We have found that an increasing number of Local Authorities and Consultants now request written confirmation that a tendering contractor is a Registered Electrical Contractor.
Production of a Membership Card is not deemed sufficient proof of registration since the name and photo which appears on the Membership Card may be those of the Qualifying Manager whose qualifications are held by ECSSA but may not refer to the correct trading name of the contracting entity. To deal with this problem ECSSA has suggested, and CER has approved, the issue of Certificates of Membership to all Contractors who renew membership or join for the first time from 01/01/2013. These A4 size Certificates will confirm the Contractor’s Membership of ECSSA up to 31/12/2013 and will also show the date on which the contractor was first registered as an REC.
It is important therefore that, when renewing, the contractor advises ECSSA of the correct Trading Name of his firm. A copy of the Membership Cert will then be deemed to be sufficient proof of membership for the purpose of tendering for work with Local Authorities and Public Bodies.
An Identity Card service will be available on a commercial basis for contractors who wish to provide themselves or their employees with a means of identity which can be shown when entering private property to carry out work.The Gardaí have recommended that every person who has occasion to enter a house or private property in the course of his work, should carry a positive means of identification.
An Identity Card can be produced for any contractor or employee who submits a photo and a copy of qualifications to ECSSA. The Card will merely show the photo and name of the bearer, along with his/her trade description, e.g. Electrician, Apprentice Electrician, General Worker, etc.
An Identity Card, once issued, does not have an Expiry Date unless the Holder wishes to changes his trade description eg. from Apprentice Electrician to Electrician or other such change.
The cost per Identity Card is €15 including Postage.
It should be pointed out that ECSSA does not impose any obligation on an REC or his Employees to carry such Identity Cards. These Cards are provided merely for the security of the public in whose homes or premises the Holder’s have reason to carry out work.