MR ELECTRIC WARNS THE GOVERNMENT – STEP UP THE PART P CAMPAIGN BEFORE MORE PEOPLE ARE INJURED BY ELECTRICS

According to Government figures ten people die each year, and about 750 are seriously injured, in accidents involving unsafe electrical installations in the home, in response to this the Government introduced the new Part P legislation in early 2005.

Although the legislation has been in operation for over two years, a recent survey conducted on behalf of Mr Electric, one of the UK’s leading local electrician contracting firms, found that 71 per cent of people interviewed had never read or heard anything about the ‘Part P building regulations.’

Clive Houlston, managing director of Mr Electric, who has over 30 years experience in the electrician industry, said: “Considering the legislation was introduced over two years ago and its importance to all homeowners, I would say to the Government – step up the campaign and inform people of the changes before more injuries occur without reason.”

The Part P law was introduced in 2005 and is intended to increase the safety of households by improving the design, installation, inspection and the testing of electrical installations in homes whether they are being newly built, extended or altered.

Failure to comply with the Building Regulations is a criminal offence and local authorities have the power to require the removal or alteration of work that does not comply.

Houlston continues: “With more and more DIY programmes in the public domain, it is no surprise that homeowners are attempting to complete more adventurous construction and building projects than before, therefore, electrical safety and compliance should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind and this is failing to happen.”

As a result of the findings, Mr Electric has introduced a brand new TXTel information service, which is available by simply texting ‘Super Sparky’ to 89752, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Within minutes of receiving the text, an electrician or trianed electrical adviser will call the customer back to find out their specific problems. We will then relay this information to a technician who will answer these questions or simply give advice on Part P and whether an approved contractor is required or not.

“The NICEIC, which is the electrician and electrical contracting industry’s independent voluntary regulatory body for electrical installation safety matters is also concerned by the lack of awareness about Part P amongst homeowners”, says Jim Speirs, NICEIC chief executive. “We fully support Mr. Electric and are delighted to see them using new and simple ways for homeowners to get advice and prevent them from undertaking work, which is best left to a professional electrician.”

Mr Houlston concludes: “I would be happy to sit down with the Government and discuss ways in which the industry can find effective and suitable ways forward – electrical safety and compliance is a serious matter that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.”

With over 50 franchisees in the UK only, Mr. Electric is a key figure in the electrician and electrical contracting industry. As part of their electrical safety drive the company are rolling out a ‘safety in the home’ campaign at schools around the country throughout the spring, which will help to educate and inform young people of the dangers of electricity.