Napit Extract

The Following is taken from the Napit Website (www.napit.org.uk)

The National Association of Professional Inspectors & Testers was formed in 1992 as a consequence of the lack of understanding in the Inspection & Testing field amongst many electricians, and more specifically to plug the loophole that allows managers to sign documentation and electricians to Inspect & Test electrical installations and appliances, even though they may not have had up to date appropriate training, do not possess the relevant qualifications and have probably not acquired the specific experience.

Serious consideration should be given by both employers and customers before employing an Electrician to Inspect and Test.

Is he competent?

Has he been assessed?

Is he Meing the correct test equipment?

What is my legal standpoint?

There are other recognized Professional Associations within the Electrical Contracting Industry who assess a companies professionalism and the experience and qualifications of a specific individual within that company. But quite often employees other than the specific individual are given the responsibility for the quality control mechanism of our industry, i.e. that of Inspecting and Testing and subsequently issuing test reports and schedules.

As well as assessing a companies quality, all the individuals within that company seeking NAPIT approval must undergo a thorough vetting process. If they do not possess the requisite qualifications, they must undertake the full NAPIT technical assessment which comprises a written paper and hands on 17th Edition testing session and/or practical Portable Appliance testing session depending on the type of approval being sought.

The current situation which allows individuals to Inspect & Test when no one has assessed their abilities is unlikely to achieve conformity with the relevant parts of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (E@W) and in particular Regulation 16. The advent of Document P of the Building Regulations and its requirement to be a Competent Person to undertake electrical work in dwellings, makes the implementation of the NAPIT standards more compelling, as we are the ONLY trade association who run a true Competence Person requirement for all the relevant staff of its approved member companies and do not hide behind the legal definition.

With these amendments to the Building Regulations making electrical work in dwellings a controlled service, as outlined in the Approved Document P, then it is even more important that a system is in place to monitor and assure individuals competence. NAPIT have always had such a system and is the only Trade Association dedicated to monitoring the competence of all its members for Inspection, Testing and system Verification. Our aim is to set the standard for the industry.

These aims and objectives are being achieved by the implementation of our strict individual vetting policy, cost effective training courses, technical updates & advice, and by harnessing expertise on a regional basis to provide a national network of NAPIT representatives. NAPIT polices and maintains its standards, with friendly support and in partnership with its members. We must emphasize that a little knowledge is often sufficient to make electrical equipment function, but a much higher level of knowledge and experience is needed to ensure safety.

With safety at stake nothing less should be acceptable.

In a nutshell we as individuals have been assessed and proof of our individual qualifications have had to be submitted to NAPIT. This means that you get the real deal not like other electrical members organizations where it is possible for only one or two persons with the relevant qualifications & experience to oversee many personnel who may not be to the standard required.

Initial verification

The verification process of an electrical installation consists of two main components, that of inspecting (with all the senses) and testing, Meing calibrated test equipment.

Circumstances that would require verification are:

• New installations
• Additions
• Alterations

The reasons for an initial verification are:

• To ensure equipment and accessories are to relevant standard
• To prove compliance with BS7671 Wiring Regulations
• To ensure that the installation is not damaged so as to impair safety

Our inspectors will require certain relevant information such as, charts and drawings and must be able to assess the general characteristics of the installation.

Electrical Installation Condition Reports

Is a comprehensive report on the condition of a Electrical Installation

The circumstances that require a Electrical Installation Condition Report are:

• The installation is due (normally every 10 years for domestic and every 5 years for commercial)
• Insurance purposes
• Mortgage
• Licensing reasons
• Change of Mee
• Change of ownership
• After damage (floods or fire etc.)
• Change of loading (greater increase of current Mee, extra machinery etc.)
• To assess compliance with current wiring regulations

Investigation of general areas include:

• Safety
• Wear & tear
• Corrosion
• Damage
• Overloading
• Age
• External influences
• Suitability
• Effectiveness

Your Safety is at risk if you do not have your property tested and inspected at regular intervals more details on request.