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Coming up with the goods ● The inside track on recent supply chain disruption ● Rise in fake and substandard products revealed ● All you need to know about the new UKCA mark up for our 08 Sign online sessions

Billy in the spotlight 17 Member

CONTENTS JUNE/JULY 2021

WIN £50 OF VOUCHERS PAGE 54

We’re back on the road for technical assessments

Alan Wilson on the importance of training young people

NEWS All the latest news from SELECT and across the whole industry

FEATURES

Seven-page focus on materials and the issues facing Members

FEATURES

05 06

SPECIAL REPORT

OPINION

TECHNICAL

What English safety check changes could mean for you

We look at a growing business doing vital work at a hospital

President Donald W Orr reflects on a busy first year in the hot seat

Cable calculation video is among new advice added to SELECT TV

26 34

After 62 years in the business, tradesman Bob calls it a day Rudi Klein on keeping up the fight for better payment practices

TRAINING

All change as classroom learning returns to The Walled Garden

TECHNICAL

40 FOCUS

Bob Cairney discusses further updates to inspection and testing

APPRENTICES

44 46

How Young Person’s Guarantee can develop the next generation of talent

MANAGING EDITOR Iain Mason iain.mason@select.org.uk EDITOR Sarah Wolstencroft sarah.w@connectcommunications.co.uk 07522 223 568 DESIGN & PRODUCTION Ryan Swinney ryan@connectcommunications.co.uk

ADVERTISING David Hughes davidh@connectcommunications.co.uk 07767 407 402

CABLEtalk is produced by Connect Publications on behalf of SELECT connectcommunications.co.uk

Paul Maxwell tells us why his career change was a bright idea SECTT CEO with the latest news on training and apprenticeships

FOCUS

Our experts look at the benefits of using project bank accounts

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Round-up of the latest gear and gadgets to help you do your job CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

COMMENT

The future is electric, so let’s make young people a part of it now

he last few weeks and months have seen all of Scotland’s main political parties trying to outdo each other over their green credentials. However, what is common is an appreciation that our economy will be driven increasingly by electricity. To this end, it’s vital that the new Scottish Government supports the industry in upskilling the existing workforce, but also makes sure it works with and supports those who will be delivering the next generation of electricians. Over the last 30 years, the electrical industry has trained nearly 20,000 apprentices and it’s comforting to know that most are still connected in one way or another to our industry. The training which apprentices receive is a great springboard to enhance their careers in all aspects of the industry, including installation, design and surveying etc. Apprentices are the lifeblood of our industry and it’s great to see so many employers who continually make the commitment to train apprentices year after year. The last 12 months have been especially difficult with many employers facing challenges over the cessation of work due to the pandemic or more recently, a limit on what work could be undertaken. Despite these challenges, the industry still recruited more than 500 new entrants in 2020-2021. Like many industries, we face increasing

competition from other parts of the economy in recruiting young people. At the same time, Scotland has an ever-decreasing pool of young people. A quick check of Scotland’s birth and death rates shows that for the first time, there are now more people dying in Scotland than being born. From a birth rate peak of 102,000 in 1964, the last few years have seen an average of 50,000 births, a 50% decrease in the talent pool! As we move towards an electric economy, it’s vital that we capture as many young people as possible. Simple arithmetic would also suggest that at least 50% of the available recruitment pool are girls. It’s therefore more important than ever for the industry to look seriously at recruiting across all genders to get the best possible people we can. As a grandfather to five granddaughters, I will be mightily disappointed if at least one doesn’t pursue a career in this industry! We also can’t forget the more mature entrants, i.e. adult trainees, and should keep an open mind on who we recruit in future. We have an apprenticeship scheme we can rightly be proud of. Developed by the SJIB and delivered by SECTT, the industry is at the core of all that we do to enhance the skills of those who enter the workplace. Our apprenticeship programme, which culminates in the FICA end point assessment, is quite rightly the envy of many in the industry. Our campaign to regulate the industry via

protection of title is also linked to the apprenticeship programme. We will always argue that to be called an electrician, you should have completed an apprenticeship and hold appropriate qualifications. Despite this, we still see training courses offering the chance to become an electrician in just weeks. How can governments allow such a life safety-critical industry to operate like this? We must continue to raise the bar for electricians, not seek to drop it. It can’t be right that ‘fast-tracked’ individuals enjoy the same status as someone who has trained for at least four years. Everyone connected to funding and delivering apprenticeships must continue to value what they bring to the Scottish economy and also recognise that those who know best about what should be contained in the training programme is the industry itself. There is no doubt that apprenticeships are a great way for young people to earn while they learn, and the electrical experience proves this time after time. So, if you are an employer reading this, please continue to support one of the best apprenticeship schemes around. If by a chance a politician reads this, please support proper apprenticeships, but at the same time recognise that we need to protect the public and the sector from those who try to short circuit years of training but still call themselves an electrician and support our campaign for regulation. The future is bright – and that future is electric.

Alan Wilson Managing Director, SELECT CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

NEWS SELECT The Walled Garden, Bush Estate, Midlothian EH26 0SB Tel: 0131 445 5577 Fax: 0131 445 5548 admin@select.org.uk

Follow SELECT online at: TWITTER @Updates_SELECT @Training_SELECT @Regulate_SELECT FACEBOOK SELECT.TheECAofS INSTAGRAM @SELECT_Trade_Association

Visit our websites at:

select.org.uk select.org.uk/training cabletalkmagazine.com selectawards.co.uk

Please phone our membership team on 0131 445 5577 to apply to become a Member of SELECT or if you would like more information about joining. Alternatively you can email us on memberservices@select.org.uk or submit an online enquiry.

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.

CABLEtalk

Virtual AGM celebrates success

JUNE/JULY 2021

mendment 2 of the Wiring is now available to watch again at Regulations, regulation bit.ly/amend-2 of the electrical industry and The AGM on Wednesday 2 June also saw procurement were all on Donald W Orr re-elected as President for the agenda at SELECT’s another year, with Alistair Grant voted in as annual general meeting, Vice-President for another 12 months. which was again held Donald said: “Although the meeting online due to COVID-19. was again held virtually, it still offered Attended by 35 Members, Central a great opportunity to update Board members and senior staff, Members on all the excellent work Read the Annual the virtual meeting featured a we’ve carried out over the past year.” Review at bit.ly/ technical presentation by Dave In addition, SELECT Managing AR-2021 Forrester, SELECT’s Director of Director Alan Wilson delivered a Technical Services, on proposals virtual presentation on future plans for the upcoming Amendment for the association, based on the 2 to BS 7671. SELECT manifesto, Creating Dave highlighted 10 future a brighter future. proposed changes likely to As well as updating Members have an effect on electrical on its calls for regulation of the contractors, including industry, Alan outlined how protective equipotential SELECT would be playing a key bonding and specific role in the manifesto’s appeals requirements for arc fault for improved procurement, detection. His presentation fairer payment conditions

We’re telling our story SELECT has launched an engaging new promotional film and brochure as we continue to raise our profile and promote our work to the public and wider industry. The SELECT showreel was launched at the start of June, outlining the history of the association and some of the key

facts and figures about who we are and what we do. Designed to be used on social media, in online presentations and on the new SELECT website, the film will also be used at exhibitions when physical events are possible again. To support it, a brochure Who are SELECT? also gives an

The film and brochure will highlight the work we do

Our pledge over PI insurance

Watch our update on Amendment 2 at bit.ly/amend-2

and support for training to meet the growing green agenda. He said: “SELECT is at the forefront of bringing about real and positive change for our industry and safeguarding the future of the people who work in it. We will continue to make it our mission to achieve the objectives in our manifesto and encourage others in government and across the sector to do the same.” The virtual meeting also saw a meeting of the SELECT Central Board, as well as delivery of the association’s online Annual Review, which again replaced the usual printed document. The report outlined some of the key milestones since the previous AGM in September 2020, including the hundreds of calls to our technical hotline and the distribution of several Donald new employment delivers his guidance documents. address In addition, it told how we delivered 133 online training courses to 945 delegates, saw 5,774 calls handled by the

Some staff took part from The Walled Garden

Scottish Joint Industry Board and created 5,320 ECS electronic Health, Safety and Environmental Assessments. It also outlined how our increased communication activity resulted in more than 33,000 website visits to our dedicated COVID hub during the past nine months and attracted 3,289 followers to our Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn channels – a rise of 45%.

in-depth overview of the association. The new resource includes an overview of our structure and committees, the many benefits of membership, our training courses, work behind the scenes, partner organisations, events, communication, Member testimonials and FAQs. Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT,

Donald reflects on a challenging year: Pages 22-23

said: “These new resources will continue our ongoing drive to raise the profile of SELECT, introduce people to the association and educate everyone about the work we do and the services that we deliver.”

SELECT has reassured Members that it is working hard to help them find an affordable solution to the current uncertainty around professional indemnity (PI) insurance. The ongoing pandemic means the current market has seen a change in PI offerings and a rise in premiums for some firms. SELECT and its PI partner, Brunel, are now keen to help Members secure affordable cover and has urged anyone interested to use the special SELECT online portal to obtain an instant quote. Iain Mason, SELECT Director of Membership and Communications, said: “From recent feedback, we are aware that some Members are finding it difficult to find affordable PI insurance due to the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 and Brexit. “The SELECT scheme launched last year offers specially-tailored cover for SELECT Members. The team at Brunel are happy to speak to Members to help them find a solution and we’re all keen to help as much as we can.” SELECT launched its PI insurance scheme last October, offering competitive premiums and easy instalment payment options.. It is now hoping to host a webinar later this year, where Members can ask questions. If you have any queries about PI insurance, email select@brunelpi.co.uk or call 0117 325 0967 and ask to speak with Lewis Oliver.

n Get a uote q t n insta special at the T portal. / C SELE ccint.com .h 9 t 7 c sele me/323 sche

Watch the video at bit.ly/SELECT-promo Download the brochure at bit.ly/Who-doc CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

NEWS MEMBERS New brochures put the focus on safety SELECT has launched two new COVID-19 brochures to keep Members and the public updated with safety measures after the recent relaxation of restrictions. Returning in person is designed to let Members know what measures to take now that in-person assessments and visits from SELECT staff are possible again. The brochure includes practical health and safety guidance for before, during and after the visit, plus an email template that Members can send to customers ahead of a technical assessment. The second brochure, Are you ready to return?, is designed to help business owners know what checks they should make when returning to premises and reopening. The resource includes a list of issues to look out for, such as fire and security alarms, electrical installations and portable appliances, plus a guide to what action should be taken to ensure premises are safe for staff, visitors and customers. Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications at SELECT, said: “These new publications are designed to help keep Members and the public in the loop about the latest COVID-19 developments and demonstrate our commitment to keeping everyone safe.” The brochures look at safety measures relating to COVID-19

CABLEtalk

n the absence of this year’s physical roadshows, SELECT has organised a series of online Toolbox Talk events to help keep Members in the loop with technical issues. Running in June and July, these digital sessions are designed to answer some of the topical issues raised by Members during conversations with Technical Advisers and in recent calls to our Technical Helpline. Hosted via the Teams webinar platform, the live sessions will be: WEDNESDAY 23 JUNE @ 6PM – CABLE SIZING AND TECHNICAL Q&A Following a new Toolbox Talk video, Training and Development Adviser Malcolm Duncan will discuss cable calculation. The session will also provide the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any other topical technical matters. WEDNESDAY 30 JUNE @ 6PM – CHANGES TO BS 8519 Held in partnership with Prsymian Group, this 20-minute seminar will discuss the

d the Downloa t bit. a s re u h c bro erly/memb s n o ti a c li b u p

Digital dates to keep you informed

JUNE/JULY 2021

changes to clause 11 of BS 8519:2020, which deals with cable selection.

WEDNESDAY 7 JULY @ 6PM – HOT TUBS, HOME OFFICES AND TECHNICAL Q&A Technical Standards Adviser Bob Cairney will discuss the rise of hot tubs and home offices during lockdown, and also answer questions and discuss any other topical technical matters. To sign up to any of these online sessions, and to submit questions in advance, please email memberservices@select.org.uk and you will be sent a link to join on the night. SELECT’s new Toolbox Talk video on cable calculations, produced in response to Member demand, can be viewed at bit.ly/STV-cable. The video is part of the exclusive Members-only SELECT TV resource library, with further details of this and other new videos provided on pages 24 & 25. Bob Cairney (left) and Malcolm Duncan (right)

The personal approach returns With COVID-19 restrictions recently revised, in-person technical assessments have restarted as SELECT continues to offer an uninterrupted service to Members. Assessments had been conducted online during lockdown, with any applicants that passed all our other membership criteria made Conditional Members until in-person visits could be conducted. However, Technical Advisers are now able to visit Members and potential Members to inspect their work, while following strict safety measures to protect against the threat of coronavirus. Director of Technical Services Dave Forrester said: “We are pleased that in-person technical assessments have now resumed and we are able to visit selected premises across Scotland. “New health and safety measures are in place to minimise risk and ensure that Technical Advisers and those they are visiting take suitable precautions to protect against the threat of COVID-19.” Some SELECT staff are now operating from The Walled Garden, but the majority are still working from home in line with Scottish Government guidance.

SELECT was saddened to learn of the loss of one of our long-standing Members, Drew Agnew, who passed away suddenly at the end of March. Drew qualified as an electrician in the early 1980s and had been a Member of SELECT for more than 15 years. He was an enthusiastic Member of the association and had many friends within the Ayrshire Branch of SELECT, as well as being highly respected in the local community. He will be sadly missed and everyone at SELECT would like to extend our condolences to his family.

Technical Advisers are now able to visit Members

As we slowly emerge from the restrictions some delegates are also now attending necessary training course assessments at our Training Centre. SELECT continues to offer Members a range of measures to help businesses deal with the ongoing effects of the pandemic including updated employment advice, online training courses and the latest news on our dedicated COVID-19 hub. Managing Director Alan Wilson said: “As with everything we’ve done in the

past 16 months, the safety of our staff and Members is still our No1 priority. “It is excellent that assessments have restarted, but we are all aware that coronavirus hasn’t gone away so we will continue to follow government guidance and be COVID smart in everything we do.” Back on the road again: Pages 14 & 15

Website is all-new SELECT is currently carrying out final checks and testing on its new website, which it is hoped will be launched later in the summer. The new site has been designed to have a modern look and feel, with improved navigation, an updated Member search facility, easy-to-follow training section and modern shop. The site will also feature a dedicated MY SELECT area, which will enable Members to log in and access membership details and exclusive content. As well a full list of benefits, this Members-only area will also include the new SELECT TV section, with instant access to a range of technical, commercial and employment videos. Iain Mason, Director of Membership and Communications, said: “The new site is looking excellent and we are already excited for its launch later this year. The improved functionality will put more of our excellent services at Members’ fingertips, and also help anyone who wants to find out more about SELECT and its work.” CABLEtalk

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NEWS ROUND-UP Regulation backed at online hustings

The event featured candidates running for the Holyrood elections Regulation of the construction industry is essential for a safer and more productive future, election hopefuls from Scotland’s main political parties told a special digital hustings hosted by the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum. The importance of skills and training in the industry also won unanimous cross-party agreement from panellists during the exclusive event held online on Tuesday 27 April. A review of VAT on domestic repairs and support for reform of procurement practices were other positive talking points – the latter supporting SELECT’s own manifesto suggestions for ways to improve the industry. The hustings featured five candidates running for election to the Scottish Parliament: ● Carole Ford, Scottish Liberal Democrats ● Monica Lennon, Scottish Labour ● Laura Moodie, Scottish Greens ● Alexander Stewart, Scottish Conservative and Unionist ● Kevin Stewart, SNP. Answering questions from senior Forum representatives and members of a selected audience, including SELECT Members, all panellists agreed that regulation was essential for the future of the construction industry. The hustings can be viewed again at bit.ly/Forum-Hust 10

CABLEtalk

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Let’s work together

ELECT has welcomed the new intake of MSPs to the Scottish Parliament and pledged to continue working closely with politicians of all parties to help the country recover

and rebuild. The association says that, as one of the country’s biggest employers, the construction industry has a key role to play as Scotland continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape and create a more sustainable and inclusive sector. In particular, SELECT is keen to continue its close political partnerships to ensure the correct skills and training is delivered to properly qualified electrical professionals. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We are proud to have engaged proactively and positively with members of the outgoing parliament on a number of issues of mutual importance and we anticipate a similarly constructive relationship with legislators in the new Holyrood intake. This includes Tom Arthur MSP, the new Minister for Public Finance, Planning and Community Wealth, who has taken on responsibility for the regulation of electricians’ work. “We were heartened in the last Parliament by progress on the vital issue of professional recognition of electricians in Scotland, and particularly by the support from Jamie Hepburn, then Minister for Business, Fair Work and Skills,

and his fellow MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston, who worked with SELECT in developing a Members’ Bill on the regulation of electricians. “The establishment of an Electricians’ Working Group was a great advance and we would hope to see its work continue to ensure a successful outcome to our long-running campaign for regulation.” Alan pointed out that many MSPs had backed SELECT through channels such as its Wall of Support, and that there had been widespread intake of pre-election backing for the primary aims of the SELECT manifesto, issued just before the poll. Alan said: “SELECT’s positive engagement with Scotland’s parliamentarians takes into account the interests of our 1,250 member businesses and 15,000 employees in a sector which is becoming increasingly vital to the nation’s security and prosperity. “But it is also a primary channel of communication aimed at creating industry conditions which will allow us to support Scotland’s ambitious targets for net-zero, reduced energy use, decarbonisation, climate change and other principal policy objectives around accessible, sustainable places and inclusive economic growth. “We look forward to a continued constructive engagement with the Scottish Parliament and demonstrating the same collaboration and cooperation that has steered us successfully through the past 18 months.”

Jamie Hepburn (left) and Jamie Halcro Johnston(right)

Digital portal keeps things simple Selected ECS Card applications can now be made online after the Scottish Joint Industry Board (SJIB) launched its dedicated digital portal. Phase 1 of the new service means cards can now be applied for, renewed and upgraded online in the following specialist areas: ● Electrotechnical – Electrician, Approved Electrician, Technician Electrician, Electrical Labourer and Operative ● ECS Related Discipline – Field Engineer, Equipment Installer, Aerial and Satellite Engineer and Control Systems Engineer ● Management – ECS Site Support, ECS Manager including Electrical Site Manager, Electrical Contract Manager, Site Manager, Project Manager and Contract Manager. Using the portal is quick and easy, with applicants guided through a simple step-by-step process, which includes uploading certificates and paying the relevant fee. The SJIB is currently fine-tuning the service to enable online access to training records and ECS Card

The portal is quick and easy to use

information. This information can be shown to an employer, potential employer, site manager or anyone who needs to check the card details. In addition, the SJIB is working on Phase 2 of the service, which will see the

New scholarship is a ﬁtting tribute NEBOSH has launched The Michael Adamson Diploma Scholarship, which will support academic and career progression for aspiring health and safety practitioners. Named in memory of electrician Michael Adamson, the initiative will see a UK and international learner awarded paid-for study and assessment fees for the NEBOSH Diploma for Occupational Health and Safety Management Professionals. The diploma and scholarship is designed to help learners develop the knowledge and practical

Louise has shared the story of her brother Michael application to succeed in the workplace, advance their careers and keep people safe from harm. The scholarship is named in memory of Michael who lost his life in a preventable workplace accident in 2005. His sister

Louise has since shared his story in a number of CABLEtalk articles and is dedicated to campaigning for better occupational health and safety. Find out more at www.nebosh.org.uk and michaels-story.net

introduction of Academically Qualified Person (AQP) cards in June. AQP cards are applicable to operatives and managers who have further education or higher education electrotechnical engineering qualifications. To be eligible to apply for an AQP card, individuals must hold an electrical engineering degree or a further education qualification in an electrotechnical discipline at Level 4 or Level 5, such as an HND or HNC. In addition, they must have completed the ECS Health, Safety and Environmental Assessment or hold a valid approved exemption. Fiona Harper, Director of Employment and Skills at SELECT and The Secretary of the SJIB, said: “We are delighted that the portal is now up and running. It is an exciting development for the SJIB and is another example of how we are maximising technology to help Members and the wider industry.” Updates on the remaining phases of the rollout will be issued as soon as they become available. More details can be found at www.sjib.org.uk and the portal itself can be accessed at bit.ly/ ECS-portal

SELECT has expanded its presence on social media by launching on Instagram. The new platform means that the association now enjoys a strong presence on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube, as well as our new Members-only SELECT TV channel. Linda Rolfe, Events, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, said: “Instagram is an excellent way to share and publicise our work to a different demographic. “We have enjoyed growth across all our channels in the past year, and adding another string to our digital bow will help us broaden our reach and continue to spread the word to Members and the wider industry.” Follow us on Instagram at @SELECT_Trade_Association CABLEtalk

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NEWS ROUND-UP FSA to present two accolades at ECA awards The Fire and Security Association (FSA), of which SELECT plays a major role, will be rewarding two worthy winners at a special ceremony to be held as part of this year’s ECA Industry Awards. The association, which is the specialist fire and security group within SELECT and the ECA, is presenting two awards for outstanding contribution to the fire and security industries during the event: ● Outstanding Contribution to the Fire Detection and Alarm Industry, in memory of Ian Marsh ● Outstanding Contribution to the Security Systems Industry, in memory of Peter Greenwood SELECT’s Immediate Past President, Kevin Griffin, is a former winner of the Ian Marsh award, scooping the gong in 2018. Award winners will be announced at a dinner at the Hilton Bankside Hotel in London, supported by headline sponsors LEDVANCE and Electrium, with more details to be announced shortly. SELECT’s Director of Technical Services Dave Forrester said: “As a key part of the FSA, we are delighted to be playing a leading role in these special awards. “For the individual winners, these awards present a perfect opportunity for them to showcase their achievements and be rightfully rewarded for their contribution to the industry.” Entries for this year’s awards close on Friday 23 July and are open to all SELECT/FSA members. For more details on how to enter, visit www. ecaawards.co.uk 12

CABLEtalk

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Members warned on product delays

ncreasingly long lead times for many products has prompted SELECT and ECA to issue a joint alert to Members, warning them about extended delays and urging them to plan ahead and order early. The advice comes hot on the heels of a recent warning by BEAMA that demand was likely to outstrip supply for many months to come. The manufacturer’s trade association said a dramatic reduction in global steel production in the early days of the pandemic had led to severe shortages. It added that, since mid-2020, the call for the types of steel used in cable management products, along with other applications, has increased as businesses attempt to meet a growth in demand and complete unfinished projects. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “Any shortage of materials is an issue that will clearly affect all contractors, so it’s vital for everyone to plan ahead and take proactive measures now.

“We join ECA in urging all Members to keep abreast of any updates and recognise that this could well be an issue as the year develops. “Ordering well in advance and factoring in for potential shortages and rising costs will help if there is any ongoing disruption to the supply chain.” ECA CEO, Steve Bratt, said: “When planning a project, bear in mind the world has changed. Delays in availability of some materials is impacting on cost and completion time. “Our advice is to order the materials you need in good time to ensure you can finish as planned. We are in an evolving situation, our Member support will keep you informed as and when things change.” Both organisations are urging any Members who are experiencing issues or want to find out more to get in touch. Materials special: Pages 27-33

Meeting helps to map out future strategies SELECT has met with fellow trade association ECA to discuss common key strategies and priorities and how we plan to continue our close collaboration to help build a brighter future for the industry. Skills, training and the green revolution were all high on the agenda as both leading electrical bodies held a joint virtual meeting to identify priorities for the second half of 2021 and beyond. Senior staff also shared knowledge and industry

insights on 26 April as we explored potential opportunities and issues, as well as discussing the ongoing campaign for regulation of the industry. Alan Wilson, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “I am delighted to have been part of an extremely insightful and productive meeting which showed that we are both helping our members with the very same ongoing challenges. “We have always enjoyed a positive and productive relationship with ECA, and

we look forward to our spirit of collaboration and cooperation continuing.” Steve Bratt, CEO of ECA, said: “The meeting was extremely productive and made it clear that we both face plenty of future challenges. Like the hashtag that has become popular during the pandemic, we are very much ‘in this together’. It makes sense to share ideas and pool resources, so we will work together to strengthen both the sector and our respective Members’ interests.”

Career help is on oﬀer The National Energy Efficiency Transition Support and Heat Pump Training Fund has been put in place by the Scottish Government to support those whose careers have been affected by the pandemic. The fully-funded courses, offered by nine Scottish Colleges including West College Scotland, are aimed at upskilling and enhancing the qualifications of individuals aged 25 or older who are redundant or at risk of being made redundant. The courses cover key areas and combine online learning with onsite practical elements to ensure participants gain the skills and qualifications employers really value. You won’t need to pay towards any element of the training, which must be completed by 31 July 2021.

Courses available are: ● AS/GS Heat Pumps ● Energy Battery Storage Awareness ● Solar PV ● Water Byelaws ● Unvented Hot Water ● Electric Vehicle Charging ● 18th Edition Electrical 2382-18 ● Introduction to Digital Smart Homes ● External Wall Insulation Application. To be eligible for the funding you must be a resident in Scotland and aged 25 or over. You must have become unemployed since 1 March 2020 or have been notified that you’re at risk of redundancy/ unemployment, e.g. furloughed. For more information, visit www.westcollegescotland. ac.uk/nttf

David is named new ECA President

grown considerably and now employs more than 30 electricians, improvers and apprentices. David takes over the ECA Presidency from Gary Worrall, who has spent the Business owner and last 12 months guiding the electrical engineer ECA and its members David Lewis has been through Brexit announced as the uncertainty and new President the COVID-19 of ECA. pandemic. David joined David said: his father “I’m delighted Brian’s David Lewis to be taking over electrical this prestigious contracting role. More than ever, business in 1981 as an our industry faces significant apprentice while studying at challenges, but I am Walsall College before they determined to support set up Chancery Contracts all our members and the Ltd together in 1992. wider industry to maximize Over the last 29 years, the every opportunity.” family-run business has

Following a recent article in CABLEtalk, SELECT recently hosted an exclusive Member webinar on research and development (R&D) tax relief. Held in partnership with specialists ForrestBrown, the 30-minute session outlined how R&D tax relief can be a source of cashflow support and explained how Members can claim this valuable incentive. For those who missed it, the webinar is now available to watch again at bit.ly/RD-watch

NEW MEMBERS

14 firms have become SELECT Members since 1 April 2021 CSMR Electrical Services Ltd, Abacus Electrical Scotland, Aberdeen & North East Scotland Edinburgh & South East Scotland RGR Electrics Ltd, Tayside BH Electrical, Edinburgh Westmuir Electrical, Tayside

& South East Scotland

M & M Electrical, Tayside

Primo Installations, Glasgow & West of Scotland

JD Electrical (Edinburgh) Ltd, Edinburgh & South East Scotland Neilson Electrical Services Limited, Dumfries & Galloway Rutherfords Electrical Solutions, Dumfries & Galloway K Sinclair E&I Ltd, Tayside

D & L MacLeod Contractors Ltd, Glasgow & West of Scotland Marluk Electrical Ltd, Lanarkshire Wee County Spark, Edinburgh & South East Scotland CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

FEATURES TECHNICAL ASSESSMENTS

Polishing the boots to a lovely shine

On the road again

Meeting Ste ve Scott before his in spection

The recent change in COVID-19 restrictions means that in-person technical assessments have been able to restart. Armed with mask and sanitiser, our man kept a diary of two recent visits to prospective Members… By Darren Sweeney Technical Adviser

ne of the biggest things I was looking forward to after lockdown was jumping in the car and carrying out assessments of Conditional Members and new applicants. Before COVID-19, it would have been a case of packing the tools and setting the sat-nav, but the pandemic means, quite rightly, that more checks are now in place. Everyone undergoing an assessment is now sent an information pack outlining the safety measures that need to be taken, including the new SELECT

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guidance, Returning in person.. They are also sent a text reminder and a COVID-19 questionnaire the day before, with everything organised by our extremely efficient Technical Administrator, Susie Liddle. reeting r safe g Having an open conversation with Anothe n Murray rya the person we’re visiting ensures that with B they understand the processes we’re putting in place and that we’re doing it to keep their staff, family and customers safe. From the sole trader right up to the large companies, everyone has been extremely receptive and 100 per cent committed to the measures. In the current climate, they understand what needs to be Seeing our done to ensure we can get on-site Members’ work safely. It also helps that we’ve environment is really helpful

Checking the levels

“There really is no substitute for getting out and meeting Members face-toface – it’s what SELECT does best” restarted in-person visits as we move in to summer, so we can meet and interact with people outside, which makes social distancing easier.

Visit No1: Steve Scott Electrical old Steve is converting let ay lid ho a o int s ble sta

Friday morning meant a trip to the Borders, where I met up with Steve Scott for an inspection with a view to moving his firm, Steve Scott Electrical, into full membership. I’d previously had a meeting and virtual assessment with Steve back in September 2020, which saw him join SELECT as a Conditional Member. Now it was time to follow up in person and see him in action for myself. The site visit was to an old stable block which Steve was helping to convert into a holiday let. Masks donned, we grabbed our tools and did a walkaround as Steve showed me examples of his work and how things were progressing at the end of first fix. We kept our masks on when looking over paperwork together and observed social distancing at all times, even when outside. And of course, there was regular hand sanitising throughout the visit – although after 16 months that’s become second nature, hasn’t it? It was great to be back face-to-face with a prospective Member – even if that face was partly obscured by a mask! It meant we could have a productive chat and Steve asked some good questions, including plenty about possible EV charge points. Being on site gave me a good idea of what he is capable of and after seeing his handiwork up close, I was happy to recommend him for full membership.

Visit No2: Livingston Building Services Checking Steve’s van during the visit

Monday morning saw another visit, this time to Renfrew for an

on-site inspection with another prospective Member, Livingston Building Services (LBS). Project Manager Bryan Murray was there to greet me and, once again social distancing, masks and sanitiser were the order of the day as he showed me around. LBS have just completed a large multi-phase commercial installation for Strathclyde University. The inspection involved multiple large section board installations, sub main distribution and final circuits – a really interesting and impressive job! This was the first time I’d visited LBS, so it was a good chance to get to know Bryan and discuss various issues – plus it was a good learning curve for me too. Bryan had previously sent over certification, so by actually visiting the site and seeing the environment I was able to answer some of the questions I’d formed in my head. The result was that I was able to review more paperwork and arrange some further digital meetings to help the journey towards full membership.

The verdict

There really is no substitute for getting out and meeting Members face-to-face – it’s what SELECT does best. Although the virtual assessments during lockdown have been good and we’ll continue to carry them out, meeting in person again means we can gain a real understanding of a business and ‘get in amongst it’ (in a safe and socially distanced way of course). Members get a lot out of them too – when you’re there in person it’s a more relaxed environment and I find folk are more comfortable asking questions. It’s been a long road to get back to this point, but long may it continue… CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

FEATURES SELECT MEMBER

Looking after the people who matter SELECT Member firm Panacea had been in business less than a year when the lockdown hit but has managed to thrive despite the pandemic, including taking on two major projects at Ninewells Hospital

hen Billy Hosie set up Panacea in June 2019, he started the business with just £5,000 and a van. Two years – and one pandemic – later, the Dundee-based firm employs 29 people and is about to open a second site in Livingston. The company was launched with the aim of providing jobs for workers left unemployed when a large local contractor went into administration. Since then, it’s continued to grow and Managing Director Billy has never lost sight of the importance of looking after the people who make up the business. He said: “We wanted to give people a job and soften the blow of the

Continued on page 18 >>>

Billy has seen Panacea grow since it was launched in 2019 CABLEtalk

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FEATURES SELECT MEMBER >>> Continued from page 17

administration and it just took off from day one. We’re in our second year but it’s probably year five of our business plan. “We have a family atmosphere which is really important to me. My dad worked for an American company and they were really good at not just looking after their employees, but also their families. That’s part of our ethos too.”

Chance for change

Panacea works across three main areas: data and fibre, aid call and warden call systems, and fire and security. The team carry out projects all over Scotland at sites including schools, recycling plants and medical facilities, and are also involved in the roll-out of the 5G network in Aberdeen and Perth. Like many businesses, Panacea was forced to reassess how it worked when the pandemic hit. The company used it as an opportunity to examine their next steps – including joining SELECT. Billy said: “You can never prepare for something like COVID and we were lucky that some of the contracts we were on were either classed as essential or main infrastructure. “It allowed us to look at where we were going as a business and what areas we could tighten up in, and allowed us to get a lot of processes put in place. We got our BAFE accreditation, our SSAIB accreditation for fire and security, and we also did our SELECT membership. “Although we’re not an electrical company, it’s important that we have 18th Edition sparks on our books. It gives the client confidence that we have the ability to meet and maintain the standards set by SELECT. “It also gives us access to ongoing training we can use to keep everyone up to date with regulations and best practice. For us, being involved with SELECT was a no-brainer.”

Delivering the best

The first lockdown coincided with a major project for Panacea – installing the data infrastructure for the new neonatal intensive care ward at Ninewells Hospital. Suddenly the team were forced to rapidly adjust to the health and 18

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Panacea Operations Manager Brian Christie with Billy

safety demands of the new COVID restrictions, as well as the psychological toll of working so close to where people were losing their lives from the virus. For Billy, it was a project with even more emotional significance, after suffering his own family tragedy at the same hospital department. His personal experience made him determined to deliver the very best for other families facing the same anguish. He said: “That job was close to my heart because I had lost my son there ten years earlier. It brought a lot of hard memories back. “It made it even more important for us to deliver

QUICK FACTS

Panacea Security

BASED: Dundee and Livingston PHONE: 01382 339913 WEB: panaceasecurity. co.uk

something and deliver it well. The facilities we had when we lost our son were good at the time, but having seen the new ward, I know how fantastic they are now. When families are going through the hardest time, they’ll have a few home-from-home comforts. “When you have a child who’s ill, you don’t think of anything other than what’s happening in your bubble. But we’re not the only people to have suffered that. There’s more than just me and my wife who went through that and that’s what spurred us on to deliver a service that was second to none. “We do our best for every project but this has special

meaning. The drive was to deliver something spectacular for NHS Tayside.”

A new mindset

The Panacea workers at the Dundee hospital had to quickly get used to the demands of social distancing and PPE. But Billy admits that wasn’t the greatest challenge they faced. “The biggest thing we had to bring in was the new thought process,” he said. “It was trying to drum into everyone that they had to travel to the site in separate vans, not work within 2m of each other and wear masks all the time. “We had to wear gloves under gloves and had supplies of sanitiser for everyone. “The guidance from our partners, Taylor and Fraser, and the main contractor, Balfour Beatty, was excellent. The regulations they put in were first class and made our job easier.”

“You can never prepare for something like COVID and we were lucky that some of the contracts we were on were either classed as essential or main infrastructure”

Ninewells Hospital

Workers’ wellbeing

As lockdown went on and the COVID death toll continued to rise, Billy made his sure team’s mental health was a priority. Working in a hospital added to the stress the engineers felt and they were also worried about the risk of passing COVID to their families. Regular check-ins with workers helped monitor how they were feeling and staff were encouraged to take time off if they needed it. Billy said: “We had someone come in on a regular basis and speak to them about their mental health – how they were feeling, not anything to do with the job but how their family was, if there was anything we could do to help. Only after that would we move on to the job. It was mental and physical health first. “The biggest worry was that you were in an environment where you didn’t know how COVID was transmitted. You were in a hospital and while the area you were in might not have COVID, we knew that there were people dying of it in that hospital. All of that placed an extra strain on the engineers. We made sure we spoke to them on a regular basis to find out how they were feeling and address their concerns. “As well as dealing with it in work, when you left you went into a world that had totally changed. That’s where the psychological element comes in to it because there’s no escape. When they got home, the engineers were doublebagging their work clothes at the front door and putting them straight into the washing machine so there was no contamination within the house. “They were more concerned about transference to families rather than getting it themselves.

“Mentally it was very hard for them and there were a couple of times when we lessened the amount of work we were doing, just to take the pressure off. We also made sure we gave them extra uniform and extra time for all the cleaning and other precautions.”

Pride and emotion

Despite the pressures of COVID, the neonatal ward installation was completed on time and on budget. It was an emotional moment when the Panacea team finished their work there just before Christmas. Billy said: “There was a lot of pride and a few tears. It’s fantastic to see it finished. When families are in that terrible position in that terrible time in their lives, they have world-class facilities to give them a little bit of comfort. It was worth all the lockdown stresses.” As well as working on the neonatal ward, Billy’s engineers are also carrying Continued on page 21 >>>

With Barry Young, Senior Estimator CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

FEATURES SELECT MEMBER

“Things happen in life that make you readjust but if you treat everyone with humility and kindness, you’ll get that back tenfold” 20

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Billy makes sure his workers and their families are happy

>>> Continued from page 19

out another full fibre installation at the hospital’s children’s operating theatre. The company believes in training engineers so they’re skilled in multiple disciplines and this approach was key during the Ninewells work. It meant they could rotate workers between the two sites and give them breaks to help their mental health.

Restart and recovery

None of Panacea’s engineers contracted COVID but as lockdown measures ease, Billy knows they can’t be complacent. “Things are starting to move but it still feels strange,” he said. “We’re obviously delighted that no one in the company has become unwell because of COVID but we’re acutely aware of the people in the area who have lost their lives. We’re also thankful that we have a business to come back to once the pandemic is over with and we can become stronger. But our thoughts are definitely with everyone who has had to endure the last year, whether they’ve been in business or not. It’s been very stressful.” While work at the hospital has kept the team busy, some of their other projects

Mike Carlin and Craig Soutar are part of the Panacea team

The firm fits a lot of Aid Call systems

have been put on hold by the pandemic. The firm fits around 100 Aid Call systems each year to help elderly and vulnerable people but have had to wait until the customers have had both their vaccine injections before they can continue. It means they’ll now have to fit a year’s worth of work into nine months, but Billy isn’t daunted by the challenge and has planned for the tighter schedule.

Bright future

Looking to the future, he’s optimistic about what lies ahead for the company. He said: “We’re really excited. All three areas we work in are strong and I’d expect us to double our turnover this year. It means we’re profitable and we can also look after everyone. “We don’t want to get so big that people become stressed because they’re being pushed too hard. “We’ve got a lot of work lined up in the health industry and you can see that things are starting to pick up again. Our new office will also help us to service more areas and give us a good foothold throughout Scotland. “Things happen in life that make you readjust but if you treat everyone with humility and kindness, you’ll get that back tenfold. That’s what we do here. “It’s not always easy to make sure we keep everyone happy but we try our hardest. “Our staff get approached by other companies but they tell them they’re happy where they are and I think that says a lot. “Everyone gets a Christmas night out and their partners get a gift voucher too. They’re just as important as the engineers. We know their kids’ names, they all get an egg from us at Easter, and we have a staff barbecue in summer. It all makes people feel like they’re part of the family and that they’re an individual, not a number.” CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

FEATURES FROM THE PRESIDENT

Standing strong in a crisis After an eventful first year in the hot seat, SELECT President Donald W Orr reflects on the work of the association during the pandemic – and reveals his pride at how it has stepped up to help Members

he past 18 months have been unlike anything we have ever seen in both our business and personal lives. It has also been an unprecedented time for SELECT, which has undertaken many vital activities to help its Members and the wider industry. Despite operating in highly challenging circumstances, Scotland’s largest construction trade association continues to work tirelessly behind the scenes to help us all emerge from this pandemic stronger and better equipped to face the future together. As I write,

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this work includes negotiating industry pay conditions for the coming year after the wage freeze of 2020. There have been so many areas that SELECT has been involved in, but I would just like to highlight a few things of which we should all be very proud.

Advising our Members

The bread and butter of most trade associations is providing information and advice to the people it

“None of us could have known the uncertainty and upheaval that COVID-19 would bring, but I’m proud of how our association stepped up and adapted to every challenge” represents. SELECT has always prided itself on the quality of advice and guidance it issues, whether on technical, employment, contractual or other subjects, and we have always sought to keep our Members ahead of the curve. The last 18 months have proved how important this service is. For a period of time last year, we were issuing daily updates on a range of different subjects related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and this advice and information has been invaluable to Members. As my predecessor, Kevin Griffin, said at last year’s AGM, the association has more than stepped up to the mark and provided an excellent service during the pandemic. It is truly heartening to see this wealth of advice and information still being shared as we enter the next phase of the COVID-19 journey.

Collaborating and cooperating

When it comes to working together, the last year especially has shown the great advantages that collaboration and cooperation can bring. As well as our regular contact with colleagues at

the ECA and other trade bodies, we have joined Actuate UK, which is made up of eight organisations, including BESA, the ECA and SNIPEF. During the year, Actuate UK – which has taken on a number of activities previously undertaken by the SEC Group – will be focusing on four strategically important themes: ● Skills ● Building safety ● Carbon reduction ● Commercial issues. Another great example of working together is the wealth of work we have done via the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, and I’ve been hugely impressed by the huge amount of advice and information produced. Finally, SELECT has been an active member in the work of EuropeOn, the organisation that represents electrical trade bodies across Europe. The secretary of EuropeOn made a presentation on future opportunities for electricians at a recent meeting of our Central Board, and I’m pleased to see SELECT playing such a vital role in its operation.

Adapting to unprecedented times

None of us could have known the uncertainty and upheaval that COVID-19 would bring, but I’m proud of how our association stepped up and adapted to every challenge. Wherever there was an issue, the SELECT team found a way to solve it, going above and beyond to help Members and would-be Members. This included the introduction of Conditional Membership, which

allowed electrical businesses to continue enjoying the support, assistance and many benefits of Scotland’s largest construction trade association. Carrying out technical assessments remotely via video link was another innovation of which I was particularly proud, ensuring that there was no interruption to the excellent technical service for which we are renowned. And the sheer volume of calls handled by the Employment and Skills team was something to behold, delivering clear and concise advice about the impact of the pandemic, just when it was needed most. I was also incredibly impressed by our ever-growing online training offering, which brings me on nicely to…

Skills and training

Training continues to play a large part in SELECT’s activities. We now offer more than 20 different technical and management-based courses, covering topics such as BS 7671, health and safety and Scottish Building Standards. With nearly 400 delegates trained online from the beginning of 2021 – including delegates in Mexico, Spain and Russia – we are busy reviewing all our practical courses with a view to updating them to suit future needs. In the meantime, we have now restarted limited training assessment sessions at The Walled Garden, which is pleasing to see as we return to at least some kind of normality! My first year as President has been slightly unusual, but I am very proud to have played a part in helping SELECT’s invaluable work prosper during this extremely challenging time. I also appreciate the hard work carried out by my fellow office bearers, Branch Members and SELECT staff as we keep progressing the work and reach of our trade association. I think we can all be very proud of everything we have achieved together – and know the good work will continue over the next six months, into 2022 and beyond. CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

FEATURES SELECT TV

It’s your go-to guide

Our new SELECT TV channel continues to expand, with four new videos being added as an exclusive Member benefit – including a handy Toolbox Talk on cable sizing developed by our in-house technical expert

By Linda Rolfe Events, Marketing & Communications Coordinator

e’ve been busy adding new programmes to the SELECT TV schedules over the past two months, with a technical video on cable calculation now part of our Membersonly resource library. This 20-minute Toolbox Talk is designed to demonstrate a recognised method of calculation in line with the requirements of BS 7671, the IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition. Created by our Training and Development Adviser, Malcolm Duncan, the session is clear and easy to follow, with a practical walkthrough of each

PROBLEM CLAUSES Watch no Industry expert Len Bunton w bit.ly/ST at Vdiscusses the peril of the small print, clauses including contract amends, retention issues and payment provisions and schedules. He also explains extensions of time and ‘termination for convenience’ and explores how to deal with omission of work with no consequences.

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step of the process, including: ● Determining the load of the circuit ● Selecting the protective device ● Determining the maximum disconnection time ● Selecting the cable and applying any correction factors ● Checking the voltage drop ● Checking the shock protection and thermal constraints ● Providing client advice As part of the process, the video also breaks down a number of calculations piece by piece – including the Adiabatic equation – to ensure viewers are familiar with every aspect of cable sizing. The new resource has been produced in response to Member feedback and is

BATTLE OF THE FORMS Watch no In the first of his two new w at bit.ly/ videos, Professor Rudi Klein STV-form s discusses the ‘battle of the forms’, outlining exactly what such a conflict entails and the risks associated with fighting over paperwork. He also advises on your chances of winning and what happens if a contract doesn’t materialise.

The video follows his previous SELECT TV advice sessions on the Conflict Avoidance Process, low-cost adjudication and top tips on getting paid. The other new films see Professor Klein offering advice on contract documentation and ‘the battle of the forms’ as he helps Members navigate potentially complex issues. These updates follow previous online advice on design and suspension for nonpayment, both of which are only available on SELECT TV. The new videos mean SELECT TV now offers 12 exclusive technical and commercial videos on its Membersonly platform, with the videos hosted on a secure YouTube site, hidden from public view. Later this year, we will add the videos to the MY SELECT section of the new SELECT website, where SELECT TV will have its own dedicated web page, only accessible by Members. We’re keen to add relevant content all the time – so please get in touch if there’s anything you would like to see on the small screen.

Watch o ur new cable sizyin g now at bit video STV-cab.ly/ le

part of this year’s online Toolbox Talks, which replace the usual roadshows, cancelled due to COVID-19. It also comes hot on the heels of our first technical video, an in-depth three-part tutorial on Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICRs), which can be accessed along with all our other Member-only videos at bit.ly/SELECT-TV. We’re now planning to add to the library with short films on employment and health and safety

issues as we build up a unique collection of visual aids.

Commercial guidance

As well as the technical video, three new commercial guidance films have also been added to SELECT TV courtesy of industry experts Len Bunton and Professor Rudi Klein. In the first, Len discusses the tricky issue of problem clauses, with a particular focus on amends, schedules, termination and extensions of time.

If you would like us to cover a particular topic in our new Member videos, please email linda.rolfe@select.org.uk

WATCH ALL OUR EXCLUSIVE MEMBER VIDEOS AT BIT.LY/SELECT-TV

CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION In his second new film, Professor Klein puts contract documentation under the spotlight, giving Members an invaluable insight into what they should be watching out for. He also uses his years of experience to advise on paperwork pitfalls and the dangers that lurk when it comes to liability.

Watch no w bit.ly/ST at Vcontract

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FEATURES MEMBER RETIREMENT

Bob hits the oﬀ switch

It’s the end of an era as veteran tradesman retires after 62 years, and he’ll enjoy his freedom by travelling around Scotland in his motorhome

ELECT’s most northerly mainland Member has hung up his trusty pliers and retired after 62 years on the tools. Bob Hampton has spent the past three decades running his own electrical business in the remote village of Tongue near Thurso, Sutherland. Life in the north-west of Scotland is a long way from the West Midlands, where the teenager started his apprenticeship back in the 1950s. Bob, who is originally from Wythall, near Birmingham, told CABLEtalk: “I began my training aged 16 in 1959. Back then, lead sheathed cables had just gone out of use but we were still connecting into them using Scruit porcelain connectors! “After serving my time I moved on to broaden my experience, working at a

plumbing and heating firm and a refrigeration company before joining some of my colleagues to set up an air conditioning business.” When the firm was taken over in 1990, Bob moved north of the border, settling in Tongue and buying the village’s sub-post office. He revealed: “My wife and I had spent lots of time in Scotland, so we looked round for a business to buy and found the post office. However, when people realised I had electrical skills I was soon in demand as there wasn’t another electrician for 40 miles. I never dreamed I would become an electrical contractor but that’s how it turned out, so we sold the post office.” After setting up Tongue Electrics, Bob spent the next 28 years serving the local community, carrying out a mix of domestic, commercial and agricultural work.

“After just over 60 years in the trade it’s not easy to switch off, but I’m now getting used to ‘safe isolation’ ” 26

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He said: “When I started in Tongue, there were a lot of new houses, so I did a lot of fitting out, as well as council repairs and refurbishments. I enjoyed it because every day was different.” With the help of the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), Bob trained two apprentices and became a SELECT Member in June 2000. He said: “I felt SELECT was right for me and it’s been really useful over the years. The regular meetings helped me keep contact with the trade and the technical advice was great – I was using it right up until I retired. I enjoyed the Toolbox Talks too, plus the training kept me up to date.” After winding down his business, Bob now plans to spend his new-found freedom travelling Scotland in his motorhome. He said: “I’ve had around six weeks off the tools now and haven’t really missed it, so I know the time is right. COVID-19 had an impact over the past 18 months, although I was able to carry out a few new installations.” He added: “I’d just like to say thanks to SELECT for all their advice and support over the years. After just over 60 years in the trade it’s not easy to switch off, but I’m now getting used to ‘safe isolation’.”

FEATURES PRODUCT MARKING

MATERIALS 7-PAGE SPECIAL

Stay up to the mark

One of the side-effects of Brexit has been the introduction of the UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) mark, which has replaced the CE mark on many electrical products. But what does the change mean? And what should you watch out for? An industry expert helps demystify the product marking maze…

By Dr Jeremy Hodge Secretary General, British Cable Association

ollowing Brexit, manufacturers and suppliers have been getting to grips with a number of significant changes to trading arrangements with the EU and the rest of the world.

Now the UK has left the customs union and single market, a new trade deal exists with the EU. Any products entering the UK are now being imported, so importers and traders have new responsibilities, such as having a UK address on products. Wholesalers and contractors will now need to get used to this new system of regulatory product marking, which has been phased in from January 2021. For product compliance there is the new UKCA mark for many products like radio equipment, construction products and machinery and electrical products, including cable. Schemes such as EMC and RoHS will also continue.

The future UK approach remains fundamentally the same, based on national regulations, technical standards, test houses, product declarations and marking, and market surveillance. Other aspects will change, especially for manufacturers and suppliers.

Not a revolution

The new UKCA mark will only be used in Great Britain, i.e. England, Scotland and Wales. Northern Ireland will continue to use the CE mark. The UK remains a part of the European standards system Continued on page 28 >>> CABLEtalk

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FEATURES PRODUCT MARKING FROM 1 JANUARY 2021 - 31 DECEMBER 2021

Products placed in the EU market* (27 countries)

EU 27 Notified Body (if needed)

EU DoC/DoP

CE marking

Products placed in the GB market

EU 27 Notified Body (if needed)

EU DoC/DoP

CE marking

Products placed in the GB market

UK Approved Body (if needed)

UK DoC/DoP

UKCA marking

>>> Continued from page 27

(CEN/CENELEC) whereby new and revised product standards are created. Voluntary certification schemes used for cable, such as BASEC, HAR and LPCB, will be largely unaffected by changes to the regulatory system. Product compliance is of key importance to everyone in the supply chain for electrical products, including cable and cable accessories. Up until Brexit, the UK used the EU’s CE mark and its related legislation, which for cables includes low voltage or construction products. There is to be no revolution – the new UKCA marking system is largely the same as the EU system. All product compliance legislation originating in EU practice continues as UK regulations, amended where necessary. All the EU harmonised product standards we are familiar with have become UK designated standards, and UK-based Notified Bodies who test and certify certain products have become UK Approved Bodies. So at the point of Brexit there were no significant changes to the background. However, for 28

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QUICK Q&A Will products carry multiple marks? Yes, it is likely that many products that are sold across the EU and the UK will carry both CE and UKCA markings, or the CE/UKNI and UKCA markings. Will it be illegal to supply or use CE marked product

in Great Britain after the end of 2021? No, products already in the supply chain (such as with a wholesaler) can continue to be sold. In any case, marking requirements only apply at the point of sale, not when they are used. Will any products need to

manufacturers and suppliers there is work to do in preparing new product documentation and marking. Regrettably, the UK and the EU were not able to come to an agreement on conformity assessment systems in the trade deal, so these are now separate and duplicated. Many products will need to be retested, depending on where they were tested originally. In some sectors there is limited laboratory capacity, which is raising concerns.

be replaced? No, products that are already installed may continue in use. After the end of 2021, should products carrying a CE mark be rejected? No, as long as it either carries the UKCA mark or has been in the supply chain during 2021.

The UKCA mark will soon start to appear on products, labels or packaging, and Declarations of Conformity/ Performance for the UK market will be made available to purchasers. For cable products, the main pieces of legislation applicable are the low voltage directive (LVD) and the construction products regulation (CPR) for products used in buildings. Low voltage requirements will be a UK Declaration of Conformity and the UKCA mark. For

MATERIALS 7-PAGE SPECIAL CPR, a UK Declaration of Performance and UKCA marking / labelling incorporating the classification information are required.

Time for change

The UKCA mark went live on 1 January 2021. Manufacturers and suppliers will have to fully adopt the new marking on products supplied into the market from 1 January 2022. During 2021, products carrying the CE mark may continue to be supplied. CE marked products that are already in the supply chain (such as with a wholesaler) may continue to be legally sold and hence used beyond the end of 2021. Northern Ireland is a special region in the post-Brexit UK and under the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol it remains subject to EU single market rules. Products sold in Northern Ireland will need to continue to carry the CE mark rather than the UKCA mark – any UKCA marking can be ignored. Products already CE marked correctly for the EU market may be freely supplied in Northern Ireland. Where products need third party testing or certification as part of CE marking, it is possible for manufacturers to use a body based in the UK for this, but in this case an additional ‘UKNI’ indication must go alongside the CE mark and such products are not allowed to be sold on into the EU. Manufacturers and suppliers serving

the EU market must continue to comply with EU requirements, including CE marking, using EU-based test houses where needed. Products bearing only a UKCA mark or the CE plus UKNI mark may not be sold in the EU. Products entering the EU from the UK will therefore be treated identically to those coming from any other country worldwide and will require CE marking.

Future problems?

Looking to the future, changes may occur that result in divergence between UK and EU requirements. The UK and the EU will periodically update legislation, and there is no guarantee that any changes will be matched. New or revised product standards may be published and become officially recognised in the UK or EU systems, possibly at different times. For the present though, things are expected to remain stable for a reasonable period. BCA’s primary concern is to ensure cable product standards, regulations and trade aspects are workable, robust and strongly upheld in a consistent manner that succeeds through promoting simple navigation for all trading stakeholders. Times of change offer opportunities to build better processes that deliver better outcomes, and the chance to make changes for the better should never be overlooked. The UK Government is already consulting on how product compliance may be improved. The BCA is dedicated to promoting

Marking helps you to choose a quality product

best practice, keeping the industry informed and alert to danger, spotting and preventing the ingress of counterfeit or substandard cable and keeping everyone safe. Ensuring all UK cable is compliant, tested and correctly marked leaves a narrower window for fakes and substandard products. There is now an opportunity for cable manufacturers to secure trading routes and take a tighter hold on quality.

Preparing your business for the potential impact of changes to trade regulations sparked by Brexit Page 30-31

AFTER 31 DECEMBER 2021

Products placed in the EU market* (27 countries)

EU 27 Notified Body (if needed)

EU DoC/DoP

CE marking

Products placed in the GB market

UK Approved Body (if needed)

UK DoC/DoP

UKCA marking

*Also applies to Northern Ireland, but alternative route using a UK body for CE marking and UKNI indication is possible.

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FEATURES FORECASTING

Plain sailing

Disruption from COVID and Brexit has seen delays in moving materials, with more rule changes caused by the EU exit still to come. Mark Simmonds, of the British Ports Association, explains how to make sure your business is ready

he combined challenges of Brexit and COVID-19 have seen many electrical businesses facing delays and disruption when it comes to getting materials. Over the past year, changes to regulations and the pressures of the pandemic have wreaked havoc on some supply chains and made people even more aware of the impact of global events on trade. As the vaccination roll-out continues and companies adjust to life outside the EU, firms will be hoping for some stability over the next 12 months. But there are still issues to be aware of and businesses need to plan ahead, advises Mark Simmonds, Director of Policy and External Affairs at the British Ports Association. Although the rules about shipping goods Mark Simmonds, British Ports Association

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out of the UK to the EU have already changed, the regulations on imports won’t come into effect until January next year. This could have an impact on electrical businesses who order materials from overseas, so it’s important to be ready for the changes. Mark said: “There have been two big issues that have affected trade recently – Brexit and COVID. With regards to Brexit, things are quite calm, trade is flowing relatively well and we’re in a fairly comfortable position. “The reason for that is partly because import controls haven’t come into effect yet for goods coming in from the EU. They have been delayed until January so ports have time to build the infrastructure they need to do these additional checks. “But regardless of how the infrastructure goes, we may start to see

issues again at the start of next year as that’s always going to be the case with a change at that magnitude.”

Ready for new rules

With the upcoming change in import laws, Mark advised SELECT Members who order goods from the EU to make sure they’re prepared for what lies ahead. He said: “They need to be aware of the new regulations and the new paperwork that might be required. They also need to make sure their suppliers are aware of the changes. “We’re keen that everyone is ready and is already preparing for the January deadline because it’s not something you can do in just a couple of weeks. Make your plan early and make sure your suppliers and customers are ready.”

Building resilience

The changes mean there could be additional delays in getting goods into the country, which may have to be factored in when planning work and arranging contracts. Mark added: “Whenever you introduce new controls there may be an issue. The worst-case scenario is the infrastructure isn’t ready, but it’s still a long way off.

ahead? At the moment, we’re not expecting huge disruption but we can’t rule it out yet. “A lot of people will have been more aware over the last couple of years of the importance of having resilience in the supply chain and having other options to turn to when there is congestion.”

Simplifying trade

While imports may face bumps in the road, it’s hoped companies who send their products to the EU could find the process becomes simpler in future. “We’re not expecting any additional problems with exports,” said Mark. “If anything, we hope they’ll start to improve. The UK Government is talking to France, the Netherlands and other countries about how trade facilitation can be improved for exports and hopefully, they can start to work together in a more constructive way.” Goods come into this country in two main ways – either driven here on lorries or shipped in containers. Most imports from the EU tend to travel by lorry, whereas

“Make your plan early and make sure your suppliers and customers are ready”

goods from further afield usually arrive via shipping containers. As the pandemic swept the world, COVID-related issues caused disruption to global shipping and the supply of goods. While the peak of the problems has passed in the UK, other countries are still dealing with volatility. Mark said: “Around the world there are a large number of containers in the wrong place. Because of the issues at the moment,

MATERIALS 7-PAGE SPECIAL a lot of the empty containers are not finding their way back to where they need to be, which is adding to freight rates and the general problem. “Some ports in North America are having a tough time and that’s contagious – if ships are delayed by a week going in there then it delays their future call.” The COVID controls also brought in delays for lorries travelling to Europe. France introduced new requirements for travellers without the usual exemption for hauliers. “That was a big shock,” said Mark, “but people are getting used to the controls now.”

Calm after the storm

Certain goods carry extra regulations which can made trade more complicated. However, electrical firms are in a good position to avoid a lot of the problems that have affected other sectors, such as the seafood industry. Mark explained: “What the authorities tend to view as the riskiest products are plant and animal-based products, for example food, wood and timber. Finished goods and components tend to be viewed as lower risk, so there will be fewer controls placed on them.” Looking ahead, Mark is hoping to see more stability and calm following the upheaval of the last year. He said: “Things have been really stable recently and I think everyone just hopes that continues.” Read about the supply chain issues which have seen substandard and counterfeit goods infiltrating the market Page 32-33

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JUNE/JULY 2021

FEATURES COUNTERFEIT GOODS

Rise in fakes

Supply chain issues have seen substandard and counterfeit goods infiltrating the market

By Lesley Rudd Chief Executive, Electrical Safety First

he growing prevalence of counterfeit and substandard electrical products certainly won’t be news to readers of this article. Nor will it come as a surprise that, increasingly, many of these items are sold via online platforms. Electrical Safety First undertakes a range of research to inform our work raising public awareness of electrical safety and issues ranging from ‘rogue’

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traders to the dangers of buying fake electrical goods. But it is not just popular consumer electrical items which are affected. There are reports of fake – and substandard – plugs, fuses, circuit breakers and cables infiltrating the market, along with other basic electrical accessories we take for granted and use in a multitude of ways. Given the global and complex nature of the supply chain in the electrical component sector, it is the responsibility of everyone involved to be aware of the danger of noncompliant electrical products. The installer, being at the end of this chain, needs to be reasonably sure the supply chain is robust. The vast majority of electrical contractors ensure that they always buy from known, reputable manufacturers and retailers. However, when the flow of required materials is impacted, sometimes the use of irregular or unauthorised suppliers (the ‘grey’ market) may seem like a sensible option – but often isn’t. In the UK, the sale of non-compliant electrical installation products is considered a more significant issue than outright counterfeiting. Non-compliant products are not necessarily fake but

Customers unwittingly buying non-compliant electrical products can lead to disaster

they do not fulfil the essential safety requirements in product standards. Confirming that each item of electrical equipment purchased complies with these standards is made more problematic when they are bought from a range of different sources, with supply chains that are difficult or impossible to trace. There is also the related issue of retailers ‘buying in’ material/products which they then brand as their own –

MATERIALS 7-PAGE SPECIAL

“The installer, being at the end of this chain, needs to be reasonably sure the supply chain is robust”

without undertaking all the necessary quality checks that would ensure the product fulfilled legal requirements. Demand in the UK for components has been heightened over the last couple of years in particular. There has been the uncertainty leading up to Brexit, which has forced many manufacturers to increase component inventory levels to guard against future supply chain disruption – which were also affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. And, given the

lockdown, an increasing number of contractors are now buying many of their goods online. If you suspect an item you have bought is fake or substandard then look for obvious marking errors and typos and/or check with the brand owner. A number of websites offer useful information on product compliance – a good example is doesitcomply.voltimum.co.uk While we always advise people to

reduce the likelihood of buying fake or substandard items by sticking to stores or websites of known, reputable manufacturers and retailers, we are also taking action to address the issue. Repeated calls for online marketplaces to take responsibility for the products sold on their websites have not been heeded. And the Government’s Online Harms Bill has failed to address the problem of dangerous electrical goods available from online marketplaces. Consequently, we have put forward our own ‘game changing’ Bill. It would make online marketplaces legally responsible for hosting listings of potentially dangerous electrical products for sale and would ensure they have the same responsibilities to protect consumers from unsafe products as high street wholesalers and retailers. Our technological revolution can provide a multitude of benefits for all. But with a formerly linear supply chain becoming a multi-layered supply web spread around the globe, both consumers and businesses need to be protected from the impact of substandard and counterfeit goods.

To find out more, visit www. electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/ guidance/safe-shopping-andcounterfeit-products CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

FEATURES RETENTIONS UPDATE

By Professor Rudi Klein Barrister and SELECT Consultant

s readers of CABLEtalk will know, SELECT has been active on the battleground of retentions for many years, fighting tirelessly on Members’ behalf for improved payment practices. Unfortunately, change in contractual practices seem to recur at a snail’s pace and this is particularly true with retentions, which have been embedded in contracts for about 200 years. However, things started to look up last year. For starters, we had the Pye Tait report which had been commissioned by Scottish Government and which revealed some interesting statistics: ● 81% of clients in Scotland rely on retentions, compared to 65% in England ● Compared to England, almost twice the proportion of clients in Scotland use retention monies as part of their working capital ● 82% of Tier 1 contractors use retentions as part of their working capital – no surprise there!

Keeping up the fight Our in-house specialist responds to a recent Member inquiry about retentions by advising on the latest developments and asking: Will the Scottish Government act? ● Some Tier 1 contractors actually invited clients to deduct retentions to make it easier for them to withhold retentions downstream, although they don’t usually need an excuse to do this. Summing up, Pye Tait concluded: “There is a strong reason to accept that the system of retentions is not working to the advantage of the Scottish construction sector.” Pye Tait recommended that the fairest outcome would be for cash retentions to be protected in an independent ringfenced account. This was echoed by the

“There is a strong reason to accept that the system of retentions is not working to the advantage of the Scottish construction sector” 34

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majority of respondents to the Scottish Government consultation which closed in May last year.

Scottish Government Retentions Working Group

At the beginning of this year, the Scottish Government set up a working group to consider how best to take the matter forward, having regard to the outcome of the consultation and the Pye Tait report. We are represented on this group by the excellent Gordon Matheson, Past President of the Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation (SNIPEF). While its deliberations have been kept under wraps, it is to be hoped that we might see some positive developments during this (new) session of the Scottish Parliament. Watch this space!

An example from England

A recent legal case in England has, yet again, emphasised that retentions are

81% of clients in Scotland rely on retentions compared to 65% in England

not intended to be a convenient pot of money to use for whatever purpose deemed appropriate by the party withholding them. After all, retentions are still owned by the contractor from whom they have been deducted. The case is between D R Jones Yeovil Ltd, a contractor, and The Stepping Stone Group Ltd, a property developer. Yeovil had issued proceedings to recover the final part of retention monies owing on contracts to build assisted living units. The contracts were JCT contracts, published in Scotland by the Scottish Building Contract Committee. The 12-month rectification period, or defects liability period, had expired. But the client had never issued a making good certificate, even though there were no outstanding defects notified during that period. The contractor complained that the developer had “raised a series of after-the-event, ever-changing and meritless points in an endeavour to resist paying the balance of retention properly due”. The developer argued that it had a counter-claim in respect of alleged defects which had not arisen during the rectification period. Moreover,

W Watch R ATCH NOW contrac udi’s new vide os fo t doc ‘battle o umentation a r nd f the for m bit.ly/S ELECT- s’ at TV

82% of Tier 1 contractors use retentions as part of their working capital

since a making good certificate had not been issued, the developer was not bound to release the monies. The court ordered the developer to release the outstanding retentions. Withholding of retentions was governed strictly by the terms of the contract. Unless there were outstanding defects notified during the rectification period, which had not been made good, a client was bound to issue the certificate. It couldn’t refuse to release the monies on the grounds that it had some other claim against the contractor, e.g. liquidated damages.

Insisting on release of sub-contract retentions

A Tier 1 contractor may say that your retentions cannot be released because

of problems with other trades. Such an excuse should not be allowed to hold up the release of your retention. You have every right to insist it is released at the end of your sub-contract rectification period, or defects liability period. Furthermore, a Tier 1 contractor cannot delay release of your monies because a certificate of making good has not been issued under the main contract. It is illegal to insist on a pay-when-certified provision. GOT A QUESTION FOR RUDI? If you are having problems regarding release of retentions, or have another query you would like Rudi to help with, please email iain.mason@select.org.uk CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

TRAINING COURSES UPDATE

Back to learning With lockdown restrictions easing, SELECT continues to welcome delegates back to The Walled Garden, as well as rolling out e-learning on the popular online classroom

ince the start of the year, SELECT has delivered 80 virtual training courses, updating and refreshing the skills of 553 delegates. April also saw a phased return to classroom-based sessions at The Walled Garden, with the delivery of our Initial Verification Course (209). The majority of this is still being delivered virtually, with delegates attending a practical session at SELECT

HQ for a two-hour session on day two. May also saw the return of our Periodic Inspection course (214), with one day delivered virtually and the other a full-day session in our Training Centre. Tablets have been introduced for delegates to complete their online assessments during the course. As well as reducing paperwork, these provided a simple and quick way for delegates to complete their test, helping them finish

UPCOMING COURSES Course

Date

Venue

Inspection & Testing of Electrical Equipment (207)

15 June

Online

Emergency Lighting (221)

15 June

Online

Periodic Inspection (214)

15-16 June

Day one online / Day two at SELECT

ECS, Health, Safety & Environmental (102)

16 and 30 June

Online

Scottish Building Standards (216)

17 June

Online

Requirements for EI (218)

21, 22, 23, 29 June

Online

TESSA (222)

22 June

Online

Safe Isolation (217)

24 June

Online

Initial Verification (209)

29-30 June

Day one online / Day two at SELECT

Periodic Inspection (214)

6-7, 20-21 July

Online

TESSA (222)

6, 15, 22 and 26 July

Online

Requirements for EI (218)

8, 14, 21 and 29 July

Online

Initial Verification (209)

13-14, 27-28 July

Online

ECS, Health, Safety & Environmental (102)

20 July

Online

June

July

A delegate back in The Walled Garden

in plenty of time to head home. SELECT also continues to carry out a range of safety measures to ensure that delegates and tutors feel safe during the day. These include reduced class sizes, temperature checks and plenty of hand sanitiser and wipes. The Training Centre is also closed off to keep footfall to a minimum. Feedback has been extremely positive, with one delegate saying: “The tutor delivered a great course and I was very impressed.” Another said: “The preparation video was clear and showed me what to do when I arrived.” SELECT Training Manager, Jenny Cryans, said: “It has been wonderful to welcome delegates back for practical courses. With reduced class numbers, delegates and tutors feel safe in their surroundings. “It’s also been great to introduce online assessments into the classroombased courses, which have been well received by delegates.” Malcolm Duncan, SELECT’s Training and Development Adviser, added: “Blended learning seems to be the preferred option, with candidates embracing the online aspect and enjoying its many benefits.” Further details on available courses can be found at www.select.org.uk/training, by calling 0131 445 5577 or by e-mailing training@select.org.uk

CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

TECHNICAL ELECTRICAL SAFETY CHECKS

All change down south

New regulations about carrying out safety checks in rented accommodation have now come in to force that may impact Members who work in England. So what are the new rules? And what should Members who cross the border be aware of?

By Bob Cairney I Eng MIET Technical Standards Adviser, SELECT

he rules around electrical safety checks in private rented accommodation in England have changed after the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into full effect on 1 April 2021. Electrical contractors who provide inspection and testing services will be interested to learn that the legislation, initially introduced last year, has now been fully implemented and could provide additional work opportunities for many of them. The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 came into force on 1 July 2020 and require landlords to ensure that the electrical standards are met and that inspection and testing is 38

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carried out prior to a new tenancy and by 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies. As of 1 April 2021, these statutory requirements are therefore now fully in force and significant fines up to £30,000 can be imposed on a landlord failing to comply. To comply, a landlord simply needs to ensure an electrical safety check is carried out by a qualified person at five-yearly intervals, obtain an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), and provide a copy of the most recent EICR to the tenant. It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the person carrying out this check is suitably qualified. This is defined in the regulations as a person competent to undertake the inspection and testing required

under regulation 3 (1) and any further investigative or remedial work in accordance with the electrical safety standards. Using a qualified electrician who is able to satisfy requirements for a skilled electrical (person) competent to verify the requirements of the latest version of BS 7671 would satisfy the regulations. Where the safety check reveals that remedial work is required to prevent danger, this must be carried out within 28 days. Implementing all of this should have a significant effect in improving electrical safety in such premises and ensure that tenants are kept safe from the risks associated with electrical shock or fire. The electrical safety check is, of course, better known to electrical

PART P SCHEME AID FOR MEMBERS For SELECT Members who carry out work in England or Wales, SELECT operates an arrangement with BESCA to provide a Part P Scheme. Members must be registered

with the Scottish Government’s Approved Certifier of Construction Scheme. This means that they are able to selfcertify that their works comply with the building regulations, without the

need to notify Building Control in advance or incur costly local authority inspection fees. Details of this arrangement can be found on the SELECT website at www.select.org.uk

VIDEO IS A VITAL TOOL

The electrics of rented properties in England must be checked by law

“It is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that the person carrying out this check is suitably qualified” contractors as a periodic inspection and test and BS 7671:2018+A1:2020 is the current version of the IET Wiring Regulations that should be used when carrying out this work.

Part P accreditation

There is currently no specific accreditation or qualification requirement given for those undertaking the work, other than that they are a qualified person. But remember that where electrical work, except for certain work of a minor nature, is undertaken in the home in England, it will also come

under the scope of Part P of the Building Regulations. Where certain types of remedial work are required, the landlord may therefore need to either: ● Notify a building control body, usually your local authority building control department, before the work starts, or ● Have it carried out by an electrician who is registered with one of the government-authorised Part P competent person scheme operators, or ● Have the work inspected and tested by a registered third-party certifier.

OW WATCH N EICR w e n e th Watch ideo at v lk a Toolbox T ECT-TV L bit.ly/SE

For those undertaking periodic inspection and testing, the new EICR Toolbox video produced exclusively for SELECT Members will be of great help. The presentation is split over three separate videos and provides clear and unambiguous guidance on completing an EICR and the use of classification codes in accordance with BS 7671:2018. The information covered includes: ● A brief history of requirements for periodic inspection and testing and current requirements given in BS 7671:2018 ● A detailed overview of the classification codes that can be used ● Guidance on completing the EICR, associated condition report inspection schedule and schedule of test results correctly. Certification of remedial work that may be required following remedial work associated with observations highlighted in an EICR is also provided as additional information. The videos can be accessed at bit.ly/SELECT-TV

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TECHNICAL INSPECTION AND TESTING

By Bob Cairney I Eng MIET Technical Standards Adviser, SELECT

ith the easing of restrictions leading to the reopening of our economy and society from 26 April onwards, many businesses will now be busily preparing to welcome back employees, customers and clients. It is therefore timely to remind those with health and safety responsibilities in such businesses of the importance of ensuring that the electrical installations and equipment in their workplace premises are safe and operational prior to reopening. Workplace premises have been closed for a significant period of time, in particular those in the hospitality sector such as bars, cafes, B&Bs, guest houses and hotels, and those used for leisure activities, including shops, gyms, swimming pools, libraries and museums. Although it’s unlikely that significant damage and deterioration will have occurred to electrical installations and equipment during this time, there will still be certain areas that definitely need checking to ensure that they remain operational, e.g. supplies for emergency lighting, fire detection and alarm systems, security alarms, etc. However, the safety of the electrical installations and equipment will more generally depend on their condition before the forced closure and how they may or may not have been maintained.

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Return from lockdown – take 3!

To help the return to premises from the first lockdown last June, we advised on a number of measures to ensure electrical installations and equipment were safe and working correctly. With businesses and their staff now returning from lockdown No3, here’s an update on the inspection and testing measures required, with some important changes introduced since our original article Health and safety responsibilities and maintenance

The dutyholder responsible for health and safety within workplace premises should be aware of the need to comply with relevant legislation, such as Regulation 4 (2) of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which specifically requires that suitable maintenance be carried out to prevent danger as far as is reasonably practicable. To comply with this regulation and other statutory requirements, suitable maintenance procedures should be in place, including routine checks and regular inspection and testing of the fixed wiring of the electrical installation and the equipment connected to it. Routine checks and regular inspection and testing are a recommended part of preventative maintenance because they can help identify damage, deterioration, defects and dangerous conditions that exist, and items of maintenance that may be required. The dutyholder can then take action to organise any necessary remedial work,

thus keeping their premises safe, operational and compliant with the law. Periodic inspection and testing (PI&T) of the fixed wiring and in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment (ISITEE) is a recommended part of this, and commonly undertaken in many workplaces for these reasons. Note: PI&T is not the only option available to a dutyholder when establishing an effective management plan for preventative maintenance. Continuous monitoring and maintenance of the installation and all its constituent equipment can also provide an effective method of preventative maintenance when operated by one or more skilled person competent in such work.

Frequency of routine checks, inspection and testing and keeping records

The frequency of routine checks and inspection and testing is an important part of ensuring that preventative maintenance measures implemented

are adequate and something that the dutyholder should consider carefully. However, there are no specific timescales given for such activities in the Electricity at Work Regulations, or for that matter in any other statutory legislation, and the decision on what may be appropriate is something that the dutyholder will need to establish. This should ideally involve a risk assessment process with input from other competent persons. For example, where the dutyholder adopts a new electrical installation or an addition or alteration to an existing installation, the designer responsible for it should have provided them with a recommendation for initial PI&T on the Electrical Installation Certificate. Thereafter, for future inspection and testing of the fixed wiring, a time interval should be recommended by the inspector undertaking the subsequent PI&T and recorded on the Electrical Installation Condition Report. Although the Electricity at Work Regulations do not actually require a record of maintenance to be kept, this is something that is strongly recommended, and such records should be kept throughout the lifespan of an installation. These include relevant electrical certification associated with maintenance and repairs such as Electrical Installation Certificates, Electrical Installation Condition Reports and records of the in-service inspection and testing of electrical equipment. Where such records are kept, they can be an important source of information for the dutyholder when deciding how often routine checks and inspection and testing should be carried out. They would also be useful as a defence in court to demonstrate compliance with the law in the event of prosecution due to an alleged offence. Some guidance related to what may constitute suitable routine checks and time intervals for inspection and testing is provided in the IET publication Guidance Note 3 Inspection & Testing. This gives detailed information of the PI&T process, a list of routine checks and a table with suggested recommended initial frequencies of inspection of electrical installations that can be applied for both the routine checks and the

Suggested routine checks, based on Table 3.1 in IET Guidance Note 3 Inspection & Testing

Activity

Check

Defects reports

All reported defects have been rectified

Inspection

Look for: ● Breakages ● Wear/deterioration ● Signs of overheating ● Missing parts (covers, screws) ● Loose fixings Confirm: ● Switchgear accessible (not obstructed) ● Doors of enclosures secure ● Adequate labelling in place

Operation

Operate: ● Switchgear (where reasonable) ● Equipment – switch on and off ● RCDs (use test button)

Recommended initial frequencies of inspection of electrical installations, based on Table 3.2 in IET Guidance Note 3 Inspection & Testing

Type of installation

Routine check

Maximum period between inspection & testing

Educational establishments (schools and colleges)

6 months

5 years

Offices

1 year

5 years

Retail outlets (shops)

1 year

5 years

Cinemas

1 year

1-3 years

Churches

1 year

5 years

Leisure complexes (excluding swimming pools)

1 year

3 years

Restaurants and hotels

1 year

5 years

Theatres

1 year

3 years

Public houses (bars and pubs)

1 year

5 years

Construction site installations

3 months

inspection and testing of fixed wiring and equipment.

Minimum routine checks

The suggested routine checks may be all that are necessary before deciding to reopen premises. However, the dutyholder should also check on the availability of previous records of maintenance, including any previous PI&T and ISITEE, and take account of the length of time that the premises have been closed. It may be that in certain instances it is more appropriate to carry out a full periodic inspection and test, especially

if previous records cannot be located or do not exist, and where the premises have been closed for a significant length of time. In some instances, it may also be that specific insurance company and licensing requirements will mean this is needed anyway.

Other considerations

The initial frequencies given in Table 3.2 (above) often form the basis of the time intervals given by installation designers and commonly applied by the dutyholder Continued on page 42 >>> CABLEtalk

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TECHNICAL INSPECTION AND TESTING >>> Continued from page 41

for initial routine checks or inspection and testing of premises. However, this is only a recommendation and not necessarily the whole picture for ensuring premises are in safe condition. The decision on what is appropriate for future inspection and testing should also include consideration of the following: ● Who will be using the installation or equipment, e.g. ordinary persons, children, people with a disability, instructed persons or skilled persons? ● How old is the installation or equipment and what condition is it in? ● What is its frequency of operation? ● Are there any specific maintenance requirements, e.g. those given in manufacturer’s instructions and any necessary for maintaining the warranty conditions? ● What type of equipment is in use, e.g. handheld, portable, fixed, etc? ● What is the construction class of the connected equipment, e.g. Class I, Class II, or Class III, etc? ● Is the installation or equipment suitable for the environment where it is being used, e.g. IP ratings suitable? ● How is the equipment connected to the fixed wiring, e.g. BS 1363 or BS EN 60309 plug and socket-outlet, BS 1363-4 fused connection unit, BS EN 60947-3 isolation switch or switch fuse, etc?

Connected equipment

It should also be highlighted with regard to any equipment connected to the fixed wiring that, although it is subject to the inspection processes in Chapter 64 of BS 7671:2018 when it is part of a new electrical installation, no specific tests are carried out on it and reliance for safety and proper functioning is normally implied by following the manufacturer’s instructions and compliance with the appropriate product standard, manufacturer’s type testing and the European Low Voltage Directive (CE mark). Alternatively, new equipment put into use from January 2021 may comply with the new UK designated standards and the marking system introduced from 1 January 2021, i.e. the new UKCA mark. Where equipment has been in service 42

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Follow the guidance to make sure premises can safely open up again

for some time, the advice given in the recently published 5th Edition of the IET publication Code of practice for In-Service Inspection and Testing of Electrical Equipment would be more appropriate and should be followed. This also contains new guidance on assessing the initial frequency of inspection and testing of equipment with example risk assessments provided in Tables A9.1 and A9.2. These featured in the December/ January issue of CABLEtalk, and one is again shown opposite for information. They help quantify the risk to which equipment is exposed in a workplace and may be of help to the dutyholder when deciding on an appropriate frequency. Within the scope of this assessment, it may also be useful to remind dutyholders that the inspection and testing of permanently connected current-using equipment often falls between the gaps of PI&T and ISITEE and can often be overlooked. The dutyholder should be aware of this when organising inspection and testing as part of the preventative maintenance procedures and ensure that a clear scope for the inspection and testing regime is set out so that those carrying out PI&T and ISITEE clearly understand what is to be inspected and tested.

Note: Permanently connected currentusing equipment is equipment that is connected directly to the fixed wiring through a connection unit or isolation switch or similar. Typical examples include air conditioning equipment, immersion heaters, luminaires, machinery in a workshop and storage heaters - the list of equipment is not exhaustive.

Conclusion

Where adequate preventative maintenance measures have been in place and records of PI&T and ISITEE are available, it may be that minimal routine checks are needed before re-opening. However, this may not be appropriate for premises where no obvious preventative maintenance measures exist and there are no records of previous PI&T and ISITEE. In these situations, it is recommended that the dutyholder considers implementing more extensive inspection and testing procedures to ensure the electrical installations and equipment are safe and operating correctly, including PI&T and ISITEE to identify any issues. This should be sufficient to ensure all employees and clients can safely return as we – hopefully – carefully move back to a more normal life.

Table A9.1: Example risk assessment for a retail outlet Equipment Packaging area

Oﬃce

Tills

Installed electrical accessories in display cabinets

Low risk Fixed desktop computers and printers, kettle and microwave in kitchen and water cooler

Low risk Only point-of-sale equipment and power supplies for handheld stock scanners

Low risk Only moved/changed when displays get updated

Unskilled staﬀ Given user-check training during company induction

Varies

Class II only

Generally, Class I

Mostly static (apart from laptops, all Class II FE)

Static

Fixed

Daily

Changed typically every two months

• Equipment powered via extension leads • Not RCD protected

• Equipment connected to socket-outlets which do not have RCD protection

• Socket-outlets • RCD protected when new sales area is complete

• Equipment fixed in position • Supplies to cabinets RCD protected

None

Electrical installation records for store fit-out by M&E Electrical Contractor available on the server

No planned limit

Loading bay

Environment Medium risk Extension leads used Medium risk occasionally and weighing Handheld equipment, heatequipment handled sealing machines, hot-air roughly. Damage possible. guns for shrink wrap, PC for Controls and motor for roller order management shutter door and split air conditioning unit User Unskilled staﬀ Unskilled staﬀ Given user-check training Given user-check training during company induction during company induction Equipment construction Mix of Class I/II Mostly Class I Equipment type Handheld and bench Loose equipment moved operated around a lot Frequency of use Daily Installation method • Handheld/desk mounted • Socket-outlets are not provided with RCD protection Previous records None Service life No planned limit Decision • There is limited equipment in the packing area, but it is used daily • Because of the handheld nature and the lack of RCD protection, RCD plugs will be fitted to equipment • User checks to be conducted by dutyholder on weekly safety audit – to be added to list – the use of RCD plugs offsets risk • Combined inspection and testing every 18 months. ECR Electrical Contractor to advise on whether RCD socket-outlets should be fitted • Intervals to be revisited as required by their recommendations Responsible person Holly Taylor Shop manager

• Although there is not • All the office equipment • All equipment is Class much equipment, useris largely fixed with a few II supplied from RCD checks are not reliable and four-way extension leads protected socket-outlets there is no RCD protection powering IT equipment • The risk is very low, but • The risk of mechanical • There is no RCD protection staff are not reliably damage is high owing to and users not reliable trained in user-checks the volume of equipment in checks. Until socket• Formal visual inspection moving around outlets upgraded to every three years. • Formal visual RCD versions: Class I: inspection every Combined inspection and six months on all test 12 months, Class II: equipment, combined formal visual inspection inspection and testing two years annually • When RCD sockets fitted, • ECR Electrical Class I formal visual 18 Contractor to advise on months, testing three whether RCD socketyears; Class II formal outlets should be fitted visual inspection only • Intervals to be revisited every three years as required by their recommendations

• Although staff have had basic user-check training, they are trained to ensure that when displays are changed safe methods of work are used i.e. disconnection of cabinet supply before changing lighting • If any cabinets need significant changes or repairing, M&E Electrical Contractor is called in and they provide test certificates for the work completed • Although mostly Class I, circuits RCD protected, and lighting only accessed every couple of months • Formal visual inspection every 18 months, testing every three years or when significant changes or repairs done

Holly Taylor Shop manager

Joanna Carr Retail experience manager

Mark James General manager

Joanna Carr Retail experience manager

CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

APPRENTICES TALENT OF TOMORROW Graduate Paul Maxwell completed degrees in marketing and advertising before realising he wanted a different career path – starting his journey to becoming an electrician Hi Paul, did you always want to become an electrician?

When I finished school I didn’t know what I wanted to do. One of my friends had studied marketing and enjoyed it so I applied to do that at university. After I graduated, I did a Masters in advertising but when I finished and started working, I realised it wasn’t for me. I didn’t want a nine-to-five job, I wanted to do something more hands-on. A lot of my family are electricians, so I thought it was something I could do too. I did a pre-app course and it was completely different to what I’d done before. I got on well though and enjoyed the challenge, which helped me work harder. A couple of weeks into it, I realised this was what I wanted to do.

Was it diﬃcult to get an apprenticeship?

Companies contacted the college and they helped us find places. I started with one company but then COVID happened and, as they were a small business, they couldn’t afford to keep an apprentice on. A few weeks later the college put me in touch with Alexanders. I had the interview on the Monday and started work on the Tuesday.

How have you found it so far?

At first, I was slightly worried because I was ten years older than some of the other people in my class. But I’m doing something I enjoy so that doesn’t matter. I’ve got more life experience and I’ve got a more mature attitude when it comes to coursework and deadlines because 44

CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021

NAME: Paul Maxwell AGE: 27 POSITION: Stage 1 apprentice WORKS: A. Alexander & Son (Electrical) Ltd STUDIES: West College Scotland, Clydebank Campus HOBBIES: Going to the gym with friends

Paul makes a change for the better I’ve done it before at uni, so I think that helps. I’m really enjoying it – everyone helps each other and we’ve got a really good group of lecturers.

Is the college training what you were expecting?

Obviously online learning wasn’t what I was expecting, but we’ve all had to adapt to COVID restrictions. The coursework is more advanced than I thought it would be and there’s a lot of science there. It helps me appreciate what everyone I work with has done and the hard work they’ve put in to get where they are. I really enjoy being in the group that I’m in and learning together.

And what about working on site? Everyone I work with is really helpful. When I ask a question, they don’t just tell me the answer, they explain why that’s the case and why you do something a certain way. I’m learning so much. I’ve been working on a care home and got to see the job all the way through – wiring it up was one of my favourite things to do. It was great to experience the job all the way through, from when the site opened and it was an empty shell to seeing it finished.

Have there been any challenges?

Some things take me longer to understand, but as long as I understand it all by my third year then I know I’ll be okay. I’m still in first year so I’ve still got time ahead of me and it’s all a big learning curve. I’ve still got a part-time job at the weekends as a sales manager. I’ve been in the job for ten years and they’re really helpful if I have any shift issues. I work some nights as well, so there are times when I’ll go from working on site straight to my other job where I’ll be until 10pm.

How helpful have the Scottish Electrical Training Trust (SECTT) and your training oﬃcers been during your journey? They’ve been great. Our training officer answered any questions we

had and would text us when we were on site to check if we had any issues. We’ve just got a new training officer who I’ve contacted a couple of times for help and he always gets back to me really quickly. Even though they’re busy guys, you’re never left sitting around waiting for an answer and the communication is excellent.

What does the future hold?

I’ve not really thought about it. I just want to get on with what I’m doing and pass my test when it comes. Starting the apprenticeship is probably the best decision I’ve ever made. I might be older than some other apprentices, but it’s never too late to start and becoming an electrician gives you a skill for life.

“It was great to experience the job all the way through, from when the site opened and it was an empty shell to seeing it finished” CABLEtalk

JUNE/JULY 2021