WHEN PART P, A NEW COMPONENT OF THE BUILDING REGULATIONS CAME INTO FORCE ON 1ST JANUARY 2005, DREWLEC HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS QUESTIONS FROM BUSINESSES CONFUSED OVER THE NEW REGULATIONS AND WHETHER THEY AFFECT THEIR PREMISES. BELOW ARE THE 4 MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS THAT DREWLEC HAVE BEEN ASKED:

Q. What is Part P and how does it affect my business?

A. Part P is a new part of the Building Regulations introduced by government, which affects all electrical work carried out in dwellings and business premises that have a common electrical supply – for example, if there is a domestic property attached.

Q. Why has Part P been introduced?

A. Part P has been introduced to make electrical installations safer by ensuring a competent person does the work.

Q. Do I need to notify my local authority’s Building Control Department about any electrical changes to my property?

A. You do not need to tell them about repairs, replacements and maintenance work, extra power or lighting points or other alterations to existing circuits (except in a kitchen, bathroom or outdoors) You do need to tell them about most other work. Drewlec Ltd are able to advise you on notification issues, prior to the job commencing.

Q. Why should I use a contractor who is registered with a competent person scheme?

A. Using a contractor, such as Drewlec Ltd who are registered with a competent person scheme, means that they can deal with all the new rules for you. They are fully qualified to carry out all electrical work, and you will get a certificate to confirm their work follows the new rules.

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Q. What areas of possible damage could there be to my building following winter?

A. There is a 5-point plan that you should consider. I would advise calling in an expert – damage of any kind allows water penetration that can quickly compound a small problem into a large expensive one.

1. Roof
• For newer industrial roofs ensure there is no permanent distortion to the profiling and flashings and profile trims are secure and in place.
• Check none of the roof tiles, ridge or hips tiles have slipped
• Ensure that none of the tiles have slipped into the guttering

2. Guttering
• Inspect for leakage on the joints and along the guttering
• Check for blockages. Debris should be removed regularly
• Down pipes should be regularly inspected to ensure free flow

3. Fascias, soffits and bargeboards
• If there are signs of rot then replacement is essential and may be governed by regulation
• If the building is over 20 years old, wooden fascias and the roofing should be checked at the end of the eaves for water damage

4. Flat roofs
• Hot sunshine can create cracks or ‘bubbling’ – which is positive evidence of water activity under the felt
• Felt roofs have a lifetime of 15 years and felt roofs over 10 years old should be annually inspected

5. Doors
• Doors such as Fire Exits not in regular use should be checked to ensure ease of operation. Timber doors swell in damp weather and can jam