In November 2012, ECA joined forces with the sector charity, Electrical Safety First (ESF) to create Certsure LLP. Certsure trades under the NICEIC brand and in addition operates an assessment scheme available to ECA member businesses, or those wishing to join, that have not been assessed via another recognised technical certification scheme.
This is a UKAS accredited, BS7671 industrial and commercial, risk based scheme. High technical standards are applied using the benchmark of the Electrotechnical Assessment Specification (EAS) maintained and published by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). This means that those specifying electrical and electrotechnical work can have confidence in the technical ability of all ECA Member businesses accredited through this route.
The Assessment
This is the only scheme within the sector operating a risk based approach to manage the frequency of assessments. This is determined by the level of quality and technical excellence demonstrated by members during their previous assessment, with the longest period between assessments being 3 years. The assessment ensures safe electrical work is carried out, installed to recognised industry standards and practice. On successful completion, a technical certificate is sent to the Member business confirming requirements of the scheme have been met.
Scheme Fees
For ECA Members who are certificated via this scheme only, an assessment fee of £200 (+VAT) per annum is added to their annual ECA subscription notice. ECA then pays Certsure on behalf of these Members when risk based assessments are undertaken, irrespective of the frequency. New members pay for the first assessment £540 (+VAT) as part of their application and members remain liable for any cancellation fees.
Guidance
ECA has produced guidance to assist your business in preparing for this surveillance technical assessment for electrical work within the scope of BS 7671. It also provides an insight into what the assessor will be reviewing. View the Surveillance Assessment Guidance here >
For further information contact your ECA Regional Manager.