The ECA calls for competency after London Blackouts

National Grid Transco has admitted that it was to blame for the recent London blackout. It said that the shutdown was due to the installation of an incorrect protection device - a question of human error. The device had been overloaded, plunging 410,000 homes and businesses without power and leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

Denis Hird, head of education and training for the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) says this situation demonstrates the need for competency in the electrotechnical industry.

"As more and more of our lives are dependent on sensitive control and protection systems like the national power supply network, it shows how reliant we are on highly trained operatives maintaining such systems in a safe and correct manner," he explains.

"Without competency in the electrical industry, we could be left with a state of chaos - as the recent London blackout proved. There can be no room for human errors again."

Need for on-going training and CPD:

Denis also suggests the need for on-going training and continuing professional development (CPD) among individuals as demands on the electrical industry and national power supply increases.

"As the network continues to supply and control even more aspects of everyday life and the implications become all the more serious, electrical engineers and contractors will be under increasing pressure to enhance their skills to always stay on top of the game," he says.

"In the electrotechnical industry, on-going training and top-up courses are seen as crucial to maintaining high standards. With lives possibly at risk in the case of poor installations and maintenance of systems causing errors like the London blackout, electrical contractors cannot afford to be ill-equipped."

Contact: Erick Lamothe

Electrical Contractors' Association

ESCA House, 34 Palace Court, London W2 4HY

Tel: 020 7313 4800

Fax: 020 7221 7344

Email: erick.lamothe@eca.co.uk

Or: electricalcontractors@eca.co.uk

Web: www.eca.co.uk

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