Amendments to Part P of the Building Regulations for England come into effect on the 6th April.
03 April 2013
Due to recent changes in the Part P document are you ready?
Two major changes have happened,firstly the reduction in the range of electrical installation work that is notifiable, work which is legally required to display compliance with the Building Regulations. Under the revised regulations, electrical work undertaken in kitchens or outdoors is no longer covered by Part P unless a new circuit is required.
Secondly, the use of a registered third party to certify notifiable work, as an alternative to using a building control body. Previously, an electrical contractor undertaking work covered by Part P, but who was not themselves registered with a competent persons’ scheme, was required to notify their local authority’s building control – who could then determine if the work was acceptable under the regulations.
The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) has welcomed the government's approach to amending Part P, but has also expressed some concerns regarding the changes.
"We are disappointed with the proposed reductions in notifiable work. Both statistical data and anecdotal evidence indicates that kitchens and outdoors are high-risk areas, so any electrical work must be of a particularly high standard. Given that Part P is the only legislation which protects the individual within their home, we would argue that notifiable installations should continue to include kitchens and outdoors."
The latest amendments (2013) come into being after 6th April 2013. It is understood that the regulations will be reviewed again in 2015.
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