SAFEGUARDING THE PUBLIC.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 January 1930, Page 8

SAFEGUARDING THE PUBLIC.

The announcement that an examination will be held in March for those who desire to qualify for registration as electric wiremen is a reminder also that severe penalties may be incurred by unregistered persons acting as wiremen and by those who employ them. The necessity for a standard of efficiency in electrical work has been made manifest by the serious results in the shape of fires and other injuries caused through faulty workmanship. The effect of electrical services in buildings, particularly those constructed in re-inforced concrete, is still a matter of investigation by architects, builders and engineers. Opinions differ considerably, but all agree that for the protection of the public it id essential that all wiring and other work in connection with electrical installations should be in the hands of qualified tradesmen only. The Electrical Wiremen’s Registration Act was the outcome of this strong opinion. It came into force on April 1, 1926, and since that date 185 reports of breaches of the Act had been received by the Registration Board up to July 31 last, and successful prosecutions had resulted in 59 cases in which action had been taken by the board. Supply authorities have also taken action in certain instances and it is open to any person to institute proceedings for a breach of the Act. Among the prosecutions taken by the board were those against amateur electricians and householders installing or altering house wiring, salesmen for carrying out wiring, carpenters and other tradesmen for interference with existing wiring systems, and employers for the employment of apprentices without proper supervision. It will be seen that the scope of the Act is wide, but that great care and skill in electrical work are essential to public safety will be generally admitted. To this end the registration board is seeking the aid of all electrical supply authorities in preventing unauthorised workmen being employed. The assistance of the general public should also be forthcoming.