Consumers
OFTEC defines consumers as “users of oil-fired equipment in home or responsible for it at a place of work”, and “specifiers of oil-fired equipment for new and reburbished buildings”
About competent persons and OFTEC’s competent persons scheme
What is the competent persons scheme?
The British Government introduced competent person schemes in 2002 and OFTEC was the first organisation to pilot the scheme. OFTEC manages the training, assessment and registration of technicians working in the oil heating and cooking sector.
To become OFTEC registered, technicians are independently assessed every 5 years. There are about 10,000 persons registered under this scheme. Under the competent persons scheme, any technician who is registered with OFTEC is considered a ‘competent person’.
What does it mean?
A competent person is authorised to self-certify that their work complies with all local building regulations and standards, and can undertake specific works without needing to submit a building control notice. Local authorities will not need to inspect the work and inspection fees will therefore not apply.
The benefits for you
Using a technician or installer who is registered with OFTEC can reduce costs because they can self-certify their work and so avoid building inspection fees.
The scheme is designed to promote training and competence within the industry, and will allow you to identify ‘cowboys’, untrained, or incompetent workmen.
Competent persons must be properly trained and are inspected by OFTEC to ensure that their work is of a recognised standard. When you use an OFTEC registered technician, you ensure that the works comply with building regulations. Find out more about competent persons schemes and where to find an OFTEC registered technician.
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