Safety of domestic Gas Installations Mutual Recognition of Gas Operatives in Europe

1. GCI-UICP Safety of domestic Gas InstallationsMutual Recognition of Gas Operatives in Europe Tony Langhorn Working Group Gas Installers Chairman UTIL-GI-06-05 D191

2. Aims of the Proposal GCI-UICP • To establish a framework of mutual recognition of Gas Operatives throughout the EU • To enable the principle of ‘free movement of labour’ across EU borders for both individual operatives and companies • To establish a common basis for quality standards and safe working practices • To ensure the principles of the applicable EU Directives are incorporated • To ensure that gas continues to be perceived as a safe product both commercially and socially WG Gas Installers

3. Elements Considered GCI-UICP The paper considers Installation & Service work in terms of the following: • Competence of Operatives • Quality of Workmanship • Technical Standards • Regulatory Requirements in Host Nations • Inspection & Maintenance requirements • DIY Activities Limited to Domestic (residential) gas installations WG Gas Installers

4. Key Areas GCI-UICP The key areas that must be • Where applicable operatives shall comply with Regulated Gas industry requirements of the host nation • Registration and regulation bodies shall enable easy access and compliance arrangements for operatives seeking to work in host nations • Operatives are able to demonstrate competence through evidence of training / qualifications or practical assessments • Operatives are able to demonstrate an acceptable understanding of the host nation Technical Standards and Regulations • Operatives are able to communicate in the language of the host nation WG Gas Installers

5. Services Directive GCI-UICP Areas that have particular relevance are: • The rule of ‘Freedom to Provide Services’ replaces the ‘Country of Origin’ principle • This ‘freedom’ may be limited through National Rules on the grounds of Public Policy, Security, Environmental Protection and Public Health • Limitations may be based on non-discrimination, necessity and proportionality • The ‘Rules of Establishment’ supports the creation of single points of contact and simplified procedures • Where the operative is required to provide a certificate or attestation, originals or certified copies may only be requested if there is a justified reason relating to public interest. WG Gas Installers

6. European Qualifications Framework (EFQ) GCI-UICP The objective of the EFQ is to provide transparency, transferability and recognition of qualifications at European level. The broad principles of the framework including: • Based on learning outcomes • Proposed 8 level structure • Underpinned by Quality Assurance principles • A common reference / framework acting as a translation device • Implementation and Use should be voluntary • The framework is relevant and necessary Consideration should also be given to the Professional Qualifications Directive WG Gas Installers

7. Next Steps GCI-UICP • Final Version of the Paper to be Signed Off by the MARCOGAZ Standing Committee Gas Utilisation and Executive Board and GCI-UICP Board • Communication to Key Stakeholders • Installer Institutions • Certification & Regulation Bodies • Gas Suppliers & Distributors • Health & Safety Bodies • Development of a Draft Competency Framework • Workshop for Certification and Regulating Bodies WG Gas Installers

8. End Goal GCI-UICP • To establish a common competency framework that will enable Gas Operatives to identify the required competencies to carry out work in Host Nations • To establish a matrix of qualifications / training aligned to the EFQ • To establish an agreed means of assessment by the Host Nation in order confirm competency and compliance to National Rules where applicable These arrangements should be transparent, easy to access and enable a simple means of verifying conformance WG Gas Installers