Minimise risk, maximise service: the NICEIC is urging housing associations to equip their workforce with electrical safety know-how to navigate the low carbon energy transition successfully.
In a significant push for greener social housing, the Government recently announced its largest wave of funding for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. The scheme sees £1.25bn allocated to insulate and retrofit 140,000 homes with an EPC rating below C by 2028. This underlines the growing emphasis on low-carbon energy solutions within the sector.
In addition, new plans, as currently under consultation, will ensure that all new homes and buildings will be zero carbon ready from 2025, aligned with the Future Homes and Buildings Standards.
To navigate the low carbon energy transition successfully, NICEIC, the UK’s leading certification body for the building services industry, is urging housing associations to prioritise upskilling their maintenance and support teams with essential electrical safety knowledge.
NICEIC Technical Director, Paul Collins, welcomes the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund as a springboard for net zero progress, but stresses the critical role of electrical safety.
“While this funding fuels decarbonisation efforts, safe and efficient electrical management remains paramount,” Paul said. “For housing association employees, basic electrical knowledge isn’t a luxury, it is a responsibility and a requirement of the Electricity at Work Regulations. It empowers them to maintain homes safely, tackle routine tasks confidently, identify issues needing professional attention, and work collaboratively with electricians. This not only improves resident satisfaction, but also fosters a culture of safety that benefits both residents and staff.”
NICEIC training solutions
Invest in your workforce with electrical fundamentals training, provided by NICEIC.
Electrical Fundamentals for Maintenance Operatives — three days (classroom based with in-company option)
This course has been designed to give individuals the skills and understanding required to allow them to safely isolate an electrical system and to safely remove and replace an accessory. Attendees will also learn how to identify where their remit ends, and a qualified electrician is needed. After completion, delegates will be able to remove and replace individual items of electrical equipment on a like-for-like basis.
E-learning module — Electrical Fundamental — 100 mins (online)
These modules are ideal for those who manage or administer the work of electricians and maintenance operatives or are looking for a demystification of the electrotechnical sector. Each e-learning module is 20 minutes long and makes attendees aware of some of the key aspects relating to electrical installations. They also highlight the risks associated with electrical systems, and the procedures, which should be followed to ensure that work is safely carried out, and that completed installations are left in a safe condition for the end user.
To find out more about the training courses offered by NICEIC, visit niceic.com/training.
