SELECT, the campaigning body for the electrotechnical trade in Scotland is delivering awareness training to local authority staff that carry out verification activities across Scotland.
The training, which is now in its third year, is a joint venture between SELECT, NICEIC and LABSS and is aimed at raising standards and awareness of new developments in safety and building standards.
Dave Forrester, Head of Technical Services with SELECT, said: “Working closely with industry colleagues in the NICEIC and LABSS, we have developed vital training for those verifying the safety of Scotland’s built environment.
“In addition to the training, SELECT helps local authorities understand the benefits of certification and of employing properly trained and qualified professionals for all projects.”
The series of 8 training events are being held throughout February and cover all 32 local authorities under the aegis of Local Authority Building Standards Scotland (LABSS).
This year’s training, which has been developed in response to the Grenfell tragedy in London, and lessons learnt from the Cole Report following the collapse of a wall in Oxgangs Primary, includes revised standards for fire safety and fire detection/alarm systems.
In addition, training in preparation for the introduction of a new edition of BS 7671 – The IET Wiring Regulations, published this year on July 1, will be included in the events.
SELECT’s close working relationship with the Scottish Government’s Building Standards Division (BSD) will continue with the recent appointment of Stephen Garvin as the new Head of BSD.
Mr Forrester said: “I welcome the appointment of Stephen to this position. He has a long-standing history of expertise in building standards and I look forward greatly to working with him to forward the cause of certification of construction.”
SELECT, Scotland’s largest trade association, has 1250 member companies which account for around 90% of all electrical installation work carried out in Scotland. They have a collective turnover of around £1 billion and provide employment for 15,000 people.