors and sub-contractors are being paid promptly and within less than 30 days.

SELECT firms are asked to respond to this survey, which will come round via Survey Monkey.

Project Bank Accounts (PBAs)

Pressure is now being exerted on the Scottish Government to lower the threshold for PBAs. These enable main contractors and sub-contractors to be paid from the same “pot” simultaneously, without monies having to cascade through different levels of contracting.

The current threshold is £4.1 million for building works – this should be reduced to £2 million. Any SELECT member who has been paid through a

PBA is invited to inform SELECT of the experience, whether it was positive or negative.

Payment legal tip

When making applications for payment always ensure that: ●●The application states the amount you consider to be due ●●You should show on the application how the amount was calculated ●●The application contains any other information and has the supporting documentation as required by the contract ●●The application is in the format (if any) required by the contract and has been sent to the correct address, whether email and/or postal.

A valid application is absolutely necessary if the amount applied for is to become the amount that has to be paid by the final date for payment.

This will occur if your paying party has failed to issue an initial payment notice – if it is required by the contract to do so – and/or a pay less notice.

Payment problems

If you’re experiencing payment abuse ensure you inform SELECT. It’s vitally important that we maintain a record of any abuse you have suffered and the type of abuse which can be used when lobbying government.

And finally…

“SEC Group has been working with the financial services sector to develop a simple, cost-effective way of safeguarding retentions”

My congratulations go to Alan Wilson, SELECT acting Managing Director, on his recent appointment as Deputy Chairman of the Scottish Building Contracts Committee (SBCC). He succeeds to this post because he is held in very high regard by the industry.

In his role, Alan will be able to ensure that the voice of SELECT and SEC Group Scotland is heard throughout the industry in Scotland.

Well done Alan.

Find out more about the work of Rudi and the SEC Group at secgroup.org.uk CABLEtalk

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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In association with

Smash and grab: The appeal!

By Rebecca Barrass Senior Solicitor, MacRoberts LLP In March 2018, Mr Justice Coulson issued a decision in S&T (UK) LTD v Grove Developments Limited, which made people stop and think about continuing to use ‘smash and grab’ adjudications.

Coulson J’s decision was clear – following a smash and grab decision, payers would not be deemed to have accepted the value of the interim application and would be entitled to seek an adjudicator’s decision on the true value of the interim application.

S&T appealed the decision and on 7 November 2018, the Court of Appeal handed down its judgment.

The Court recognised that the ability of an employer or main contractor to seek a decision on the true value of an interim application was of “great importance to

36

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the construction industry” and sought to clarify the position.

The Court found that while section 111 of the 1996 Act generated an obligation to pay the notified sum, it does not transform the notified sum into a true valuation of the work done.

The Court therefore agreed with Coulson J, that an employer (or main contractor), having failed to serve a payment or pay less notice, is entitled to adjudicate to determine the true value of an interim application. Further, while the employer must make payment of the notified sum before commencing a true value adjudication, the adjudicator can order a repayment of sums that were not truly due.

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

However, as it is now clear that employers (and main contractors) are under a statutory obligation to pay the notified sum, and cannot commence an adjudication on the true value until payment is made, while there may be a rise of ‘true value’ adjudications, payees are unlikely to be put off the relatively simple, quicker and cheaper smash and grab adjudications.

l MacRoberts LLP advises on all aspects of payment under construction contracts. Email rebecca.barrass@macroberts.com or call 0141 303 1100.

TRAINING WORLDSKILLS UK

Skills and thrills There was double delight for SECTT as rising stars Rhys Boni and Paul Anderson clinched gold and silver respectively at WorldSkills UK LIVE 2018. Now read our diary of this massive event – and find out about the other competitors who flew the flag for Scotland Continued on page 38 >>>

Rhys Boni (left) proudly shows off his gold medal with NET’s Jon Dicken CABLEtalk

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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TRAINING WORLDSKILLS UK Continued from page 37

floristry and body art to motor vehicles, stonemasonry and joinery. Wow! I even danced, hugged and played with Salt the robot (pictured right).

Down to business

The competition started on Thursday 15 November, with a complicated electrical installation task comprising four circuits with various components and equipment. The task had to be completed within a strict timeframe and was marked against tough criteria including wiring and

By Anne Galbraith Chief Executive, SECTT

S

“Paul could not have managed this without his excellent attitude towards his apprenticeship, his determination and plenty of hard work”

ECTT was delighted to have four candidates invited to take part in this year’s SkillELECTRIC final, part of the prestigious WorldSkills UK LIVE at the NEC in Birmingham.

The quartet were selected from heats that took place all over Scotland earlier this year, followed by a grand final at Dundee & Angus College.

The four competitors who made the journey south for the event in November were: ●●Paul Anderson – McGill & Co Ltd / Dundee & Angus College ●●Rhys Boni – John Hogarth Ltd / Borders College ●●Jordan Bremner – Chapman Electrical Ltd / North East Scotland College ●●Callum McGarrigle – Weir & McQuiston (Scotland) Ltd / New College Lanarkshire (Motherwell Campus).

At SECTT, we can prepare them as much as possible for PAUL ANDERSON the actual competition.

McGill & Co Ltd However, until you attend Dundee & Angus the event itself you have no College idea of the scale, with 500 people competing to be the UK’s best in 70 different disciplines with 85,000 visitors over the three days.

How lucky I was to walk through hall after hall of skills from catering, 38

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DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

connection skills, inspection and testing, and measuring and marking out, which had to be accurate to 2mm. The tasks continued into the second day, with the judges watching every move just as closely as the spectators!

On Saturday 17 November, the electrical candidates demonstrated continuous personal development (CPD), working in pairs to install a remote camera door entry system, donated by Scolmore to each apprentice.

By the afternoon, all the candidates looked exhausted, but attended a small presentation of donated gifts from Scolmore, Di-Log, NAPIT and Unite the Union. Then it was off to shower, eat and get ready for the evening event.

For the candidates to be one of the top eight in the UK is very special and they should be proud of themselves.

It was lovely to see support from their families, employers and college lecturers – all these people play a part in their success.

Prize time

At the celebration event, all the skills were recognised and I was excited and nervous as I waited for the results to be read out.

I was delighted when Paul Anderson was named silver medal winner and then thrilled when Rhys Boni was called forward to receive gold. What a result!

A WORLD OF TALENT

CALLUM McGARRIGLE Weir & McQuiston (Scotland) Ltd New College Lanarkshire (Motherwell Campus)

I understood from the judges that the scores were very close throughout and that the standard was extremely high.

Rhys will now go on and sit his Final Integrated Competence Assessment (FICA). He’s had a difficult year after his company went into liquidation, but he was quickly taken on by another company, where he’s settled in well.

David Lowe, Assistant Principal of Borders College, said: “As a college we are extremely pleased for Rhys and for SECTT. “This is a remarkable achievement and one which is down to not just the hard work of Rhys but also to the support and training given to him by his employer, SECTT, and the lecturing staff here at Borders College. We would also like to thank Scolmore for donating a generous prize to the college.”

Runner-up Paul will now receive a golden ticket to compete in WorldSkills UK LIVE in 2019. If he gains enough points there, he could be invited to be part of the UK Squad for WorldSkills 2021 in Shanghai.

Chris Parker, Electrical Course Leader at Dundee & Angus College, said: “The whole team here at Dundee and Angus college is very proud of Paul’s achievement.

“He could not have managed this

SkillELECTRIC is a key part of WorldSkills UK LIVE, now its seventh year and held at the NEC in Birmingham on 15-17 November.

Attracting around 85,000 visitors, it features more than 200 employers and training organisations, plus in-depth talks from industry leaders.

The centrepiece is the WorldSkills national finals, which this year saw more than 500 competitors battle it out in 70 different disciplines in a bid to be the very best in the country. Winners will get the chance to be considered to represent the UK at the WorldSkills international competition.

Dr Neil Bentley, CEO of WorldSkills JORDAN UK said: “This has been the biggest BREMNER and best skills event that the UK has Chapman ever seen. Undoubtedly, we have Electrical Ltd helped change thousands of lives North East without his excellent for the better.

Scotland attitude towards his “We have brought together College apprenticeship, his governments, business and education determination and plenty of to get the message across that gaining a hard work. Many hours have gone skill will help young people go further, faster. into perfecting his skills and this is This week proved to be a major milestone in a very well-earned reward for all our mission. his dedication.

“Engagement between our visitors and “McGills have also been excellent in our exhibitors this week has been amazing the run-up to this competition and we and demonstrates that we are truly a are very grateful for the level of support catalyst for change.” shown. We all now look forward to the Skills and Apprenticeships Minister Anne future to see if we can help Paul get into Milton MP, who attended the event on the team UK for WorldSkills.”

Thursday, hailed WorldSkills UK LIVE as Fiona Harper, The Secretary of the “critical to the future of this nation” and SJIB said: “This is a fantastic praised organisers for breaking down achievement for the SJIB Apprentices gender diversity barriers. who delivered their very best efforts at Enormous queues developed on the final this prestigious competition. morning of the show as young people and Congratulations to them, their their parents took the opportunity of employers and to SECTT, the Industry’s meeting some of the country’s Training Provider. The WorldSkills biggest businesses and exploring Competitions reflects the diversity of the options of taking technical industry and commerce across the world pathways to the world of work.

and provides a wonderful platform for young people to showcase their skills excellence. We at the SJIB, are very proud of their achievement and wish all four Apprentices continued success in the Electrotechnical Industry.”

On a personal note, I would like to thank employers, colleges and my own team for the support that they give to all apprentices. Well done again guys – it really is quite an achievement.

Electricians: What a skill!

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DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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SIMPRO SPONSORED EDITORIAL

helps tackle tool theft Recent research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) revealed that more than half of UK builders have fallen victim to tool theft*.

While coming as no surprise to victims, it’s a powerful reminder of the threat to UK trade contractors - not only due to the costs for replacing tools and repairing damage to vans, but also the time delays that result from a loss of productivity.

Preventative measures include taking tools inside at night and installing extra locks and alarm systems or CCTV. The unfortunate reality, however, is that even with the best precautions, theft can still happen.

Adding value

A job management system, like simPRO can offer great value when it comes to keeping an eye on your tools.

When replacing stolen tools, insurers will ask for details of what was stolen.

Recounting every individual item can be time-consuming, unless you maintain an online record of your tools’ serial numbers, including the make, model, and where it was purchased. This could also extend to plant and machinery left on site.

Keeping track of plant and machinery is simple with simPRO Enterprise. You can check out plant items to employees, then check them back in when they’ve finished using them, so you always know who’s using what equipment and when.

You can also track when plant items are due to be serviced for maintenance and record the make, model and even photos of the item.

There’s also an option to add an insurance policy number.

Plant can be scheduled to jobs in the same way you’d schedule an employee. This is incredibly valuable as it helps you clearly see which jobs will be affected as a result of an item being stolen.

This register need not be used for all tools, but it’s essential for high-value items and those that may be harder to replace. Having a detailed register will speed up any insurance claims and also assist police in identifying your tools if recovered.

If you’re interested in a free demo of simPRO, contact us on sales@simpro.co.uk or 0800 622 6376. *Research carried out by the Federation of Master Builders, published on 18 October 2018

PRODUCT SHOWCASE Our guide to the latest 1 HILTI HAS ESTABLISHED A BRAND NEW BENCHMARK FOR EXCELLENCE WITH ITS FIRST EVER CORDLESS JIGSAW RANGE Hilti claims to have redefined excellence in the performance, precision and safety of cordless jigsaws with the launch of market sector tools SJT 6-A22 and SJD 6-A22 .

The SJT 6-A22 has a ‘barrel grip’ T-handle – the slimmest handle on the market with a low centre of gravity making more comfortable to manoeuvre in certain applications.

By contrast, the SJD 6-A22 has a more substantial ‘hoop handle’ D-handle for those preferring this traditional feel

and shape while providing customers with even better vibration values.

Each tool is equipped with a blade that has a total stroke length of 28mm, able to cut through a range of materials including solid wood, chipboard, gypsum and metals, including stainless steel and aluminium, up to 15mm thick.

For more information and to watch the video visit: www.hilti.co.uk/jigsaw

2 MARTINDALE OFFERING A FLEXIBLE SOLUTION TO SAFE ISOLATION ISSUES Martindale Electric has launched its latest CABLOK series, which provides installers and maintenance teams with a simple and reliable solution for

locking off multiple breakers, switches and valves, to prevent the re-energising of circuits and systems during maintenance.

The latest range features a flexible PVC-insulated steel cable which can be adjusted to suit the required length before locking off with a squeeze action. Incorporating a built-in safety hasp, with space for up to six padlocks, it allows multiple operatives to safely work on the same system.

For more information, please call: 01923 441717 or visit: www.martindaleelectric.co.uk

CONTACT OUR TEAM TO SHOWCASE YOUR GREAT NEW PRODUCTS HERE 40

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DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

electrical solutions now on the market 3 METREL’S NEW VEHICLE CHARGING ADAPTER TESTS THE WHOLE SYSTEM

5 ESP BOOSTS ITS 4 MEGAPIXEL CCTV RANGE WITH NEW KITS

Metrel has launched a vehicle charging point test adapter to help contractors increase their share of an exponentially growing market.

The EVSE Adapter A 1532 plugs directly into charge points without opening the box. The adapter accesses the charge point in the same manner as an electric vehicle, testing the system as whole.

ESP has launched new HDView 4 MP Wi-Fi CCTV kits.

The kits are packed with features, making them ideal products to satisfy the growing demand for reliable security solutions.

The systems have been designed with ease of set up as a key feature, including the option for remote monitoring via smart phone or tablet, using ESP’s specially developed HDviewWF APP. The kits include a stylishly designed four-channel Network Video Recorder, premium quality Western Digital hard drive, 4MP HD day/night cameras, system

It can thoroughly test the charge point by simulating the electric vehicle status, disconnected, charge ready, active charging (with and without ventilation) and pilot error just by turning a switch.

The EVSE Adaptor can test installations with output currents up to 63A. To find out more, visit www.metrel.co.uk

4 WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, RELEASE THE RAPTOR Wolseley has launched a range of Raptor hand tools, available in more than 400 of Wolseley’s branches nationwide.

The Raptor screwdrivers feature a Tri-lobular grip, which helps to improve grip and torque transfer in a wide range of sizes. They also feature the highest spec S2

6 NEW CORRIDOR FUNCTION FOR INCEPTOR EVO LED BULKHEADS blades; making them safer, stronger and more hard wearing than other CR-V screwdrivers.

All Raptors knives and pipe cutters utilise Titanium-coated blades, offering superior cutting performance and improved lifespan.

To find out more visit: www.raptortool.co.uk

David Hughes: 0131 561 0022 davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk

Scolmore’s new Inceptor EVO LED Bulkheads offer all the same great features of the original version, with the addition of a corridor function to reduce energy consumption.

The corridor function provides a dimmed light for periods of vacancy. It is activated when no movement has been detected, with the operator defining the set time period for no movement.

A simple switch, located on the driver, is used to activate the corridor function. Switch to ‘on’ CABLEtalk

power supplies, mouse and HDMI cable. Hard drive options are 1TB, 2TB or 4TB. There are a number of kit options available, including two or four camera kits, with the cameras in bullet style and offered in a black or white finish. The cameras are also sold separately.

In addition, the system uses the latest in H265 compression technology to reduce the size of recorded data up to 60%, making the most of hard drive storage capacity.

For further information, contact ESP on 01527 515150, email info@espuk.com or visit www.espuk.com and the light output will dim to 15% of its rated lumen output when no movement is detected.

Switch to ‘off’ and the light output will turn off when no movement is detected.

For further information, contact Scolmore on: 01827 63454, or visit www.scolmore.com

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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DIARY MEMBERS / EVENTS / COMPETITION GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Adrienne Thomson Receptionist Hello Adrienne. How long have you been at SELECT?

I started at The Walled Garden on 1 August, so I’ve been here a few months now.

What were you doing before you joined SELECT? Tell us a bit about your background

I had been a carer for the elderly for eight years. Prior to that I worked at Edinburgh Airport as a security officer and before that as an optical assistant at Vision Express.

My daughter, Charlotte Hickey, was here for a month as an intern and told me about the receptionist position and I applied and got the job.

What does your job entail? Tell us more about what you do

Mainly answering general calls and putting them through to the correct department. I also organise menus for the caterer, book rooms for courses, take deliveries and am the first point of contact when visitors check in.

LOCAL EVENTS Edinburgh & South East of Scotland Branch Meeting 5 March 2019

Inverness & North of Scotland Branch Meeting 5 March 2019 42

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Quickfire Questions Cheese or chocolate?

Cheese Dog or cat person?

Both First car owned?

Skoda Citgo Favourite film?

Elf Favourite TV show?

Hawaii Five-0 Favourite holiday spot?

Venice Dream date?

Chris Hemsworth Favourite colour?

Red One thing people might not know about you?

I was one of the runners in the opening ceremony of the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh

Lanarkshire Branch Meeting 12 March 2019

Ayrshire Branch Meeting 14 March 2019

Glasgow & West of Scotland Branch Meeting 19 March 2019

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

What’s a typical day like for you at work?

Tell us about some of the things you do in an average day in the SELECT office?

The first thing I do is set up the SELECT welcome screen, displaying the correct courses and meetings that are on that day. I can also help different departments with any letters that need to be sent out. But mostly my duties see me front of house, answering calls and making sure that all catering is carried out on correctly on any given day.

Do you get the chance to meet SELECT Members?

I was lucky enough to start before the SELECT Awards so I got the chance to go along to the event and meet some of the members. I also get to see them in person when they’re coming in for meetings or courses.

AR 21 M & NORTNHD

A EN RDE COTL ABE T OF S EAS

What do you know now that you didn’t before working at SELECT? Did you know much about the electrical industry beforehand?

I knew nothing about the industry before starting at SELECT but I’ve soon come up to speed and have found out a lot – including the need for regulations. Like a lot of people, I can’t believe that electrical work can be carried out by anyone who calls themselves an electrician, even if they have no qualifications.

What do you find most enjoyable about your job at SELECT?

All of the staff were very welcoming and helpful while I found my feet. I really enjoy speaking to SELECT Members on the phone and helping to connect their calls to the appropriate department.

Aberdeen & North East of Scotland Branch Meeting 21 March 2019

Dumfries & Galloway Branch Meeting 26 March 2019

Tayside Branch Meeting 28 March 2019

COMPETITION WI N CHRISTMAS CROSSWORD £50

1

Across 2 Giant socks that might get filled with presents 3 Santa gets in your house through this 7 The only reindeer whose name begins with P 8 Deck the halls with boughs of this 11 The night before Christmas 15 What’s in Santa’s bag?

2 3

4 5 6 7

8 9

10

11

13 14

Down 1 Where Santa lives 4 If you stand under this, you might get kissed 5 Things you hang on a Christmas tree 6 A snack you leave out for Santa 9 December 25th 10 Red and white candy 12 Eight of these pull Santa’s sleigh 13 Santa says this 14 A helper who makes toys

16

17 18

In association with MacRoberts LLP, here’s the chance to win £50 of Amazon vouchers with our festive crossword. Solve the Christmas clues listed on the right, then rearrange the letters in the green boxes to spell out a special word. Take a pic of your finished grid and word and email it to memberservices@select.org.uk by 31 January 2019. Or cut it out and send it to: Wordsearch, SELECT, The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian EH26 0SB. Winner drawn at random. T&Cs are online.

NATIONAL EVENTS London ElexShow, Alexandra Palace. The dedicated trade show for the UK’s electrical contractors. 30-31 January

ERS

Last issue’s answers:

16 Reindeer with the red nose 17 Person who brings gifts to good children 18 Christmas falls in this month

12

15

VO UC H

OF

Last issue’s winner:

What is the hidden word using the green squares ?

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30-31 JAN

Hotel City Centre. A festival of home entertainment technology, with all the latest gizmos.

ELEXSHOW, LONDON

22-24 February

Congratulations to Jack Wardlaw, who won the Halloween wordsearch in our October/November issue.

Jack wins a £50 Amazon voucher, courtesy of our competition sponsor, MacRoberts LLP.

London Exclusively Electrical Trade Show, Business Design Centre. Fantastic line- up of the top small domestic appliance suppliers and brands.

11-12 June

Telford

Bristol

Smart Grid Expo, Alexandra Palace.

The latest smart energy products, technologies and services.

Sound & Vision Show, Bristol Marriott

28 March

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Manchester Northern Manufacturing & Electronics, EventCity. The latest manufacturing Xxxxxx technology. 2-3 October

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

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