compulsory health and safety

From 1st February 2003, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) is taking steps to raise awareness and standards within the electrotechnical industry, by ensuring that electricians, supervisors and managers possess general health and safety information.

Electrical operatives applying for new or renewed Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS) cards are now required to pass a JIB recognised health and safety assessment before the card can be issued.

The ECA is running assessment centres across the UK to help ensure that all those wishing to take the test can do so. Current cardholders may also wish to be assessed to demonstrate their knowledge of and commitment to health and safety within the industry.

ECS cards are valid for three years and represent the cardholder’s competency within the industry. The new assessment means that within the next three years all electrical workers holding an ECS card will need to be able to demonstrate general health and safety knowledge.

The assessment comprises a multiple-choice examination, made up of forty random questions on knowledge of general health and safety, manual handling operations, reporting of injuries, disease and dangerous occurrences, personal protective equipment at work and general electrical safety.

David Pollock, ECA director, said, ‘Health and safety is a very important area and we believe customers should be able to feel confident that electrical contractors are competent in health and safety issues and that all work is being carried out to the highest levels of safety.’

	Sparky intro!
	Gewiss are gaining market share through aggressive pricing….are you getting the deal?
Do you have some interesting news or gossip? .