How to get certification right first time

Perfecting your form

You’re doing vital work, so why not finish on a high note by getting certification right every time. To help stamp out the scourge of certification that’s not provided at the end of a job, or that’s incorrectly filled in, here are some reminders. After all, a happy customer can lead to repeat business, and – better still – recommendations.

• The main reason for inspecting and testing a new installation, or an addition or alteration to an existing installation, is to ensure the work meets all relevant requirements given in BS 7671.
• The main reason for a periodic inspection is to determine whether an installation remains suitable for continued use.
• It’s a requirement of BS 7671 to inspect and test every installation during erection as well as on completion, and to prepare a certificate after verifying the requirements have been met.
• A way of satisfying this requirement is to record the results of the inspection and testing performed during the erection phase on ‘draft’ schedules. On completion of the work, the results from these schedules can then be used to compile relevant certification, to be verified by the qualified supervisor before being issued to the person who ordered the work.
• There’s another benefit to this practice. If at any point the installation work is stopped, for example due to a contractual dispute, these schedules can be used to compile a certificate to be issued for the work completed up to that point, confirming that it has been verified as safe and compliant. Additionally, having test results to cover work after installation can be used to demonstrate that work was completed satisfactorily and was damaged some time after installation. This will mean that authorisation to repair and agreement to pay for the remedial works must be given to remedy the damage.
• Certifications should be based on the models given in appendix 6 of BS 7671, clearly describing and recording the extent of the installation and any limitations.
• A red NICEIC certificate may only be issued by the certified business responsible for the installation.
• An NICEIC-certified business must never issue a certificate to cover another contractor’s work. It always remains the responsibility of the qualified supervisor to ensure information provided is factual and the installation meets all relevant requirements of BS 7671.
• You should never withhold a certificate for any contractual reason, including non-payment of invoices, where the electrical installation has been energised and is available to use.