Gauteng Electrical Inspection Authority
THE electrical industry as a whole has experienced a somewhat tumultuous year and, as the eternal optimist, I had hoped that by the end of this year we might have seen some clear indications of what the New Year would bring.
Earlier in the year, it became apparent that some sectors of the industry were again attempting to discredit the AIA appointments and processes that have been in place since 1998. The industry had - to all intents and purposes - accepted that effective policing of regulations and standards was an intrinsically important element of a healthy electrical contracting environment.
With the implementation of the new Electrical Installation Regulations in 2009, and the extension of the appointment of AIAs until re-accreditation processes had been finalised, it again became apparent that these sectors are still without any future vision of the industry by clamouring for ‘policing' but not ‘in the current form'.
The registration of electrical contractors has deteriorated into a debacle and has created a platform whereby all and sundry will now be surfacing to perform electrical installation work, without fear of not being registered, and more importantly, with the limited activities of the AIAs, without fear of being ‘caught'.
It is somewhat astounding that in many countries, the control of electrical contractors and standard of work seem to go hand in hand, but alas, in this country the two elements seem to be continually at loggerheads.
The universal problem, however, is clear and the common area of having no guidance or enforcement threads its way throughout all sectors of our industry. Here I refer to the Department of Labour, which continues to avoid its responsibilities as custodians of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. With regard to all issues surrounding the enforcement of health and safety standards in this industry, their silence is deafening.
Should the current situation continue for much longer, I fear the industry may reach a point from which there will be no turning back and, despite having First World legislation, we will have Third World standards and no further need for skilled electricians.
If the Department of Labour does not have the will or the means to control this industry, the role players had better stand up and be counted, in order that the industry speaks with a common voice and, by common actions, take control before it is too late.
As the eternal optimist, I hope to wake on the 1st of January next year with a new vision and increased vigour to continue fighting for what is right... but it certainly is not easy.
A happy festive season and an exciting New Year to all.
