On Sat, 27 Nov 2004 16:31:23 +0000, :::Jerry:::: wrote:


"Mike" wrote in message
news
This is in reply to message of Sat, 27 Nov 2004 15:44:57 -0000,
":::Jerry::::" which said:


"Uno Hoo!" wrote in message
...
snip rant..

Why can the media never get anything right?


Because it's been a long time since most of the media retained an expert
in
most subject I suspect, the average 'hack' could be writing copy on dog
crap
one day and cookery the next....


Or - "why spoil a good story with the truth".

Trouble is, these (part time subject) hacks spoi1l a good story even when the
truth makes it a good story...

Well this morning there was a _mostly_ balanced item on this subject on
the Today program on R4.

It did cover the subject accurately except for mentioning several times
that the regulations were designed to 'save lives' from dodgy wiring.
As if people are dropping like flies from fixed wiring faults.

It left as an open question weather the BCOs would be able to meet the
demand for inspections. It also mentioned the (nigh on certain IMHO) fact
that diy electricals will go underground.
It failed to mention that professional competant electrical work will very
likely also do so.

Even if you agree with the idea that electrical work should be regulated
the _timing_ of this introduction is arguably in error.

1) All the technical trades are currently subject to severe labour shortages.
2) The regulatory organizations have no incentive to expand.
3) The is a massive culture of diy elecrical work.

The introduction needed to be preceeded by a period where people have a
chance to get the exam passes and join ECA/NICEIC volutarily. Making it
known where and how to become qualified. Rather than leave it to peopl who
are already very busy to find out for themselves.

The changes needed to be after a period of recuitment for the BC Office to
get the inspectors they need. After January the LAs will need to recruit
inspectors form amonst whom? qualified electricians! This will only make
the labour shortages even worse!

Finally they needed to introduce this in the middle of a slump in
building work not a boom.

I have it on good authority that a law which is not enforceable is not a
law.

--
Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter.
The FAQ for uk.diy is at www.diyfaq.org.uk
Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html
Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html