Competent person self-certifications schemes
The building regulations set out legal requirements for specific aspects of building work and the notification procedures that must be followed when starting, carrying out, and completing building work. In England, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) is responsible for the Building Regulations.
The building regulations require that a project’s compliance with the regulations is independently verified. Building Control Bodies (BCB’s) are responsible for checking building work to verify that it complies with the regulations. Building Control Bodies may be:
- The building control department of the Local Authority.
- An Approved Inspector.
However, ‘Competent person self-certifications schemes’ (or ‘competent person schemes’) introduced in 2002 allow registered installers who are competent in their field to self-certify certain types of building work. For example, air-tightness testing, plumbing and heating installers, electrical installers, cavity wall insulation installers and so on. The current schemes are listed on the gov.uk website.
Competent person schemes should make approval faster and cheaper, as there are no building regulations inspections or fees.
The Department for Communities and Local Government is in charge of authorising competent person schemes. To ensure standards are consistent, there are rules that scheme operators must follow. Ref DCLG, Building regulations: competent person self-certification schemes - conditions of authorisation from 6 June 2012.
Schemes have different application processes, rules and fees, however, to be registered with a competent person scheme, installers need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant minimum technical competence (MTC) requirements and there are then ongoing inspections every 2 years.
NB ‘Common’ MTC requirements can also apply to Green Deal installers and installers registered with the Microgeneration Certification Scheme.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Approved documents.
- Approved inspector.
- Building Control Bodies.
- Building Regulations.
- Competent person.
- Electrical contractor.
- Planning permission.
- Self certification.
- Statutory approvals.
[edit] External references
Featured articles and news
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding.
Types of rapidly renewable content
From forestry to agricultural crops and their by-products.
Terraced houses and the public realm
The discernible difference between the public realm of detached housing and of terraced housing.
Looking back at the influence of climate events
From a designer and writer: 'There are limits to growth but no limits to development'.
Terms, histories, theories and practice.
Biophilic design and natural light
Letting in the light and natural elements into spaces.