"Woody" wrote in message ...

What really gets me about all of this is the way that 'regulations' define
competency - which is something no doubt that insurance companies would
hinge a claim upon.

I have an HNC in Electronic and Electrical Engineering, I'm a fellow of my
institute, I served a four-year formal traineship, and I've been in the
industry nearly 35 years. I have to work to IEE regs whenever I do an
equipment installation, and in my workplace I am a H&S supervisor, I work on
equipment with voltages higher than mains almost every day, but -
technically - I'm not competent to fit a 13A plug because I'm not a
'qualified' electrician.

I designed and installed my own burglar alarm system using professional
components (i.e. from an alrm specialist, not a DIY shed) but my insurer
will not accept it as (a) it was not installed by a member of the relevant
body and (b) I don't have an annual maintenance contract with a registered
company.

In both instances I would suggest that I am far better qualified than
'official' holders of such posts because I understand - as distinct from
'know' - what I'm doing, but will any commercial organisation recognise
that? Will they **********!


This is an ongoing problem, and one that results in much silliness.
And it is so easy to fix, thats the thing. All one has to do is
recognise the real range of relevant qualifications rather than just
one. But as ever, stupidity prevails, especially when it comes to
insurance.


Regards, NT