Trade Services can help you gain you your OIL (OFTEC) certification that will allow you to competently and legally undertake work on Oil heating systems.

Below is some information from OFTEC on the benefits of gaining this qualification.

1. Why become an OFTEC Registered Technician?

Competent Persons and Oil Technicians

The introduction by the Government of the Competent Persons Scheme is an attempt to give an advantage to operatives within the Construction Industry that belong to a body that implements a system of assessment and inspection. It is designed to remove some of the burden away from Building Control, so that they can concentrate on tracking down and prosecuting the 'cowboy' element within the construction industry.

For the oil industry, OFTEC was chosen to carry out this role.

The Building Act of 1984 requires a person carrying out certain types of building work to give building notice or deposit full plans to Building Control.

As from 1st April 2002, an amendment to Regulation 12 of the Building Regulations which covers Combustion Appliances came into force. This exempts OFTEC Registered Installation Technicians, Commissioning and Servicing Technicians and Tank Installation Technicians from the above requirement when carrying out replacement or major change to a system, in the areas covered by their class of registration from 1st April 2005, Works Notification.

This means that OFTEC Registered Technicians can avoid the time and expense in submitting plans and applying for a Building Notice. Registered Technicians are required to keep a record of any work they undertake.

The types of work covered under these Regulations are for replacement installations and the commissioning of the installation, oil tank installation, associated pipework and major change to flueing systems. These areas of work are covered under the new Part J of the England and Wales Building Regulations. Those involved in New Build will have to ensure that the architect or builder has submitted building notice and plans for the complete job before commencing work. The Building Act falls under criminal law and there is a structured fining system for those who are found not to comply.

It is an important step to acknowledge those in the industry who work to Regulations and Standards, and to help customers recognise that OFTEC Registered Technicians have had their competence independently assessed.

Benefits

• OFTEC Registration leads to 'Competent Persons' status, saving yourself and your customer time and expense.


• Certificates and Identity Badge provide proof of competence.


• Use of OFTEC logo on your vans, stationery and any other marketing material.


• The use of special Consumer Leaflets to support quotes submitted to your customers.


• Access to low cost Public Liability Insurance.


• Entry onto OFTEC's database, generating new business opportunities with potential clients.


• Technical helpline – skilled and friendly people to help you, available by phone, fax or e-mail.


• Independent advice service for your customers.


• Informative website keeping you informed of all the latest technical and Association information.


• Updates of changes to English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Ireland and RoI Regulations and Standards.


• Regional Events – a chance to meet manufacturers and OFTEC staff, and for us to hear your views.


• Links with other organisations such as I.D.H.E. and the I.o.P and N.A.C.S. and N.A.C.E. and Guild of Mastersweeps.


• A united voice to lobby Government to help improve standards and recognise competent technicians.

Every OFTEC Registered Technician must hold a current certificate of assessed competence issued by a UKAS Accredited Certification Body for OFTEC Assessments.

Some examples are as follows:

• OFT 101 Domestic/light Commercial Pressure Jet Appliance Commissioning and Servicing


• OFT 102 Domestic Vaporising Appliance Commissioning and Servicing


• OFT 105E Domestic Appliance and Energy Efficiency Installation


• OFT 600A Advanced Domestic and Non-domestic Oil Storage Tank Installation

After successful OFTEC Assessment in any of the above, you may apply for OFTEC Registration. The Registration is split into two parts:

1. Individual Registration


2. Business Registration

Every Individual must also apply for Business Registration. If you work for a company which has more than one technician registered, the company only needs to be registered once. If you are self-employed, you still must apply for Business Registration.

Your registration period lasts for five years, after which you will need to sit a re-assessment. Remember, in a period of five years, Regulations, Standards and technology will have changed considerably.