Showing posts with label ELECTRICIAN EICR GLASGOW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ELECTRICIAN EICR GLASGOW. Show all posts

Friday 13 October 2023

EICR Testing in Glasgow's West End: Modern Electrical Safety in a Historic Locale

 


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Landlord Certificates Glasgow

The West End of Glasgow, with its iconic architecture and vibrant culture, is a testament to the city's rich history. While the area has preserved its historical charm, modern living demands contemporary amenities, including electrical safety. In this blog, we will explore the significance of Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) testing in Glasgow's West End and reflect on how the role of electricians has evolved over the past century.

EICR Testing in Glasgow's West End

What is an EICR?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) is a thorough examination of the electrical systems in a property, undertaken to ensure they meet safety standards. This practice is indispensable for both residential and commercial properties. Glasgow's West End, with its blend of historic and modern buildings, is no exception.

Why is EICR Testing Crucial in the West End?

  1. Safety: The safety of occupants is paramount. EICR testing helps identify potential electrical hazards, preventing accidents and fires.

  2. Compliance: Landlords in Glasgow, like the rest of Scotland, are legally obligated to conduct EICR tests. Compliance with the Repairing Standard under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 is crucial for maintaining the quality of rental properties.

  3. Historical Buildings: Many properties in the West End are historic. While they hold immense cultural value, they often require electrical upgrades to meet contemporary safety standards.

Frequency of EICR Testing

EICR testing in Glasgow's West End typically follows these guidelines:

  • Change of Tenancy: Each time a new tenant moves in, an EICR test is mandatory.
  • Every 5 Years: For properties with no change in tenancy, testing must be conducted at least every five years.

The Changing Role of Electricians

The profession of an electrician has evolved significantly over the last century. Here's how:

1. Manual Labor to High-Tech Solutions

In the early 20th century, electricians primarily engaged in physically demanding tasks, like wiring and installing electrical systems by hand. Today, electricians work with cutting-edge technology, including advanced diagnostic equipment and smart home installations.

2. Safety Standards

Historically, safety standards in the electrical industry were not as stringent as they are today. Modern electricians are highly trained and rigorously follow safety protocols to protect lives and property.

3. Green Energy and Sustainability

The current era demands energy efficiency and sustainability. Electricians are now involved in renewable energy installations, like solar panels and wind turbines, contributing to a greener future.

4. Regulations and Certifications

The regulations governing electrical work have grown complex. Electricians are required to obtain qualifications and certifications to ensure compliance with safety standards. This includes the NICEIC, ELECSA, and NAPIT certifications.

5. Technological Integration

Electricians now work closely with other trades and professionals to integrate electrical systems with smart technologies, making homes and businesses more efficient, convenient, and secure.

6. Adapting to Changing Needs

As technology advances, electricians adapt to new challenges. The increasing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging points, for example, is an area where electricians have had to develop expertise.

7. Holistic Approach

Electricians in the modern era often take a holistic approach, considering how electrical systems fit into the broader context of energy management, sustainability, and smart home automation.

The Future of EICR Testing and Electricians

As we look ahead, EICR testing will continue to be a pivotal element in ensuring electrical safety, not only in Glasgow's West End but across the world. With ongoing advancements in technology, the role of electricians is expected to evolve even further. The integration of renewable energy, energy storage solutions, and the emergence of new smart technologies will reshape the industry.

In Glasgow's West End, the synergy between preserving the area's historical legacy and adapting to the electrical needs of the 21st century is a delicate balance. EICR testing and electricians, with their evolving roles, will play a critical part in maintaining this equilibrium. They contribute to preserving the charm of the past while ensuring the safety and convenience of the present and future.

Friday 27 May 2016

Certificates 4 Landlords - Smoke Alarms

Introduction


From the 1st October 2015 regulations require smoke alarms to be installed by qualified electricians in rented residential accommodation and carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with a solid fuel appliance. Changes are also made to the licence requirements in relation to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), such as shared houses and bedsits which require a licence and also in relation to properties which are subject to selective licensing. The Regulations apply both to houses and flats. Failure to comply can lead to a civil penalty being imposed of up to £5,000.
These provisions only apply in England; not Wales.

Who is affected?

The requirements are imposed on the immediate landlord. There is an exemption for providers of social housing. A tenancy includes a licence to occupy a residential premises and it also extends to subletting for these purposes.
In the case of a licensed HMO or where there is a selective licensing it is the responsibility of the licence holder to ensure that mandatory conditions imposed in relation to the installation of alarms are complied with.

The premises affected

These duties apply to residential premises which means premises all or part of which comprise a dwelling. Thus, it will apply to a flat over a shop. If the property is a licensed HMO or subject to selective licensing there are mandatory conditions imposed on licences.
The premises must be let under a specified tenancy or a licence. This is a tenancy or licence of residential premises which grants one or more persons the right to occupy premises as their only or main residence. Rent or a licence fee must be payable.
There are various exemptions:-
  • A tenancy under which the occupier shares any accommodation with the landlord or a member of the landlord's family. There must be a sharing of an amenity which includes a toilet, personal washing facilities, a kitchen or a living room but excludes any reference to storage or access.
  • A tenancy which is a long lease or which grants a right of occupation of the premises, i.e. for more than 21 years.
  • Student halls of residence.
  • Hostels
  • Care homes
  • Hospitals
  • Accommodation relating to health care provision

Requirement for Smoke alarms

During any period beginning on or after 1st October 2015 while the premises are occupied under a tenancy (or licence) the landlord must ensure that a smoke alarm is equipped on each storey of the premises on which there is a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation. A living room will include a lounge dining room and kitchen as well as a bathroom or toilet. It also includes a hall or landing. This means that a smoke alarm must be provided in working order on each storey. The RLA takes the view that mezzanines are caught by this legislation where they contain a room used wholly or partly as living accommodation, including a bathroom or toilet. As regards individual flats located on one floor then there will have to be at least one alarm within the flat itself or alternatively are provided outside the flat on the same floor of the building, i.e. a communal alarm.
Likewise, for flats comprising more than one storey there will need to be a smoke alarm on each floor.
It is the location of an alarm which sounds which is crucial; not the positioning of detectors.
The Regulations do not stipulate what kind of alarm is required. Ideally it should be a hard wired alarm system. It can, however, be a single standalone alarm. Landlords are recommended by the RLA to fit ten year long life tamper proof alarms, otherwise there is a problem of batteries being taken out and not being replaced.
As a final note, heat detectors are not considered sufficient. It will have to be a smoke detector.

Carbon monoxide alarms

Additionally, landlords must ensure that there is a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in any room that is used partly or wholly as living accommodation which also contains any appliance which burns, or is capable of burning, solid fuel. This would include log and coal burning stoves and open fires, even if they are not normally in use, but does not include gas and oil boilers. If an open fireplace is purely decorative and not useable then it is not covered by the regulations.
Gas is not a solid fuel and so there is no requirement to fit one near a gas boiler. It is still advisable as best practice however.

Checks

The landlord is specifically required to carry out a check to ensure that smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms installed to comply with the Regulations are in proper working order on the day a tenancy begins where it is a new tenancy. A new tenancy is a tenancy granted on or after 1st October 2015.
For these purposes a new tenancy does not include a tenancy which was granted where the original agreement was entered into before 1st October 2015; nor does it include a periodic statutory tenancy which arises when a fixed term shorthold tenancy ends. It does not apply to a tenancy which starts at the end of an earlier tenancy where the landlord and tenant are the same as under the earlier tenancy and the premises are the same (or substantially the same) as those under the earlier tenancy. Therefore this express requirement to check does not apply to the renewal of a tenancy for the same premises by the same landlord to the same tenant. This should not be confused with the requirement to install detectors and alarms which applies to tenancies in existence before October 1st 2015.
In our view, landlords should not be under a false sense of security because of this provision. Our reading of the regulation is that there is an ongoing obligation to ensure that any smoke alarm or carbon monoxide alarm installed to meet these requirements is in working order. Alarms should therefore be checked periodically to see that they are working properly. There is no reason why this responsibility should not be placed on the tenant and the government guidance does suggest the tenant check monthly. However, the landlord will then have to make sure that the tenant does actually carry out the checks. If challenged, a landlord could have to show that a proper system has been put in place to check alarms regularly.

Placement of Alarms

The regulations do not tell landlords where to place the smoke alarms, instead the guidance suggests the landlord follow the manufacturer's instructions which will typically be at head height between 1-3 meters away from the solid fuel burning source for carbon monoxide alarms and in a circulation point for smoke detectors.

HMOs and Selectively licensed properties

As from 1st October 2015 new licence conditions will be included requiring the provision of smoke alarms and fire detectors. In the case of HMO licences they already contain provisions for alarms in any case. The regulations themselves are not applicable in this kind of accommodation.

Enforcement

The local authority is responsible for enforcement.
A local authority must serve a remedial notice within 21 days where they have reason to believe that the landlord is in breach of any of these duties relating to smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms. A remedial notice must specify the action to be taken within 28 days of the date of the service of the notice. It allows the landlord 28 days to make representations against the notice.
The landlord must then take the required action within the period allowed. There is an excuse for a landlord for non-compliance with the notice if the landlord can show that he has taken reasonable steps to comply with the duty, but the landlord is not required to take legal proceedings. This could cover a situation where the tenant refuses access to allow the work to be done.
If the landlord fails to take action then the local authority must, if it has the necessary consent to do so, arrange for the work required to be undertaken within 28 days of consent being obtained if consent of the occupier of the premises is required. Therefore if a local authority is also refused access by the tenant it cannot take the necessary steps itself.

Penalties

If the landlord is in breach the local authority may require the landlord to pay a penalty charge up to a maximum of £5,000. It has discretion whether or not to impose this charge. If it intends to impose a charge it must serve a penalty charge notice within six weeks from when it is first satisfied that a breach has occurred. A right to make representations against the penalty notice is given and the local authority may reduce the charge for prompt payment.

Appeals

If the local authority upholds a penalty charge notice there is a right to appeal for the landlord to the First Tier Tribunal. The Grounds of Appeal are:-
  • Local authority has made an error of fact or law
  • The amount of penalty charge is unreasonable
  • The decision to impose a penalty is unreasonable for any other reason
Payment of the penalty is suspended pending any appeal.

Local authority penalty policy

Each local authority must publish a statement of principles which will be followed in determining the amount of any penalty charge. This statement will be taken into account in deciding on an individual penalty for a particular case.

Tuesday 8 December 2015

NICEIC UPDATES 2015


  Regulations in 2015/2016


After I attended a briefing and update session today by the NICEIC I can report on some of the main points of interest to property owners:-
  • Between January and July 2015 electrical installations work undertaken can comply with either the old or the new regulations. From July 2015 the new regulations will apply except in one regard in respect of replacement or new Consumer Units. Any electrical contractor engaged should by January be conversant with the new regulations.
  • Not unexpectedly the changes to regulations are there mainly to improve safety to persons and property. A few of the changes are to better align our regulations alongside common European regulations.
  • For home owners, from January 2016 at the latest, the main change will be a slightly different construction for Consumer Units (aka Fuse Box). Consumer Units will need to be of a fire resistance construction, in other words steel. They may not be quite so pretty and the method for the cables entering the Consumer Unit may not be so flexible or pretty either.  We shall have to wait and see what the manufacturing industry comes up with over time as they accommodate this new requirements.  I would forecast that prices for these new steel Consumer Units will be more expensive to manufacture and will take a little longer to install.  It also means that from mid 2014 there could be a flood of 3rd Amendment Regulation non compliant Consumer Units available at knock down prices.
  • For commercial businesses, schools, colleges and government buildings there will be stricter requirements for additional protection against electric shock on socket outlet circuits by increasing the use of safety devices called RCDs.  It will be a useful change in increasing safety but it does mean perhaps increased costs and in some cases a different approach to design circuits for computer equipment in offices and education establishments.
  • The will be more focus of design, inspection and testing of control circuits such as those used for central heating systems. This could present some challenges for Gas/Oil heating system engineers who may in the future have to call in an electrician whereas previously they could have completed the wiring to control valves, controllers and thermostats themselves.  This too will have cost implications on home owners.
  • The regulations for formal Inspection are changing a little as well. Enough require all new stationary and reference material for electrical contractors. Also new  methods and adjustments to learn how to use for recording results.
  • Interestingly there is a new regulation that when Periodic Inspections and Tests (EICR)are being undertaken in Homes and Business Premises then inspection to some degree or another in accessible loft spaces is now required unless recorded as a reasonable non compliance. Previously the inspection of wiring in loft spaces was a reasonably accepted omission. This is certainly a safety improvement as I personally have found a fair number of safety issues with wiring in lofts.
  • Another change is the need to ensure cables that run above or across safe exit routes but be secured with supports that will resist heat/fire. This is to avoid fire fighters and escapees being tangled up in drooping wire when try to get out of fire damaged building. Apparently the Fire Fighters requested this changes because there had been several deaths because of this problem.  To installing electricians this is a fairly  easy requirement to meet by using metal type buckle clips or purpose designed cable retainers for use inside trunking.
  • In the new Regulations there will now be approximately 1500 individual regulations, and increase of several hundred compared to the current issue.

Ensuring Safe Homes: The Imperative of Electrical Testing, Qualified Electricians, and EICRs for Landlords in Glasgow

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