NEWS 7 under electrical installation work . Only qualified electricians should handle these systems , ensuring the safety and reliability of the installations .
An Electrical Certificate of Compliance ( CoC ) for the electrical installation must be issued on such installations .
7 . Issue of supplementary electrical certificate of compliance ( COC ) A supplementary electrical CoC is required for any electrical work carried , including the geyser replacement and thermostat changes which would constitute connection or disconnection or the appliance at its terminals , to certify compliance with safety standards .
This measure ensures accountability and traceability for all electrical work performed , leads to safer installations with aim of safeguarding the consumer and end user .
8 . 8 . Addressing Electrical Shocks at Terminal Water Fittings If consumers experience electrical shocks when using water fixtures . ( A critical safety concern with a high potential of electrocution ). A qualified electrician must be immediately called to investigate and resolve the electrical issue , which often involves electrical fault finding using specialised equipment , testing for things such as correct earthing and bonding .
Typically , if there is an increased potential ( Voltage ) the fault typically would lie on the electrical side of an installation and thus an Electrician would be the first point of call .
The responsibility of ensuring safety It is to be acknowledged that safety and accountability are paramount in both electrical and plumbing work including other industries . We therefore urge all stakeholders , users and interested parties to adhere to the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations including all relevant South African National Standards and local authorities . Ensuring compliance , having the competency and maintaining a high standard of safety is the most responsible approach to preventing accidents , reduce risks , achieving a safer working environment and safeguarding our communities and families .
The above should not discourage Plumbers or Contractors from work but instead motivate for more multi-faceted artisans which ensures the person doing the work possess the correct competency and can carry the work out safely .
We look forward to a safer industry where our industries can support each other .
Date of signed joint statement : 28 September 2024 . PA
“ It was clear from the productive discussion that customer and insurance provider education was paramount in moving forward , as well as education for both plumbers and electricians .”
Health and Safety should never be compromised and in all cases a qualified electrician must be called to investigate , resolve and work on all electrical issues .
9 . Importance of Proper Bonding and Earthing Proper bonding and earthing are crucial for maintaining electrical safety . These tasks must be performed and tested by qualified electricians using specialized equipment to ensure a compliant installation . Accountability for these critical safety measures cannot and should never be compromised .
Many believe this task to be a simple connection of 2 wires , but the theory and practical application behind it stems much deeper . Earthing is verified by means of a test carried out and needs to be sufficient to carry fault current back to the source , where bonding is a principle of equal potential verified by means of a test to ensure all the accessible parts of low enough resistance to ensure equalisation .
Anthony Schewitz ( ECA ) and Steve van Zyl ( IOPSA ) shake hands .
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November 2024 Volume 30 I Number 9 www . plumbingafrica . co . za