Rank: Super forum user 
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"A suitably competent authorized person should be appointed to take responsibility for the supervision of the installation of switchgear, equipment, cables, jointing etc. throughout the contract".
"The authorized person should also have responsibility for the safe working practices of the operatives, as well as the control of appointed sub-contractors. Sub contractors must provide appropriate method statements and risk assessments for their works".
The above statements are taken from the "Guidance on safe isolation procedures for low voltage installations", this was given to me by a HSE Inspector who advised it should be followed.
Now for the questions:
1. The authorized person - is this someone who works directly for the principal contractor?
2. If not is it the Electrical contractor who has been sub contracted to carry out the electrical works?
3. To say "responsibility for the supervision" does this mean "not hands on"?
4. To instruct that sub contractors must provide method statements does this mean that the principal contractor does not have to provide method statements for the electrical work if it is their electrician doing the work?
many thanks in advance.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Chris,
Guess who! ;-))
Can be 1, can also be 2, and 3.
1.: An on site supervising electrical ENGINEER could be employed by the PC or the client and they could take on responsibility for the design and supervision of the works.
2.: The EC can also follow the above route, though few will have electrical engineers employed. (I’m NOT going to rant).
3.: Yes. See below.
If you have for example an NICEIC Approved Contractor (other schemes are available) undertaking the electrical installation, they will have a Qualified Supervisor, and a Principal Duty Holder, whose responsibilities are 1, 2 & 3 above between them.
It would also be their role to ensure that any subbies they employ are competent.
Well at least that's how I see it as an NICEIC QS & PDH!
I do not have to be there every hour of every day, but, the buck stops with me if I let my guys loose & they muck it up!
Also not all “schemes” validate competence for all types of works.
I would say that the PC should provide MS’s for their works to meet CDM, else how would they do this and meet competence requirements?
HTH,
Paul.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Paul, good to hear from you, I was hoping you would be around.
The situation is this, the PC is on site and the electrical contractor is a subby. There are two of them and one owns up to being the authorized person. He is usually the more competent of the two and does most of the hands on work, and also answers my questions.
Do you think that is acceptable?
Another question - being cheeky now, what is the guidance regarding refurbishment works on a premises that is operating as normal as possible with contractors present and with specific regard to the contractors using existing mains supply to power transformers for the contractors tools/equipment?
Do they have to provide a certificate of testing the supply prior to use?
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Rank: Super forum user
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To your 2nd para yes I do.
Refurbishment works can be a nightmare as you know. I would have no problems myself, or with anyone under my control utilising the existing supplies as the RP for the premises is under a statutory duty to ensure that these are safe.
The only issue could be what is connected to them so any temp fixed supplies should be cert'ed and and portable equipment suitable and sufficient.
I'm NOT going to say PAT'd as this is not a legal requirement as we all know & I am NOT a fan of PAT as the ONLY means of compliance.
p.s. Chris, IIRC you have my direct contact details e.g. mob. if you want ring me you know my background & have seen my cv.
If I can't answer I won't, sometimes it is easier and quicker!
I may recall the favour in the future!!!
;-))
ATB, HTH.
Paul
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thanks Paul, for the above and the offer of further help. You've answered my questions this time but maybe if I have further queries I may just take you up on it.
(I have to say I'm not fully up to date on the abbreviations but getting there slowly :-) )
Thanks
Chris
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