Operating instructions

2 . 5 E L E C T R I C A L S A F E T Y I N T H E H O M E
Prior to contemplating or undertaking any changes to the electrical installations within the
apartment, you need to be aware that for your health and safety there are restrictions upon what
you may and may not do as prescribed by Government legislation.
G O V E R N M E N T L E G I S L A T I O N
New building regulations aimed at curbing the number of deaths, injuries and house fires caused
by faulty electrical installation, came into force on 1
st
January 2005.
The new rules affect anyone considering electrical work in the home including DIY enthusiasts.
Failure to comply could lead to householders being required to bring the work up to standard
and may make it difficult to sell their homes.
Minor jobs like replacing sockets and light switches in low risk areas will not be affected.
However, anyone thinking of carrying out jobs including electrical work in the kitchen,
bathrooms or outdoors or adding new circuits to any part of their house will have to get Building
Control involved. The alternative is to get the work carried out by a suitably qualified electrician.
The key question for householders is who will be carrying out the work? If it is themselves, a
friend or relative then they will have to notify the local authority building control department
unless only minor work is involved. An alternative is to employ someone who is registered with a
‘competent person scheme’.
The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister leaflet ‘New Rules for electrical safety in the home’
explains the options and how to identify a ‘competent person’ in your area in a clear and easy to
read style. You can review in online now at the ODPM website and hard copies will be available
from local authorities and competent person scheme operators.