EnergySafe Frequently Asked Questions
[ Last Updated 3 January 2006 ]
December 2000
Contents
The Consultation Project
1. Why are you proposing changes to the electrical and gas safety laws? Aren't things safe now?
Yes, they are, but there is always room for improvement. The changes aim to improve the clarity between different pieces of legislation and to improve accountability, especially in the supply sector. Some resulting safety improvements are also expected.
2. When will the new rules come into effect? It could take ages, couldn't it?
Some of the proposed changes will require changes to Acts and they are likely to take at least a year. The actual time will depend on the Government's legislative priorities. Some changes will be possible in 2001.
3. Who's on the Working Party? Why were they chosen?
The Working Party members include representatives of licensing Boards, industry training organisations, industry associations, manufacturers, unions, consumers, Government agencies and key New Zealand companies. A full list of Working Party members is included as Appendix 1 in the EnergySafe consultation paper. The members were chosen with the aim of covering all key groups with an interest in the EnergySafe proposals.
4. Why did you consult with everyone over the changes?
If implemented, the EnergySafe proposals would affect a wide range of people. So we felt it was important to give as many of them as possible the opportunity to comment.
5. What does the industry think of all this? Will it involve more work and more expense for electrical and gas workers? Will customers end up paying more?
The proposals have been developed with, and are supported by, a wide range of industry and consumer representatives. Special emphasis is being placed on the cost of complying with the new laws so that electrical and gas workers - and customers - should end up paying less.
6. It sounds like you're trying to bring the electricity and gas industries closer together. Aren't they different industries entirely?
Yes, we are trying to make the electrical and gas safety laws more similar, because the industries themselves are becoming more aligned. For example, most gas appliances need to be plugged into an electric socket in order to work. Where there are important industry differences, the proposals recognise these.
Workplace Safety
7. Does the current overlap between the Electricity, Gas and Health and Safety in Employment (HSE) Acts make things unsafe?
The overlap generally does not create dangers, but it does result in added costs, duplication and confusion. For example, accidents can be investigated by more than one agency.
8. Are there many unsafe electrical and gas workers out there right now?
No. All licensed electrical and gas workers are subject to audit by their registration Boards, and few problems are identified. A simple and effective licensing regime is required to maintain that safety record.
Worker Competence and Licensing
9. What's wrong with the current registration and licensing system?
A more consistent licensing regime that ensures ongoing competency, together with a consistent Safety Compliance Mark, will make it easier for consumers to identify that electrical or gas work done for them is safe. It will also be easier for workers to be recognised for additional specialist skills.
10. Will all electricians and gasfitters have to be re-licensed when the new laws come in? What will that involve?
Electricians and gasfitters will have to be re-licensed every one or two years, as is currently the case. The main difference will be a clearer requirement to establish their safety competence, which may require a modest amount of extra training.
11. How can I be sure that the electrician or gasfitter who comes to my home knows what they are doing? How will they be assessed?
The electrician or gasfitter will be required to have a current practising licence, which will issued only after the worker has proved they are competent in relevant industry skills. Assessment will be through recognised training systems. Every licensed worker will be subject to a regular audit.
12. This cross licensing - isn't it unsafe to let a gasfitter do electrical work and vice versa? Do they really know what they're doing?
Cross-licensing will not be automatic. Before a licence is issued, the worker will need to demonstrate their competence in the areas in which they wish to work. The main difference will be that cross-licensing will make it easier for a gasfitter, for example, to gain the necessary skills and recognition to service the electrical parts of a gas appliance.
Certification and Inspection
13. Why do you need a Certificate of Compliance and a sticker? Don't they do the same thing?
The Certificate of Compliance (which may well double as an invoice) would contain important information such as what work was done and who did it. The sticker would be an easily recognised symbol to confirm the Certificate was authentic - a bit like the "heart tick" you see on certain foods.
14. What does a Certificate of Compliance really tell me? It's just a piece of paper, isn't it?
The certificate, along with the sticker or Safety Compliance Mark, would be your written assurance that work done had meet all legal obligations and was subject to quality control.
15. What happens if I get a Certificate and something goes wrong? Can I make a complaint?
Yes. Both the Electrical Workers Registration Board and the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board already have formal systems for addressing safety complaints. For more information, please contact the relevant Board.
16. Can an electrician or gasfitter provide a Certificate to cover work that someone else has done?
Yes. The person signing the Certificate is accepting responsibility for the work done. This might happen if you do some work under the supervision of a licensed electrical worker or gasfitter.
17. What happens if I buy a new house or rent a home? Do I need to ask the previous owner or tenant for any Certificates they have?
You don't have to, but it would be a good idea.
18. Why are gas installations in caravans so dangerous? What are you doing about it?
Caravans are small spaces that can be poorly ventilated. Therefore they are riskier places in which to use gas appliances than conventional homes. The EnergySafeproposals would treat gas installations in caravans the same as any other installation. That is, maintenance work would need to be done by a licensed worker.
19. Why have you changed the time limit for initiating prosecutions?
Normally, the law requires prosecutions to be initiated within six months of an alleged offence. This is to stop the justice process being dragged out over a long time. But electrical and gas problems can remain undetected for many years after the work has been done. The new law would mean the person who did the work would still be held accountable, as long as they could be identified.
If your question is not here, drop us a line at energysafe@med.govt.nz.
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