Quality Control and Quality Audit are terms that could be considered as being closely linked to the same process, but are they? Let’s take a look!   Most would be familiar with the term Quality Control as a process engaged by a manufacturer or service provider, to ensure for example, an individual product or service meets all its specified requirements.   Quality Audit on the other hand, is not a familiar term and certainly one that is not expressed in the same context as Quality Control however, it is a process that examines the complete systems  of a manufacturer or service provider.   Domestic Oil & Gas Installations:   A Quality Control process undertaken upon a domestic oil or gas installation should examine the following aspects: -   ·        An engineer’s interaction with the customer ·        Documentation issued by the engineer ·        A visual inspection of the oil or gas supply installation ·        A visual inspection of the oil or gas appliance ·        A visual inspection (where accessible) of the flue installation ·        A visual inspection only of the heating system (where applicable) ·        Inspection of ventilation provisions ·        A visual inspection of the appliance electrical control system ·        Tightness & Let-by testing ·        Oil tank inspection ·        LPG bottle or bulk tank inspection ·        A service strip-down of an appliance (where necessary) ·        Light and test of a burner or burners ·        Assessment of gas Input ratings and where applicable burner/oil pressures ·        Flue flow tests and spillage tests (where applicable) ·        Combustion analysis (where applicable) ·        Regulatory compliance or follow unsafe situations procedure(s) Note:  The process as detailed in the list above, may vary between a company/organisation and a customer should check before engaging their services.   Quality Audit:   Companies / organisations who have achieved, or are seeking ISO accredited certification for example, 9001 (Quality Management System) , 14001  (Environmental Management System) , & 45001 (Occupational Heath & Safety Management System) , would be familiar with the term Quality Audit.   Note: Detailed explanations of the ISO certifications listed above, is beyond the scope of this document.   A Quality Audit examines individual aspects of the entire business process of a company / organisation, in the provision of their services to a client/customer for example.   ·        Regulatory compliance and industry best practice guidance ·        Documentation produced that is both adequate and accurate ·        Examining the effectiveness and efficiency of the service(s) ·        Inspecting the quality of the products and/or services ·        Identifying non-conformities and the corrective actions necessary   Quality Auditing is an essential tool employed to assess the effectiveness of the Management System within a company / organisation, to report the findings to the Management, and identify opportunities for improvement.   Quality Audits are not reserved solely for those who are or wish to seek accredited certification through the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).   Quality Auditors who implement the procedures detailed within ISO 19011 for 3rd Party audits upon private sector facilities (outside of ISO), enables the establishment of a common framework for managing both internal and external audits in accordance with best practice.   In conclusion:   It is not to say that a ‘Quality Control’ process is by any means ‘sub-standard’, quite the opposite in fact. Assessing the quality of a product or service is itself an essential process, especially regarding oil & gas systems and appliances.   A Quality Control inspection can (as we ourselves undertake) provide an opportunity to see first-hand, what happens on site at the customers premises. Quality Control inspections are an integral part of ensuring safety, reliability and compliance of engineers and other personnel involved in the installation, service and repair of oil and gas fired heating / cooking appliances and their associated systems.   Quality Control or Quality Audit? It is simply a requirement to be either reactive or proactive!

In accordance with the Manufacturer’s Instructions” In accordance with the Manufacturer’s Instructions”   A familiar phrase and one that installers and service engineers of gas, oil, solid fuel and electric heating & cooking appliances recognise and should adhere to.   What are these instructions?   The Manufacturer’s instructions are exactly that, the instructions detailing the installation, commissioning, use and service/maintenance as specified by the company / organisation that has developed, produced and tested the product/equipment/machine, before it is released for sale.   Why are they important?   The Manufacturer’s instructions provide the technical information relating to (in our case here) the oil or gas fired heating or cooking appliance, but of course the instructions apply to every new (and should also be available for second hand items), piece of equipment, tool or machine available for purchase, that should also bear the CE mark.   The significance of these instructions.   In the United Kingdom, those who undertake works involving the installation, service and repair of gas, oil, solid fuel and electrical appliances, are required to comply with workplace legislation (Statutory requirements) which also cover the use of the Manufacturers Instructions.   What do the instructions provide?   The Manufacturers instructions provide installers and service engineers with the technical information to assist in the design of associated systems together with the choice of an appliance type and assist in implementing the necessary health & safety control measures.   In addition to the above, the instructions detail where appliances can be installed, how they must be installed, how they should be serviced & repaired, not forgetting of course how the user should operate them and what to do if a fault develops, to name but a few!     Service & Maintenance:   Following the installation of an appliance, there is a requirement to ensure regular service / maintenance is undertaken in accordance with the information provided withing the Manufacturers instructions.   Failure to follow the Manufacturers instructions and other legislative requirements, can have serious legal implications for employers, employees and the self-employed who undertake work upon gas, oil, solid fuel and electrical heating and cooking appliances, if things go wrong.   Validation of Appliance Warranty.   As is the case, the correct installation, servicing and repair of these appliances in accordance with the Manufacturers instructions is crucial, if appliance warranties are to be upheld. Failure to comply can and often does result in the customer losing their appliance warranty guarantee.   Try explaining that one to a customer who; has just been told by the Manufacturers agent, their 3 year old appliance cannot be covered under a warranty because of issues relating to either the installation and more often than not, the way it has been serviced.   Loss of Insurance Cover.   In most cases, a customers home insurance policy does not cover boiler breakdown, which often results from a lack of or poor servicing / maintenance.   Most Insurance companies do offer additional home cover or Boiler Breakdown cover as an optional extra, but beware!   1). Age of your heating appliance , will determine if Insurance cover can be provided, as many companies will not insure those which are over 15 yrs old.   2). Lack of or inadequate maintenance , will not only impact negatively upon the operation, efficiency and life of the boiler, but will just as likely affect your insurance protection.   If you cannot prove your boiler has been correctly maintained in accordance with the Manufacturers instructions,  an Insurance company may refuse to cover you, in the event of a claim and you may also lose the Manufacturers warranty at the same time.   Annual inspection, service and where necessary repair(s) to your boiler are essential to help protect your appliance it Manufacturers warranty (where applicable) and your insurance cover.     A note from the HSE:   Training and competence   All people using equipment at work must be adequately trained to ensure health and safety in its use, supervision or management. Some work activities require detailed formal training but, for most everyday activities involving work equipment, adequate training can be delivered in-house using the manufacturer's instructions and the background knowledge / skills of more experienced workers and managers. People should be competent for the work they undertake. Training, along with knowledge, experience and skill, helps develop such competence. However, competence may (in some cases) necessarily include medical fitness and physical / mental aptitude for the activity. Variations to Manufacturers Instructions: Gas Safe Register have provided some information on the matter of requesting for concessions to Manufacturers instructions.   GSR 02nd August 2023:   Gas engineers often need to balance their customers’ requirements when fitting an appliance against those of the manufacturer’s installation instructions. These can be compounded by factors such as the constraints of the property and intended appliance location. It’s important to remember that the primary requirement is to ensure that the appliance is safe and complies with the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations. Gas engineers need to ensure that the specific installation requirements of the manufacturer are met, and they should undertake a survey of the intended location of the appliance and its instructions before starting work, to ensure that the installation will comply with the relevant regulations. The process If your intended installation cannot fully meet the requirements of the manufacturer’s installation instructions, you must request a formal concession from the appliance or equipment manufacturer to deviate from the instructions.   This will also apply for oil, solid fuel and electrical appliances.   End of report.

We continue to encounter comments from clients who say oil engineers must be OFTEC registered to work on their oil appliances.   Others give examples of oil engineering businesses continuing to state upon their websites that;   We have viewed these websites and can confirm, this is what they are saying!    The public MUST ONLY use OFTEC registered engineers to work upon their oil appliances.   What is true, concerns the need for engineers who wish to work upon oil appliances and their associated systems, to undertake approved training and certification.   This is undertaken at any one of the approved training centres throughout the country and the following OFTEC modules are currently available.   If you are intending to undertake work upon oil fired appliances, then ensure you have successfully completed the appropriate training and achieved certification in the OFTEC modules relevant to your type of work.   OFTEC training for liquid fuel heating technicians:   OFT10 –  101 – Commission, service, maintenance of single stage pressure jet appliances.   OFT10 – 102D/W – Commission, service, maintenance of vaporising burner appliances.   OFT10 -  105E – Installation of oil and bio-liquid fuelled fixed combustion appliances and systems.   OFT10 – 600a – Installation of oil storage tanks and supply systems to fixed combustion appliances.   OFT10 – 201 – Commissioning, service, maintenance of multi-stage pressure jet appliances (i.e. Commercial use).     Another word in their ear.   Once again, our advice to installers and service engineers is simple! “Wake up and smell the coffee”. The information you are displaying is incorrect and could be construed as being anti-competitive, a matter upon which OFTEC is taking positive action.   OFTEC have requested that; If you have any examples of problems of this kind, please contact OFTEC’s marketing team –  marketing@oftec.org   A lack of understanding continues:   There remains within the oil industry, an inherent lack of understanding about the way in which today’s Competent Person Scheme functions and those organisations who are legally permitted  to operate such a scheme.   Let’s not get confused with Gas Safe Register , where it is a legal requirement  for any person who undertakes work upon gas systems or appliances (Nat Gas or LPG) to be registered with a body approved for the time being, by the Health & Safety Executive.   A reminder about CPS changes While heating engineers have been aware of these changes (have they really?),  the wider world has been slow to wake up to the diversification within the CPS sector. It’s understandable that householders may not realise that a solid fuel heating installer registered with OFTEC is no different to one registered with HETAS when it comes to competence and the ability to self-certify work. This may indeed be the case where they’ve used HETAS registered engineers in the past. However, it’s apparent that some industries that should know better have been slow to understand the changes.   The training Centres:   It is the responsibility of the numerous approved training centres up and down the country, who deliver the training and assessments to tradespersons that enable the certification bodies to review a tradesman's assessment and provide the certification that will enable them to apply to become members of a Competent Person Scheme and self-certificate their own work.   Competent Person Scheme providers.   Organisations permitted to offer competent person schemes to the oil fired sector (including liquid biofuels) are as follows:   APHC  – Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (Certification) Ltd   BESCA  – Building Engineering Services Competence Assessment Limited.   Blue Flame Certification  – Blue Flame Certification Limited.   Certsure  – Certsure LLP trading as ELECSA or NICEIC.   NAPIT  – National Registration Limited.   OFTEC  – Oil Firing Technical Association Limited.     OFTEC’s view of competition within the Competent Person Scheme: Competition is good news for heating engineers This diversification has several benefits for heating engineers. Increased competition means more choice and potentially more competitive pricing. It also means you can stay with a single provider as you or your business diversifies – which could save money and keeps renewals simpler. In the past, this was of only moderate value, but in an industry where decarbonisation is a reality, the potential to diversify and offer a broader range of technologies may become an increasingly popular – even essential – option to ensure businesses to remain competitive.   Please Note:   It is NOT the responsibility of the training centres nor the Competent Person Scheme providers to award certifications.    UKAS Accredited Certification Bodies:   UKAS Accredited Certification bodies are those groups who’s responsibility it is, to undertake the final assessment of and approval for, the awarding of any certification in the competence of an individual working in for example; the oil, gas, water, electrical and renewable energy industries.   OFTEC do not provide this aspect of learning directly to tradespersons, nor do they act as the Accredited Certification Body.   They are a; COMPETENT PERSON SCHEME PROVIDER  as detailed within the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended).   UKAS Accredited Certification Bodies are for example:   Bpec. ERS. Logic 4Training cert-ain Certification Ltd     Lack of experience & training:   Unfortunately, we encounter numerous appliances that have been serviced last year by operatives who clearly have NO training nor certification, to work on these appliances, nor undertake a suitable and sufficient safety/risk assessment of the appliances or their associated oil services.   We photograph these situations and retain the information and our final word is.   You know who you are, and we know who you are!   If you are going to continue undertaking work upon oil fired appliances and their associated systems, then make the effort to obtain approved training and certification, whereupon you can then apply to become a member of a competent person’s scheme.

. Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and Building Regulations ·        Manufacturer’s Instructions   ·        Approved Codes of Practice ·        British Standards and ·        Industry ‘best practice’ guidance     The ‘Corner Stones’ of our associated industries, there to ensure the work we carry out is safe, compliant, professional and reliable!     A myriad of documentation, many of which, make use of the following terms:   Must  – identifies a requirement to comply ‘By Law’ here in Great Britain at the time of publication.   Shall  – prescribes a requirement which, shall be complied with in full and without deviation from that requirement.   Should  – prescribes a requirement which, it is intended to be complied with, unless after prior consideration, any deviation would be acceptable.   If you choose to deviate, you must be able to demonstrate the action taken, is sufficient to comply with ACoP or other legislation, otherwise you may find yourself facing prosecution, where a Court will find you at fault.     Please note: The above terms may have different meanings when used in Legislation or HSE ACoP’s / guidance and reference must be made to those documents for clarification of your legal obligations.   Gas Safe Register’s ‘Gas Engineer’ publication for March/April 2025 highlighted the article entitled;   Do You Know Your RIDDOR?   (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013).   A very important question and equally, a very important piece of legislation.   RIDDOR 2013 is a legal requirement for mandatory reporting to the HSE of workplace injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences.   RIDDOR 2013, is not restricted the gas, oil or solid fuel industries. The law requires employers, self employed people and anyone else who is in control of work premises, to maintain records and to report to the HSE;   ·         Gas-related incidents ·         Reportable injuries ·         Occupational diseases ·         Dangerous occurrences   Gas Incidents include;   Dangerous gas appliances or fittings resulting in a spillage of the products of combustion (fumes) to an extent that could result in death, loss of consciousness or require hospital treatment.   Gas incidents also include dangers resulting from the design, construction, installation, modification or servicing of any appliance, or a fitting used on any gas system or appliance that could cause for example;   ·         An accidental leakage of gas ·         Incomplete combustion of gas ·         Inadequate removal of the products of combustion    The Health & Safety at Work (etc) Act 1974, is the primary piece of legislation covering occupational health & safety in Great Britain. It serves as an enabling act, that allows for further specific health and safety regulations to be passed and enforced under it. Do you know the rules?    We certainly hope so!

The Importance of Combustion Analysis Combustion analyser The importance of undertaking combustion analysis upon gas & oil fired heating and cooking appliances cannot be over-emphasised.   Failure to do so, can have catastrophic consequences!   One example that serves to reinforce the importance of undertaking combustion performance analysis, was encountered recently.   An oil boiler had been serviced for a number of years by another engineer, clearly analysis of the products of combustion had not been carried out during any service visit.   This oil boiler was just over 6 years old!   Following the service, combustion analysis was undertaken and the readings obtained on our Analyser are shown below.   Apologies for the slightly blurred picture. Combustion analyser C02 -  was 8.7% CO -  was 856ppm – Yes that was; 856ppm CO/CO2 Ratio -  was 0.0099 O2 -  was 9.2% Excess air -  was 78.9%   Absolutely atrocious!   The balanced flue outlet was also very close to the entrance doorway into the rear of the property.   Further investigation revealed the boiler data badge was incorrect, stating an EH pattern nozzle when it should have been an ES.   The Data Badge entry shown below. Data badge entry Nozzle fitted during all previous service visits, according to the boiler Data. Nozz;e Appliance data we obtained from technical manual is shown below. Appliance data Nozzle fitted on our visit to this boiler is shown below. Nozzle Combustion analysis undertaken following change of nozzle spray pattern, shown below.   No adjustments were made to pump pressure nor air shutter setting, prior to the analysis. Combustion analyser Now the readings were as follows:-   CO2 -  up from 8.7% to 11.8% CO -  down from 856ppm to 7ppm – yes that is 7ppm CO/CO2 ratio - down from 0.0099 to unrecorded. O2 - down from 9.2% to 5% Excess air - down from 78.9% to 31%   All that remained, was to carry out a minor reduction in the burner air setting following the analysis and to observe the improved readings.

Not all things are created equal This certainly applies to the world of central heating boiler and range cooker service and maintenance.   We attend so many heating appliances that were allegedly serviced one year ago, yet upon inspection, many look as if they were retrieved from the engine room of the Titanic!   An example of a boiler combustion chamber and one of its baffles, that was allegedly serviced one year ago, is shown below:   boiler combustion chamber   a Baffle Does the customer know what is involved in servicing their appliance, in accordance with the Manufacturer’s instructions?   The answer is simple. Of course they do not!   Here is where they reply upon the attending service engineer, to act in a professional manner and to undertake the works in accordance with current legislation/ recommendations / guidance, so on and so forth.   Did they check the oil tank filter? The customer replies “yes they did, and I was charged for it”.   Oh dear, I do not think they did. At least not for the last 3 years! Oil tank filter Customers inform us, the heating appliance has been attended every year, and they have been charged for these service visits.   We can confirm;   The closest these ‘service personnel’ got to working upon these appliances, was from their own back gardens, on a sunny day, with a can of beer in their hand!   The consequences of poor workmanship:   ·        Inefficient operation ·        Faults are ignored ·        Severe appliance malfunction ·        Excessive parts replacement ·        Spillage of (Fumes) combustion products into homes ·        Carbon monoxide poisoning ·        Appliance catches fire ·        Homes at risk of burning down ·        Insurance policies invalidated ·        Criminal proceedings initiated ·        Loss of life     In conclusion:   It is of the utmost importance that you ensure the personnel who are contracted to carry out work on your central heating boiler, range cooker, gas fire, oil tank or gas cooker are qualified , competent and experienced to undertake the work.   Check out their website and ask them questions. You are the paying customer, and they have legal obligations!

CO and its part in Combustion (Fume) Spillage. Fume Monitor What is Carbon Monoxide?   Carbon Monoxide (CO), is a colourless, tasteless, invisible gas that has no odour of its own and is often referred to as “the silent killer”.   How is Carbon Monoxide produced?   Carbon Monoxide is produced when something interferes with the combustion (burning) process leading to the incomplete  burning of ‘any’  fuel.   There are many situations which can occur, causing interference of this burning process, leading to the production of elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the combustion gasses for example;   ·        A lack of oxygen to support combustion ·        A problem in providing adequate ventilation ·        A problem with the flames touching cooler surfaces ·        A problem with the flames touching other flames ·        A problem with flame stability / retention     What fuels can produce carbon monoxide?   ·        Fuels that can produce carbon monoxide when burnt include; Natural gas, LPG, Oil, Wood, Coal, Peat, Petrol, Diesel and many others. ·        Biomass wood pellet stores generate carbon monoxide during the decay of the material fuel. ·        Cigarettes are also a source of carbon monoxide  What fuel-burning equipment can produce carbon monoxide?   Any appliance, machine or device burning a fuel (excluding electricity & Nuclear) has the potential to produce carbon monoxide, under certain conditions.   Central heating boilers, range cookers, mobile room heaters, open fires, closed stoves (flued & flueless), gas cookers and other devices are examples of equipment that can create a risk to life & property.     Domestic charcoal-fuelled Barbeques (fixed and portable) are particularly dangerous, often emitting lethal quantities of carbon monoxide just after use and if not stored correctly, can constitute a serious threat to life.   Flueless appliances including fuel-burning generators, space heaters, paraffin lamps and camping devices used for lighting, heating and cooking are included within this category.   Incinerators can also produce high levels of carbon monoxide, because of the quantity of different materials being burnt.   Domestic, commercial and industrial processes involving the welding of metals are a source of carbon monoxide production (in addition to many other toxic substances released).   Vehicle workshops can also experience elevated levels of ambient carbon monoxide.     Can I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in my home?   Yes, there are things that can be undertaken to significantly reduce the risk associated with the production / spillage of the products of combustion into your property.   ·        Ensure that any appliance machine or device that burns fuel, is suitable for the purpose intended and in good condition ·        Ensure it has been installed correctly by a suitably qualified engineer / installer and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions ·        Ensure any appliance, machine or device is inspected, serviced or repaired by a suitably qualified engineer / installer in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. ·        Ensure that any defective appliances, machines and devices that cannot be repaired, should be made safe and removed completely from any source of fuel by a suitably qualified engineer / installer. ·        Ensure flues / Chimneys are installed correctly by a suitably qualified engineer and inspected / tested once a year by a suitably qualified chimney sweep, This applies to Oil & Gas flues and not just solid fuel. ·        Ensure any ventilation provided for the safe operation of any appliance, machine or device, does not become obstructed, sealed off or otherwise rendered inoperative ·        Have a carbon monoxide detector of a type that complies with BS EN 50291 installed in each room or area containing a fuel burning appliance, machine or device ·        If you suspect any appliance, machine or device that burns a fuel, has become defective or is operating in a manner not consistent with that indicated by the manufacturer, turn off all power and fuel to the affected unit and seek advice immediately!     If you see soot staining, or the yellowing/ browning of surfaces / fabrics on or around any fuel burning appliances or their flue systems or;   You notice unusual smells when the appliance is being used, experience any difficulties in breathing or suffer eye, nose or throat irritation when an appliance is being used,   TURN IT OFF IMMEDIATELY and contact a suitably qualified engineer to investigate this, as your life may be at risk!   Read the full article on our website under the Carbon Monoxide heading.

Gas Fired Southwest Gas Fired South West is a division of  ​ www.oilfiredsouthwest.co.uk   ​ specialising in the commission, repair, and service of gas-fired appliances, including Aga, Rayburn and other range cookers, boilers, standard domestic cookers, fires and gas stoves.   We undertake Gas safety inspections upon natural gas and LPG domestic installations, which includes Landlords Gas Safety inspections.   In addition to the above, we are qualified under CMDDA1 to undertake Fume Investigation and will carry this out for any domestic or commercial client. (Please note, this is a service for which a charge will be applied). ​ Our qualified and experienced professional provides exceptional service and care for our clients in the South west and surrounding  area. We take pride in our work and strive to deliver the results you need

The Competent Person Self-Certification Scheme: The competent person self-certification scheme (often referred to as; competent person schemes) were introduced by the UK Government in 2002.   The purpose of the schemes was to enable companies and individual tradespersons to self-certificate (sign-off) their own work, stating that it has been carried out in accordance with Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) and other legislation/approved codes of practice.   The reason for this introduction was to facilitate a more efficient means of obtaining approval/certification for building works that would otherwise require a building notice and/or deposit of full plans. The schemes were also created to reduce the burden being placed upon Local Authority Building Control Officers.   The self-certification scheme is used as an alternative to submitting a building notice/full plans to the Local Authority and engaging the services of a Building Control Officer (building inspector). Competent persons are still required to comply with the requirements laid down in the Approved Documents and other legislation/approved codes of practice.   Tradespersons who are not part of a self-certification scheme will still need to submit a building notice/full plans to a Local Authority and engage a building control officer in addition to ensuring compliance with the above.   A Competent Person:   The Health and Safety Executive in the UK defines a competent person as:-   A competent person is someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities that allow them to assist you properly. The level of competence required will depend on the complexity of the situation and the particular help you need. You must get help from a competent person to enable you to meet the requirements of health and safety law. In addition to the above, anyone carrying out building works where a building notice or full plans would have to be submitted must ensure they comply with the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) and the Building Act 1984. There are aspects of building works/ other works involving building services that do not require a building notice or submission of full plans and we shall look at these in another document.   Tradespersons joining competent person schemes:   Any tradesperson wishing to join a competent person’s scheme must ensure the trade body is registered with such a scheme that has been approved by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.   Providers of competent person schemes: The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) is in charge of authorising competent person schemes. To make sure that the standards are consistent, there are rules that scheme operators must follow and conditions they must meet. Tradespersons wishing to join a scheme provider must ensure it supports the type of work they wish to undertake. There are several scheme providers and they may have different application processes, rules and fees.   What to expect when applying to join a scheme provider:   Tradespersons wishing to join a scheme provider must submit their application and their level of competence will be assessed, which includes verification of an applicants training, qualifications, insurance, company administration, health and safety and also conducting regular on-site visits, to ensure tradespersons continue to meet the standards required to retain their membership and self-certificate their work.   Minimum Technical Competence: In order to be registered with a competent person scheme, tradespersons need to demonstrate that they meet the relevant minimum technical competence requirements as stipulated by scheme providers.    Current Government Approved Scheme Providers in the Oil Fired Engineering Sector:   APHC Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (Certification) Limited. (Our preferred competent person scheme provider)    Blue Flame Certification Limited   BESCA Building Engineering Services Competence Assessment Limited CERTSURE Certsure LLP, trading as ELECSA or NICEIC   NAPIT NAPIT Registration Limited   OFTEC Oil Firing Technical Association Limited   Oil Fired Re-certification   This writeup would not be complete without a short discussion on the subject of oil fired training and/or re-certification.   Any tradesperson wishing to work upon gas systems and appliances, is under a legal requirement  to be registered with a group/body approved by the Health and Safety Executive, in this case; GAS SAFE REGISTER;   Work involving oil fired systems and appliances, does not fall under the same legal umbrella so to speak however, compliance with Approved Documents and numerous other legislation, requires a need to either self-certificate or submit a building notice to the Local Authority.   Do we have to be a member of OFTEC?   The simple answer to this is NO !   Scheme providers assess tradespersons using an approved format. The training/re-certification an operative has undertaken determines competence to carry out that particular aspect of work.   Tradespersons are required to demonstrate competence and the ability to comply with Building Regulations 2010 (as amended), either as a competent person self-certificating their own work or by submitting building notices to the Local Authority.   Validation of one’s competence can be achieved by attending one of the numerous training establishments up and down the UK, to undertake training and/or re-certification in OFTEC modules for the type of oil work one wishes to carry out.   Having achieved training/re-certification, they can apply to become a member of a Competent Persons Scheme Provider.   The scheme provider will as mentioned earlier, assess the applicant’s suitability to join the scheme. One aspect of this is to validate a tradesperson’s training/qualifications/certifications, amongst other criteria.   For example; in addition to our comprehensive array of industry-specifc training, experience and qualifications, we have obtained re-certification in the following OFTEC modules:-   OFT 10 – 101  – Commissioning, service, maintenance of single stage pressure jet appliances.   OFT10 – 102D/W  – Commissioning, service, maintenance of vapourising burner appliances.   OFT10 – 600A  – Installation of oil storage tanks and supply systems to fixed combustion appliances. This includes the inspection and service of oil storage tanks and supply systems.   Our OFTEC Oil Fired Training Certification is valid for five years and must be renewed on or after 23 January 2029

Oil Engineers and their Competent Person Scheme provider Oil Engineers and their CPS provider. Following on from the recent post(s) upon our website, detailing the update from OFTEC (The Oil Firing Technical Association), as seen within the Spring 2024 issue of Oil Installer on the Competent Person Scheme, we wish to provide the following information. Snippets from Oil Installer are shown below in blue Italics: A better understanding! Given that; Competent Person Schemes have been around for more than 20 years, and the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) clearly set out the details of the Competent Persons Scheme and its providers , it is surprising to note many installers and service technicians still believe  they must be registered with OFTEC to undertake installation and commissioning work for an oil fired system as a Competent Person. It’s time to forget the old ideas about CPS Competent Person Schemes (CPS) have been with us for a while now – 21 years in fact. When they started back in 2002, the individual scheme operators focused on single technologies. For example, HETAS were the CPS for solid fuel heating, while OFTEC’s supported the oil heating sector. Over time that has gradually changed, with some CPS providers expanding the scopes of registration they offer, while others have kept to their original position. Solid fuel remains the sole focus of HETAS, but other scheme operators, including OFTEC, have expanded their offering. While liquid fuels remain the priority, OFTEC added solid fuel in 2015 and more recently, biomass, heat pump, Part P, MCS, and Trustmark registration. A lack of understanding:   There remains within the oil industry, an inherent lack of understanding about the way in which today’s Competent Person Scheme functions and those organisations who are legally permitted to operate such a scheme.   Let’s not get confused with Gas Safe Register, where it is a legal requirement  for any person who undertakes work upon gas systems or appliances (Nat Gas or LPG) to be registered with a body approved for the time being, by the Health & Safety Executive.   Customers continue to ask about the need to be OFTEC registered to undertake work upon oil fired storage systems, pipework and appliances and we continue to see a number of installers stating on their website literature & associated banners:-    “ Only use OFTEC Registered Engineers to work on your oil appliances”.  Spreading the word about CPS changes While heating engineers have been aware of these changes (have they really!),  the wider world has been slow to wake up to the diversification within the CPS sector. It’s understandable that householders may not realise that a solid fuel heating installer registered with OFTEC is no different to one registered with HETAS when it comes to competence and the ability to self-certify work. This may indeed be the case where they’ve used HETAS registered engineers in the past. However, it’s apparent that some industries that should know better have been slow to understand the changes. A word in their ear. Our advice to installers and service engineers is simple! “Wake up and smell the coffee”. The information you are displaying is incorrect and could be construed as being anti-competitive, a matter upon which OFTEC is taking positive action.   OFTEC have requested that; If you have any examples of problems of this kind, please contact OFTEC’s marketing team –   marketing@oftec.org   UKAS Accredited Certification Bodies:   UKAS Accredited Certification bodies are those groups who’s responsibility it is, to undertake the final assessment of and approval for, the awarding of any certification in the competence of an individual working in for example; the oil, gas, water, electrical and renewable energy industries.   OFTEC do not provide this aspect of learning directly to tradespersons, nor do they act as the Accredited Certification Body.   They are a; COMPETENT PERSON SCHEME PROVIDER as detailed within the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended).   UKAS Accredited Certification Bodies are for example:   Bpec. ERS. Logic 4Training   The training Centres:   It is the responsibility of the numerous approved centres up and down the country who deliver the training and assessments to tradespersons that (following certification), enable them to  become members of a Competent Person Scheme and self-certificate their own work.   Competent Person Scheme Providers.   Organisations permitted to offer competent person schemes to the oil fired sector (including liquid biofuels) are as follows:   APHC  – Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (Certification) Ltd   BESCA  – Building Engineering Services Competence Assessment Limited.   Blue Flame Certification  – Blue Flame Certification Limited.   Certsure  – Certsure LLP trading as ELECSA or NICEIC.   NAPIT  – National Registration Limited.   OFTEC  – Oil Firing Technical Association Limited.     OFTEC view of competition within the Competent Person Scheme: Competition is good news for heating engineers This diversification has several benefits for heating engineers. Increased competition means more choice and potentially more competitive pricing. It also means you can stay with a single provider as you or your business diversifies – which could save money and keeps renewals simpler. In the past, this was of only moderate value, but in an industry where decarbonisation is a reality, the potential to diversify and offer a broader range of technologies may become an increasingly popular – even essential – option to ensure businesses to remain competitive. End of notice.

Oil storage tanks near buildings and structures.   We have included a post about an article seen in Oil Installer, 1st December 2023.   Photo and text coutesy of Oil Installer magazine.   Safety first with oil tanks – using fire protection barriers In the quiet corners of homes and businesses across the UK, tucked away in gardens and yards, sit the unsung heroes of winter warmth – fuel oil tanks. These tanks silently fuel our heating systems, providing comfort, hot water and cosiness during the chilly months. Thousands of households and businesses rely on oil-based heating systems. However, the convenience and efficiency of such systems come with a necessary caution: the risk of fire. While rare, the consequences of a fire involving an oil tank can be severe, posing a threat not only to property but also to lives… and this is why regulations are tight concerning where oil tanks can be sited. Of course, different restrictions apply to siting tanks near buildings and boundaries, but the constraints can mean that choosing the right location without compromising on outdoor space or aesthetics, is tricky for your customers. Fire protection To help to solve this problem, the industry developed fire protection barriers for oil tanks. When installed correctly, they provide an efficient and economical way to comply with regulations, improve the appearance of the tank location and, of course, keep property and people safe. Insulated fire protection barriers act to mitigate the potential damage that can arise in the unfortunate event of a fire. They act as a shield, creating a protective zone around the oil tank and slowing down any fire that ignites. They come in a kit form, so can usually be erected quickly with minimal tools. Rob Butler from Barton Oil Burner Services Ltd had this to say: “We decided to use fire protection barriers a couple of years ago. Although we weren’t sure if installing the panels would be easy or effective before we started, we quickly found it was! Easy installation “The barriers are supplied in various sizes in a kit that has everything you need for the installation, making it easy to do with just a few tools. In fact, it’s very simple: you just fix or lay a guide rail on the floor and clip the barrier sections in. “The panel sections are 500mm high and come in different lengths to suit any tank size and project needs. The panels are made of an insulating material with a metal covering. They’re very easy to cut and light to handle. Once you’ve got them up, you add the end panels, fit the top section and add the corners. The whole thing is fixed together with self-tapping 8 mm-headed bolts. The panels are finished in green, and the kit even had green caps for the bolts, so the final results look very professional and neat. “If your project demands that your fire protection be free-standing rather than attached to another structure, such as a wall, you can get angled brackets that fix to the floor and fully support the panels. They’re about 100mm thick, so you need to accommodate this when you’re making your concrete base. “The kit was packaged really well. The sheets came fully protected with a film covering that you pull off during installation. “All in all, we are really impressed with how quickly we can erect fire protection barriers for our customers. You can put a 2.5 x 2.0m wall up, from start to finish, in 1/2 hour.” Popular products Atlantis Tanks’ fire protection barriers are one of the company’s most popular products. The company’s sales director, Kieran Mytton, explained: “We’ve seen sales of our fire protection barrier kits increase a lot over recent years. We put that rise down to the kits being simple to use and quick to erect. Installing these barriers also means that you’ve got lots more choice about where to put an oil tank… and it’s going to look better, wherever it’s located. To help our customers calculate the right size of kit for a project, we now have a kit size calculator tool on the website, which makes the job even easier.” In a world where safety matters most, fire protection barriers help your customers to keep warm without compromise.

Rayburn OF22 & Oil Nouvelle   Do you or someone you know have an oil fired Rayburn OF22 (222K) or an Oil Nouvelle (368K), that is cherished, but unable to find an engineer who can service these appliances? Look no further! Drop us a line and we will be more than happy to talk with you about this. Superb appliances!