OFTEC Re-Training

[ste2806]

Hi everyone, Im new to this forum so bare with me.

My OFTEC training is due in the next couple of weeks and was just wondering if any of you have thought the same about re-training because i know you can service, install and commision without being OFTEC registered, using the orange unbranded forms. I cant see the benefits of registering.

I spoke to OFTEC this afternoon and asked them what work i couldnt do if i was not registered and by the sounds of it their isnt. We have been registered with oftec for 15 years as a company (mine is only 5 years) and now weve started to find other company's are undercutting us in price because they are not forking out for the training and registration.

Just wondered if their is any other registered technicians out their that have thought the same.

 

[SimonG]

Commissioning needs an oftec engineer or warranties are void and no building regs registration. Its everything else you can do.

 

[ste2806]

you can buy the unbranded CD11 forms do these have to be signed by a registered technician? OFTEC couldnt answer this question earlier

 

[SimonG]

Doesn't matter wether it's unbranded or not, how you going to register with manufacturer for warranty or register with building control. They'll want your OFTEC number.

 

[ste2806]

OK, we mainly do service and maintenance and we have already got somebody that has 3 years left on his training so he can sign off any installation. Thnks for your advice.

 

[lame plumber]

its all well and good until you cock up and get sued. then a judge may want you to prove yourself competant, which is ok as you can show him your oftec quals but what you cant do is show him that you also belong to a registration body, which is a requirement under british standards to prove competence. then what you going to do when your insurers say you havent fulfilled their requirements for being competant? everything is brilliant till it all goes wrong then you lose your house etc, is your somebody willing to put his bum on the line for you then?

 

[ste2806]

But if you cock up you will get sued wether registered or not. I totally agree with what you are saying. We have always been registered but lately we are getting undercut so much by un registered plumbers and OFTEC are promoting this buy selling unbranded forms and some boiler manufactures are providing unbranded CD10 forms with the boiler. OFTEC should be mandatory like gas safe that way you are not working against these cheaper un registered installers.

 

[lame plumber]

need more oil deaths before it will happen

 

[Dotty]

need more oil deaths before it will happen

Unfortunately true.

 

[lame plumber]

or someone flooding the trout stream, where all the MPs fish, with 2000 litres of kerosene

 

[ste2806]

I agree. Why wait for deaths tho? Prevention is better than the cure.

 

[Killy Bing]

The way i view it if anything goes wrong.

being oftec trained and registered is the difference between having a leg to stand on or bending over and offering the gloves and vaseline!

not to mention it shows some level of being a professional.

 

[ste2806]

Thats the only benefit i can see is it shows competence to a customer.

 

[lame plumber]

and their deposit is safe, as long as you pay for that ridiculous warranty insurance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!(must remember to do so one day )

 

[ste2806]

We are going to renew training now but totally dis agree with this unbranded form s**t. Thanks for the advice guys