Vulnerable residents at risk from under-qualified workforce
![]() |
In August 2019, the Electrical Contractors’ Association responded to the government consultation following the Hackitt Report on fire safety in buildings. |
The safety of hospital patients, those in care and residents of high-rise buildings could still be at risk if those who work in higher-risk premises lack the necessary experience-based qualifications and competency – according to the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA).
In its response to the government’s ‘Building A Safer Future’ consultation, leading trade body ECA broadly agreed with the proposal for an ‘overarching competence framework’ for those who work on and in higher-risk buildings.
However, ECA also said the new framework must reinforce and extend experienced-based qualifications. Without doing so, ECA argues that electrical and other installations in higher risk residential buildings could pose an unacceptable risk of electrocution and fire.
In its response, ECA underlined that for a competence-based qualification system to ensure safety and quality in higher risk premises, all workers should undertake a suitable apprenticeship as a minimum. Alternative, comparable qualification routes should also be provided for existing experienced workers.
[edit] ECA Technical Director Mike Smith commented:
“ECA fully supports moves to ensure that those who work in higher-risk premises are suitably competent to do so, notably in the electrical and wider engineering services workforce.
“However, regulated competence-based qualifications, including apprenticeships, are fundamental to ensuring that installation and maintenance work delivers fire and electrical safety. Without this essential foundation, the residents of high-rise buildings and hospitals will remain at risk.”
ECA has also warned against the reliance, notably in the domestic consumer market, on short, classroom-based, courses which are being marketed as offering a fast track into competence.
Mike Smith added: “These short courses seriously undermine the take up of apprenticeships in the industry. Furthermore, their continued existence undermines calls from Dame Judith Hackitt and the government to ensure that the public is properly protected from fire risks in high rise buildings.”
[edit] About this article
This article was written by Omar Khalil, Communications Manager, ECA. It was published in August 2019 on the website of the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) and can be accessed here.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Articles about electricity.
- Consumer electronics.
- Consumer unit.
- ECA articles.
- Electrical appliance.
- Electrical consumption.
- Electrical energy.
- Electrical equipment.
- Electrical installation.
- Electrical power.
- Electrical safety.
- Electrical system.
- Electrical wiring.
- Electrician.
- Electricity bill.
--ECA
Featured articles and news
Government consultations for the summer of 2025
A year of Labour, past and present consultations on the environment, the built environment, training and tax.
CMA competitiveness probe of major housing developers
100 million affordable housing contributions committed with further consultation published.
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Comments
110 volts instead of 240 volts would be a good start. As depicted by the photograph.