CERTIFIER OF CONSTRUCTION
Spread the word While it has been in operation in Scotland since 2005, the Certifier of Construction scheme is still not that well known by consumers or promoted by contractors. But that might be about to change BY CHERYL COX
of Construction (Electrical Installations to BS 7671) Scheme. BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION Certification brings a number of benefits for the consumer. Firstly, the use of an Approved Certifier removes the need for detailed scrutiny of designs or inspections by a local authority. This also attracts a discount on the building warrant application fee if the local authority is notified of the intended use of an Approved Certifier. Secondly, because the professional and/or tradesperson must be approved to carry out certification tasks, the consumer knows there is a support mechanism in place if anything goes wrong. In the case of NICEIC’s Certifier of Construction Scheme for Electrical Installations, all Approved Certifiers are assessed annually to demonstrate their knowledge of BS 7671 and the Building (Scotland) Regulations. This makes sure they can provide a quality service and compliance with the relevant Building Regulations. The NICEIC Certifier of Construction scheme also ensures the certifier’s company holds adequate insurance cover.
The commercial sector can also gain. Having certifiers on site can mean fewer delays and increase productivity. As part of the phased return to work in Scotland, Kevin Stewart MSP, minister for local government, housing and planning, wrote to local authorities to highlight the positive impact of certification: “Although certification is an optional method for compliance, certificates of design support the earliest approval of warrants by removing the need for verifiers to check compliance in these areas. “The use of certificates of construction would also have significant value at this time where there is a need and requirement to actively manage the number of people on site.” CONSULTATION In August 2020, a consultation on the regulation of electricians in Scotland was published. One of the options is a single register of electricians in Scotland. It stated that “the most practical option for delivering [a register of electricians] would be utilising the Certification
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he Building (Scotland) Act 2003 introduced the certification system as an alternative way to demonstrate compliance with the Building (Scotland) Regulations. The system allows building work to be certified as complying with the Building Regulations in Scotland by qualified building professionals and tradespeople, without the need for inspections by the local authority. Certification covers design and/ or construction and only applies when the work requires a building warrant (permission to build). To be eligible for the scheme, building professionals and tradespeople need to demonstrate they have the relevant qualifications and experience to support their role as a certifier. A certifier, who can be employed by a company or operate as a sole trader, must also operate a system of quality assurance to confirm all the relevant requirements of the Building Regulations have been met. There are six scheme providers appointed in Scotland for various design and construction disciplines. NICEIC is one of these, and has just been reappointed as a scheme provider for the Certification
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