Minister Kitt launches Code of Practice on behalf of the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland

Mr. Tom Kitt T.D., Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs this evening (Tuesday 28th November 2000) launched a Code of Practice for the Design, Selection and Erection of Low-Voltage Switchboards for Residential Applications on behalf of the Electro-Technical Council of Ireland (ETCI).

Speaking at the launch in the Davenport Hotel Minister Kitt said "Earlier this year I had the privilege of launching ETCI’s Good Practice Guide on the Management of Electrical Safety at Work, so I am pleased to be here this evening to now launch this new Code. My own Ministerial area of responsibility covers labour, trade, consumer affairs and workplace health and safety and, in view of the link between my Department and the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs and the National Standards Authority of Ireland, I welcome this Code of Practice as a valuable step towards both better consumer safety and product safety. This is very much an acknowledgement of the everyone’s basic entitlement to be both a consumer and user of safe products."

The Electro-Technical Council of Ireland is a voluntary body of eighteen organizations representing all aspects of the Irish electrotechnical industry. One of the ETCI’s objectives is the promotion of electrical safety in electrical equipment and installations. The Code of Practice for the Design, Selection and Erection of Low-Voltage Switchboards for Residential Applications is the ETCI’s response to ensure electrical safety in distribution boards.

Minister Kitt said "We, increasingly, live in a progressive and fast-changing society and sometimes patience and due regard for others can be lost with the pace of todays living and working environment. The safety implications of this can manifest themselves in many ways, whether it be a lack of safety on the road, poor safety in the production and preparation of food, poor manufacturing standards for the sake of expediency or careless work practices and standards which put others at risk."

Minister Kitt continued "ETCI has shown a strong sense of initiative and responsibility in devising this Code of Practice. In a world of information technology, internet and e-commerce business development, electricity is still probably one of the most important and most pervasive work tools we have. However, we should all be aware of how dangerous electricity can be if not utilised and managed properly. This Code of Practice is intended to give guidance on the design, selection and erection of low voltage switchgear assemblies for residential applications in the context of Irish conditions. The Code will outline the basic requirements in terms of acceptable standards and good practice."

Minister Kitt said "There is no doubt that the business environment in the electrical/electronics area is becoming increasingly demanding and has been affected by intense competition and rapid technological advances. It is vital that the industry continues to respond positively to meet the challenges and opportunities facing its development. This can only serve to enhance the industry's reputation and secure the longer term development of the industry."

Minister Kitt concluded "A strong customer focus requires enthusiasm and dedication, and this is certainly an industry with a strong customer focus. While a drive towards improving service to the customer and improving safety standards may initially call for extra expenditure in time and money, it will, however, in the long run reap richer benefits in terms of market share and customer satisfaction. I would like to wish the ETCI continued success in the future and I am delighted to launch this Code."