Changes to Building Regulations
DO CONSUMERS HAVE ENOUGH PROTECTION WHEN IT COMES TO
BUILDING WORK
The Government wants your thoughts on a
proposal that could improve compliance with building regulations
and protect consumers from cowboy builders. An online
survey is available until the 10th June 2008. It
only takes a few minutes to complete.
ARE YOU PLANNING TO CARRY OUT ANY ELECTRICAL
WORK?
The introduction of Part P of the Building Regulations means
that electrical work carried out in 'Dwellings' is designated
as a controlled service or fitting and must be notified to the
local Building Control Body.
Applications must be made before work starts, unless it is to
be carried out by a 'Competent Person' who is on an Approved
Register, and who is capable of 'self certifying' their own work.
In cases where a Competent Person is used, Building Control Section
will receive notification after completion of the works.
These persons will be registered with either:-
1. BRE Certification Ltd.
2. British Standards Institution.
3. ELECSA Ltd.
4. NICEIC Certification Services Ltd.
The scope of the electrical work covered in Part P that may
affect private homeowners includes:
New Installations, plus;
- Alterations
- Additions
- All electrical work in Kitchens (except accessory
changes)
- All electrical work in bathrooms (except accessory
changes)
- Power supplies to Sheds, Greenhouses, other Detached
Buildings
- Floor and Heating systems
- Extra Low Voltage systems
- Generators
- Swimming pools
- Saunas
- Photovaltaic systems (Solar Panels)
- Power Supplies in gardens (outside lights, pond pumps
etc)
There are certain works that are excluded from the scope of
the new regulations, and are considered 'Minor Works'. These
include minor repairs to existing fittings, or adding extra sockets
or light fittings to an existing circuit (please note that any
electrical work in kitchens/bathrooms or other wet areas is not
considered minor work, see above)
Any installer on the approved list wishing to self certify
their work must use BS 7671:2001 as the standard by which
compliance with Part P can be achieved. Any deviation from this
standard will require a Building Regulation application to be
made.
If a person chooses to use the Councils Building Control
Department, the applicant/building owner will be requested on
completion to supply an installation and commissioning test
certificate completed by a person competent in respect of the
inspection and testing of such installations as required by British
Standards 7671.
Any person who undertakes work on domestic electrical
installations to which Building Regulations applies and fails to
follow one of the above procedures may;
(a) Potentially put their health and safety and that of others
at risk,
(b) Be liable for a fine,
(c) Possibly invalidate the home insurance,
(d) Encounter problems with any future sale of the
property.
If you are considering DIY electrical work, please be aware
that this new Regulation is equally applicable to that work.
If you have any queries on the application of this new
Building Regulation to electrical works you may be considering,
please call your local office located in Havant who will be happy
to provide advise Tel 023 9244 6573, Fax 023 9244 6588,
Application forms and charge details are available by post or
from reception.