NAPIT Welcomes Introduction of Mandatory Electrical Checks
NAPIT has hailed the forthcoming introduction of new electrical inspection requirements in the Private Rented Sector as a significant step forward.
The reaction follows the Housing Secretary James Brokenshire’s announcement that private landlords will be required to ensure electrical installations in their properties are inspected every five years. Mr Brokenshire also launched a consultation into the fire safety guidance contained in the Building Regulations, following recommendations made in the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety.
NAPIT Trade Association Chairman, Frank Bertie, said "Introducing these checks has the potential to dramatically increase safety in the Private Rented Sector, and ultimately save lives. The NAPIT Trade Association has long been calling for inspections to be required at least every five years, and we set out this position in our response to the Government’s consultation into electrical safety in the Private Rented Sector earlier this year. We hope that the Government will recognise that these checks should be carried out by a qualified electrical inspector, and supported by an Electrical Installation Condition Report, to ensure that they are carried out to the required standard."
Over 400 people are injured or killed in fires started by electrical distribution systems every year, and a survey of NAPIT Trade Association members found that tenants in privately rented properties were being put at significant risk. Over 40% of members said that they found more serious electrical hazards in private rented homes than in any other form of tenure, and over 90% supported the idea of mandatory electrical safety checks every five years.
NAPIT Trade Association has pushed this proposal to Governments in both England and Wales this year, advocating that they came into line with regulations in the Scottish Private Rented Sector. NAPIT also regularly delivers electrical safety presentations to private landlords, and has spoken to over 1,000 landlords since the start of the year to raise awareness of the importance of ensuring electrical installations are properly maintained.
To find out more about NAPIT’s proposed improvements to electrical safety in the Private Rented Sector, visit http://www.napit.org.uk/pdf/briefing_note_electrical_PRS.pdf
For more information on NAPIT’s promotion of electrical safety to landlords and Local Authorities, visit http://blog.napit.org.uk/2018/05/15/spreading-word-electrical-safety/.
Reference:
James Brokenshire MP’s announcement was made in a press release on 19th July 2018: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/brokenshire-moves-to-review-building-regulations-fire-safety-guidance/
Article Published:
20 July 2018
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