NAPIT

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National Association of Professional Inspectors and Testers

The National Association of Professional Inspectors & Testers was formed in 1992 as a consequence of the lack of understanding in the Inspection & Testing field amongst many electricians, and more specifically to plug the loophole that allows managers to sign documentation and electricians to Inspect & Test electrical installations and appliances, even though they may not have had up to date appropriate training, do not possess the relevant qualifications and have probably not acquired the specific experience. Serious consideration should be given by both employers and customers before employing an Electrician to Inspect and Test. Is he competent? Has he been assessed? Is he using the correct test equipment? What is my legal standpoint?

There are other recognised Professional Associations within the Electrical Contracting Industry who assess a companies professionalism and the experience and qualifications of a specific individual within that company. But quite often employees other than the specific individual are given the responsibility for the quality control mechanism of our industry, i.e. that of Inspecting and Testing and subsequently issuing test reports and schedules.

As well as assessing a companies quality, all the individuals within that company seeking NAPIT approval must undergo a thorough vetting process. If they do not possess the requisite qualifications, they must undertake the full NAPIT technical assessment which comprises a written paper and a hands on 16th Edition testing session and/or practical Portable Appliance testing session depending on the type of approval being sought. The current situation which allows individuals to Inspect & Test when no one has assessed their abilities is unlikely to achieve conformity with the relevant parts of the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 and in particular Regulation 16.

The advent of Document P of the Building Regulations and its requirement to be a Competent Person to undertake electrical work in dwellings, makes the implementation of the NAPIT standards more compelling, as they are the ONLY trade association who run a true Competence Person requirement for all the relevant staff of its approved member companies and do not hide behind the legal definition. With these amendments to the Building Regulations making electrical work in dwellings a controlled service, as outlined in the Approved Document P, then it is even more important that a system is in place to monitor and assure individuals competence.

NAPIT have always had such a system and is the only Trade Association dedicated to monitoring the competence of all its members for Inspection, Testing and System Verification. Their aim is to set the standard for the industry. These aims and objectives are being achieved by the implementation of their strict individual vetting policy, cost effective training courses, technical updates & advice, and by harnessing expertise on a regional basis to provide a national network of NAPIT representatives. NAPIT polices and maintains its standards, with friendly support and in partnership with its members. We must emphasise that a little knowledge is often sufficient to make electrical equipment function, but a much higher level of knowledge and experience is needed to ensure safety. With safety at stake nothing less should be acceptable.

NAPIT Leaflet