South African Property Practitioners and Housing Committees

Posted by SAPAC Reporter on January 13, 2024

South African Property Practitioners and Housing Body Corporates

Prepared by : SAPAC Reporter
Article Classification: Information
Image courtesy: SAPAC Professionals and Contractors

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Areas: Southern Africa, Northern Cape, Western Cape, Cape Winelands, Free State, Gauteng, North West Province, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Natal

Did you know that with SAPAC there are trusted firms, that complies with regards to these requirements. To get in contact complete the form above. Further down in the article is much more information for you.

If you are a registered PPRA Agent or you form part of a housing body corporate for a housing committee, you should take note of the following information.

PPRA AGENTS AND HOUSING BODY CORPORATES TAKE NOTE.

SAPAC Professionals and Contractors is addressing with tenacity applicable issues and it is time that the electrical discipline is being taken seriously by PPRA Agents and Housing Body corporates across South Africa.

As outlined in the Electrical Installation Regulations (EIR) within the OHS Act, specific electrical tasks, such as inspecting installations and issuing Certificates of Compliance (CoCs), can only be performed by registered electricians. These tasks include essential activities like property transfer CoCs, maintenance and alterations, installation of solar PV systems, electric fence system erection, issuance of CoCs for geyser replacements, and connecting generators to the main supply.

Compliance with these regulations is not merely a suggestion; it's a legal requirement. When the control over electrical work within a housing complex or estate is lax, anyone, regardless of qualifications, can claim to be an electrician and gain access to work within the estate.

More and more issues is being documented and it is being noticed by SAPAC Professionals and Contractors Collective including the entire electrical community.

PPRA AGENTS AND HOUSING BODY CORPORATES - Do have Legal Liability.

The consequences of employing an unqualified electrician can be severe, ranging from potential fires to electrocution. The responsibility for such transgressions falls not only on the individual claiming to be an electrician but also on the property owner, managers, and body corporates of the complex. In other words there is Legal Liability issues and concerns.

Electricity, in the wrong hands, poses significant dangers, particularly when work is carried out on any infrastructure affecting multiple units in an estate. To mitigate risks, it's crucial to abide by the law and hire only registered electricians, preferably SAPAC Electrical Stakeholders, the reality is that you need access to Professionals and that they are 100% commercially viable. Public liability is merely not enough.

How you partner with Electrical Contractors.

Unfortunately, many "individuals" make the mistake of choosing electricians based on price, neglecting the legal implications. Non-compliance can lead to more significant costs in the long run. Reputable electrical contractors typically have more than public liability insurance, and they form part of SAPAC.

READ: WHAT LANDLORDS AND ESTATE AGENTS MUST KNOW

In worst-case scenarios, property owners may face substantial losses if insurance claims are denied due to invalid Certificates of Compliance or the absence of CoCs. Pursuing damages from a self named contractor is going to cost you more.

If you are unsure about a Certificate of Compliance: Contact SAPAC Professionals and Contractors

Property Practitioners, body corporates and home owners must prioritize their legal obligations, and both body corporates and estate management companies must adhere to rules and regulations for resident safety.

Implementing protocols like requiring electricians to furnish valid proof of being on the SAPAC platform and contact SAPAC before working within the estate adds an extra layer of security.

Beyond being on SAPAC, property owners, managers, and body corporates should ensure that electricians are qualified for the specific tasks they are hired to perform. For instance, solar PV installations require an Installation Electrician (IE) or a Master Installation Electrician (MIE). Entities that claim to be solar installers must be registered as electrical contractors. Contact SAPAC for assistance.

Electric fences must be handled by individuals registered as Electric Fence System Installers (EFSIs) they may also be found with SAPAC Professionals and Contractors.

Only registered electrical contractors can issue CoCs for various purposes, such as new installations, property transfers, alterations, and geyser replacements.

"A home owner cannot tell a contractor or plumber that they do not want a non complaint geyser installation to save money. That contractor still caries liability in line with Section 10 legal liability. - SAPAC"

Compliance is equally crucial when installing generators, especially as they interface with fixed electrical installations during load-shedding.

Recognizing the need for better awareness and compliance, SAPAC is already across South Africa collaborating with other legal estate managers, trustees, body corporates, and homeowners to provide essential information assistance and legal contractors

Read : SAPAC Comprehensive Legal Professionals

Read: Guide to Electrical CoC (Certificate of Compliance)

#PropertyPractitioners

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