COMPETENT PERSONS REGISTRATION SCHEME

HETAS Ltd. in conjunction with the Solid Fuel Association has introduced a Registration Scheme for Engineers and Companies working in the Domestic Solid Fuel Market.
The objective of the Scheme is to ensure that any consumer wishing to have a new appliance or their existing appliance serviced can contact
a contractor employing competent engineers.
Registered Companies must employ Registered Engineers and must have the appropriate level of insurance cover in respect of third party liability.
Individual engineers have to be registered with HETAS Ltd. for which they are required to declare their Technical Qualifications, training and work experience in connection with domestic solid fuel appliances. They must be employed by a Registered Company and their registration is only valid when working for that company.
Companies can seek Registration as being competent to carry out work in the following areas:
1 Full Systems- the installation of solid fuel fired central heating systems

2 Dry Systems- the installation of open fires and solid fuel fired appliances not connected to a hot water system

3 Service and Maintenance of domestic solid fuel fired appliances

4 Chimney Relining:

• a) Twin wall flexible,
• b) Rigid Sectional - metal and pumice,
• c) Other systems meeting requirements of AD J

5 Specialist Company: e.g. Technical Consultant, Installer of mechanically fed or other specialist appliances.

6 Prefabricated Chimney Systems

The installation, replacement of or alteration to the position of a solid fuel combustion appliance is subject to Building Regulations. Before proceeding with such works the householder is required by law to give building notice or deposit full plans with the Local Authority Building Control Department and obtain permission to proceed.
However, for England and Wales, only, the coming into force on 1st April 2002 of SI 2002 No 440 exempts the householder from this legal
requirement for the installation of solid fuel fired appliance whose rated heat output is 50kW or less in a building having no more than 3 story (excluding any basement) if a Competent Engineer is employed who is registered under the Registration Scheme for Companies and
Engineers involved in the Installation and Maintenance of Domestic Solid Fuel Fired Equipment operated by HETAS Ltd. These registered
Competent Engineers may also carry out associated building work necessary to ensure that the installed appliance complies with Building
Regulations without involving the Local Authority Building Control Department.
Further information on the operation of Building Regulations and the exemptions under SI 2002 No 440 can be obtained from the Explanatory
Booklet entitled “Building Regulations” which is available from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, PO Box 236, Wetherby, West
Yorkshire, LS23 7NB.
In Scotland SI 2002 No 440 and its permitted exemptions do not apply. However, HETAS Ltd in this Guide also lists under the Scheme
contractors in Scotland employing competent engineers which have met the HETAS Scheme’s requirements for Registration.

For further information please contact the Solid Fuel Association at the
following address.
Solid Fuel Association, 7 Swanwick Court, Alfreton, Derbyshire DE55 7AS. Tel: 0845 601 4406 Fax: 01773 834351