The Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA), the UK’s leading trade body for electrical contractors, applauds the long term ambition expressed in the response from Government to the Inquiry into Grenfell Tower Phase 2. The Government accepts all the recommendations from the Inquiry Report.
Electrotechnical systems are key in any new build construction or ongoing maintenance of a building and are a major risk without appropriate competence and expertise. ECA welcomes the commitment to end top-down, government-driven solutions in favour of greater dialogue with industry, including the electrical and fire industry sectors.
ECA is heartened to see the introduction of a Single Regulator and Chief Construction Adviser to streamline and reset processes. In the spirit of marking a generational shift to better and safer buildings, we trust this role will be broad enough to tackle obstacles to competence development in the industry, by tackling barriers to industry recognised training routes.
ECA and the Fire & Security Association (FSA) warmly welcomes three specific changes which will directly impact Member firms and improve electrical safety and efficiency:
- the introduction of stringent and regular electrical safety checks for social landlords;
- moving responsibility for fire safety functions to MHCLG; and
- consulting on minimum energy efficiency standards for buildings
Mike Smith, ECA Director of Technical and Safety, Health and Environment and FSA Secretary, commented:
“It is encouraging to see a clear direction of travel in the Government’s response to the Phase 2 Inquiry into the terrible tragedy of Grenfell Tower. Over several years ECA and FSA have contributed to post Grenfell Inquiry and recognise the nuanced and complex changes needed to shift the culture of the industry. By accepting all the recommendations in the Inquiry, the Government has started on a journey to make electrical safety and fire engineering a significant part of future regulations.”
Last updated 11 March 25