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NICEIC sponsor industry journalist

NICEIC helps conserve the Amazon

Journalist Frankie Snobel was used to writing features about green technology and Part L, but wanted to get involved even deeper in the global challenge to combat carbon.  With the support of many key electrical industry sponsors, including the NICEIC, Frankie headed to the Manu Biosphere Reserve in the Peruvian Amazon to work as a rainforest conservation volunteer.  Her goal was not only to get involved with the gruelling conservation work taking place, but to also report on the effects deforestation and climate change are having on the environment.

Working alongside an Amazon conservation charity called CREES, Frankie’s journey involved trekking through rough jungle terrain to assist in various projects, including planting trees, building biogardens and monitoring wildlife.  Venomous snakes, giant insects, spotted fever and no electricity or hot water made the experience very challenging at times. 

 “Working in the Amazon was not an easy feat,” said Frankie.  “The jungle is a fascinatingly beautiful place, but it pushes your boundaries both physically and mentally.”

Along with getting her hands dirty in conservation work, Frankie used the opportunity to interview indigenous communities and scientists about the changes occurring within the Peruvian Amazon.

“One of my main goals was to take what I learned there to raise awareness back in the UK about the state of the rainforest and its future,” said Frankie.  “Deforestation and oil exploration are occurring at an alarming rate and if there is a time to act, it is now.  This includes considering alternative energy sources and green technologies and also small steps, such as recycling or simply getting involved in conservation work.”

Want to find out more about the weird and wonderful creatures Frankie encountered in the jungle and the conservation work she did?  Coverage of Frankie’s project, including a documentary video, photo gallery and blog can be found at www.voltimum.co.uk/amazonfrankie

Published 17 April 2012

Select Committee report is released

NICEIC and ECA welcome report

NICEIC and the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) have welcomed the Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee report into Building Regulations. After hearing evidence from the electrical contracting industry, Local Authorities and other key stakeholders, the Committee says it cannot support deregulation of the building regulations if electrical safety is compromised.

In a report released today (March 30th) the cross party Select Committee, said it had clear evidence to show that deaths and injuries due to electrical faults have decreased since the introduction of the regulations.

“For a long time now NICEIC has been voicing its concerns that electrical safety must not be compromised by any amendments,” comments NICEIC CEO Emma Clancy.

“Carrying out any electrical work around the home can be potentially fatal. It should not be taken lightly and should always be undertaken by a competent person who is registered with an accredited body.

“NICEIC welcome the latest comments and hope the government take on board the views of the Committee when it completes its consultation into proposals surrounding the building regulations.”

Steve Bratt, ECA Group CEO adds: “There is no room for compromise on safety, and the ECA is pleased that the Committee shares our view that the introduction of Part P has raised safety standards.

“The Government must ensure that any reduction in regulation will not put people at risk. This report is a welcome ‘first step’ and we look forward to playing a full and constructive role during the government consultation.”

Clive Betts, Chair of the Communities and Local Government Committee, said: “We could only support de-regulation if there was clear evidence that safety standards would not suffer, but such evidence has not been provided by the Government.”

Additionally, the Committee, which also heard evidence from the Minister with responsibility for building regulations Andrew Stunell, said more needs to be done to raise public awareness that electrical work can potentially be extremely hazardous.

The Committee will now be recommending that all electrical equipment sold in DIY stores carries a health warning that it is illegal for an unregistered person to carry out most electrical works in the home.

“Such labelling is vital to reinforce the important message to the general public that they must use a registered electrician to carry out electrical works in the home,” added Clive. “It will also reinforce a broader health and safety message that electrical work can potentially be extremely hazardous.

“More must be done to alert households to the dangers of using sub-standard electricians and of the need to complete regular maintenance checks on electrical circuits in the home.”

In February this year Emma Clancy and Steve Bratt were among a panel of leading electrical contracting industry figures called in front of the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) Select Committee to discuss the case for retaining electrical safety as part of the building regulations.

They were joined by Phil Buckle from the Electrical Safety Council, Paul Everall, Chief Executive, Local Authority Building Control, Chris Town, Director, Residential Landlords Association and Diane Marshall, Group Head of Building Control, NHBC.

Published 30 March 2012

New Speaker for NICEIC Live South

Gadget Show’s Suzi Perry signed for NICEIC Live

The Gadget Show presenter will be discussing the latest developments in technology around the home and their impact on the electrical contracting industry. She will also be chatting to NICEIC’s Tony Cable to discuss how the industry has changed in the last 50 years.

“Modern electrical systems and the demands placed on them have changed immensely in recent years,” said NICEIC’s Head of Group Marketing, Mark Smith.

“Gadgets such as smartphones and tablet computers are now commonplace in many homes, while the use of home automation systems is also popular. Suzi is known as an expert when it comes to gadgets so is well placed to talk about the opportunities they create for electrical contractors.”

Other speakers on the day include NICEIC’s Darren Staniforth and Peter Osbourne, who is a leader in the microgeneration and renewable market. 

Building on the success of last year’s award winning event, NICEIC is putting on two shows in 2012. NICEIC Live South will again take place at Epsom Downs Racecourse on May 17, with NICEIC Live North taking place at Bolton Arena on November 1.

Both days promise to be a fantastic opportunity for electrical contractors to get the latest business advice and technical information. The programme includes talks on the new EICRs, Microgeneration and a vision of how the industry will change over the next 10 years.

In addition to this there will be a large exhibition featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. Exhibitors include headline sponsor Philips Lighting along with Milwaukee, Megger, Brother, Irwin, Fluke and many more. 

Tickets cost £36 for NICEIC registered contractors and £56 for all other delegates.  Attendees will receive a free voucher book featuring over £250 worth of discounts and special offers from leading electrical suppliers.

Don’t miss out on one of the biggest electrical industry events of the year! For more information or to book your ticket online visit www.niceiclive.com or call 020 7324 2771.

Published 22 March 2012
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