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ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING NEWS FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS WHO MEAN BUSINESS
9
LIGHTING
PROJECTS
High profi le case studies from the
lighting sector.
VOLUME 30 NO. 05 • MAY 2010
The Approved Cables Initiative (ACI) has launched its proactive and co-ordinated plan to investigate and address the issue of unsafe, non-approved and counterfeit cables in the UK marketplace. With an audience of electrical industry professionals, trade organisations, legislators, media and members of parliament, this new industry-wide initiative has the objective to communicate, educate and raise awareness of this serious issue.
The UK market for electrical cables and systems has
an approximate value of £2Bn. It is estimated that up to 20 per cent of cable product in the cable systems supply chain is unsafe, non-approved or counterfeit, resulting in
a major concern for the entire industry, from manufacturer through installer to end user, who may not even be aware of the signifi cant health and safety threat it poses or the legal ramifi cations for the organisation or individual. The ACI, with industry and regulator support, will be taking a determined approach to educate the electrical industry about purchasing and installing such cables and raise awareness of the existence of unscrupulous manufacturers and distributors. The launch, held in Westminster, was hosted by the British Cables Association (BCA) with widespread support from industry trade bodies including the British Approvals
ABB equipment has helped maximise electrical safety for residents in a new Portsmouth apartment development.
WWW.ELECTRICALCONTRACTINGNEWS.CO.UK
COUNTERFEIT CABLE INITIATIVE UNVEILED TO ELECTRICAL SUPPLY INDUSTRY
Service for Cables (BASEC), Electrical Distributors Association (EDA), Electrical Contractors Association (ECA), Electrical Safety Council, and the NICEIC Group. Michael Simms, president of the BCA, commented, ‘We
were all pleased to see the launch so well supported by MPs, regulators and the supply chain. I am particularly pleased to report that we had an immediate response from trade organisations, companies and MPs who are very keen to show their support for the initiative. We are seeking funding of approximately £500k to cover support costs of this initiative over the next three years to ensure the campaign is effective and achieves its objectives.’
NICEIC VOICES CONCERN OVER LACK OF FEMALE CONTRACTORS
Despite industry wide initiatives to encourage women to become electrical contractors, NICEIC has expressed its concern at the slow progress being made on this issue. It claims that an underlying culture of discrimination still operates within this predominantly male profession and is acting as a barrier to entry. A recent survey discovered that two of
the reasons given for not employing female apprentices were that wives or partners would not like it and that separate facilities for women would have to be provided on site. NICEIC believes that despite the ongoing skills shortage, employers are systematically ignoring just over 50 per cent of the population, even though there are good business reasons to employ women. For example, many elderly people and women, including those who belong to ethnic groups where there could be an objection to men entering the house, would prefer to use female contractors.
NICEIC’s call for greater oppor tunities for women in the industry follows an announcement that it will be launching its own apprenticeship scheme later this year. Although the scheme will be open to all those interested in becoming electrical contractors, it will be doing all it can to encourage women applicants. ‘Figures indicate that less than one
in every thousand electrical contractors is female,’ said Emma McCar thy, chief operating offi cer, NICEIC. ‘This is unacceptable, especially since many of the reasons behind the current situation have no place in a modern and forward thinking industry. Not only does the inclusion of women make good business sense for employers, all those who are interested in becoming electrical contractors should be welcomed and encouraged, irrespective of whether they are male or female.’
17 COMMERCIAL
VEHICLES
Ways to get to work.
26
COMPETITION
The ultimate high performance giveaway.
28
SPECIAL FEATURE:
SECURITY
*When used with the Megaman 13W lamps. (lamps supplied separately). ** The surface LE105 fitting has a 2m cable NOT the CT100C connector.
LOW Energy - Fully compliant with ‘Part L’ Building Regulations. LOW Running Cost - 13W lamp with high output.*
LOW Maintenance - Supplied complete with the ‘FLOW’ pull apart connector for ease of installation and subsequent maintenance.** LOW Profile - Allows installation into almost any void. Available as fixed, adjustable or surface fitment.
Low Impact
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CELEBRA
YEARS
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26/11/2009 16:02:35
YEA
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