Essex and east London train operator, Trenitalia c2c, is the first company in England to adopt the SparkSafe Electrical Licence to Practice management system.
As part of its commitment to continuous improvement in its operation, all electrical contractors working for c2c will now be required to sign up to SparkSafe. The unique system offers an end-to-end, quality improvement resource which provides visibility, transparency and individual accountability of those who are carrying out work on c2c’s estate. The system is used to authenticate the identity and occupational qualifications of each electrical worker installing electrical services on behalf of c2c.
c2c Asset Manager, Paul Meenan, said, “To run a high quality, ultra-reliable train service for our customers means we are dependent on excellence behind the scenes in our engineering and asset management department. As an award-winning train operator, we are committed to ensuring our standards reflect best practice. “The SparkSafe system provides an effective means to verify and monitor the competency of electrical workers in the c2c sub- contract supply chain. We’re proud to be the first international train operator in England to adopt the SparkSafe model, and we believe this will deliver the best possible standards for our customers.” Bob Stephen, Managing Director of Hollywell Building Services, explained, “We are delighted to be appointed as the preferred electrical contractor for c2c. Operating under the SparkSafe Licence to Practice requirements will help our client to assess and monitor the high standard and competency of our delivery team.” Speaking on behalf of SparkSafe, CEO Derek Thompson, said, “c2c are clearly on a pathway of continuous quality improvement. The company has helped raise the bar for the rail industry by specifying the electrical Licence to Practice requirement.”
SparkSafe provides client organisations with an online dashboard view of their appointed electrical contractor’s workforce composition using three Licence types. A QE (Qualified Electrician) Licence type provides clients with independent assurance that the worker has achieved industry- recognised qualifications and is up to date with contemporary knowledge of the BS7617 Wiring Requirements. The REW (Restricted Electrical Worker) Licence type informs clients of workers who are not fully qualified, and the AE (Apprentice Electrician) Licence type confirms industry-approved apprenticeship registration.
SparkSafe Electrical Licence to Practice offers clients a new level of control and rigor when it comes to understanding and viewing who is actually performing the work and how electrically qualified they are to do so. Compliance with the requirement is linked to contract clauses, SLAs and KPIs which is backed up with on-line and on-site auditing procedures.
SparkSafe Licence to Practice – Registered Charity: NIC101034
T: (NI/RoI) 0044 (0)28 2566 6835
E: enquiries@sparksafeltp.co.uk
W: www.sparksafeltp.co.uk
