The importance of inspections
An update on Inspections
NFRC and the Competent Person Scheme is focused on raising standards in the roofing industry, and maintaining excellence in roofing standards across its members and registered contractors. A key way that we ensure these standards are upheld is through our rigorous inspection process.
As part of the renewal process for the Competent Person Scheme and NFRC Trade Membership, an inspection by an NFRC Technical Inspector is required.
You may have seen last week’s news that the Government has accepted all 58 recommendations from the Grenfell Inquiry and is taking action. These changes build on the already significant reforms introduced by the Building Safety Act—the most extensive overhaul of building safety regulations in a generation. The Act applies to all buildings, with additional requirements for high-rise residential and high-risk structures.
A particularly critical update is the introduction of Part 2A of the Building Regulations 2023, which should be compulsory reading for anyone involved in procuring, designing, or constructing buildings of any kind.
With this in mind we would like to remind all NFRC members and contractors registered on the NFRC Competent Person Scheme about the inspection process and our commitment to working with the building safety regulator on ensuring the quality of roofing and roof refurbishment work.
Compliance with Building Regulations
One of the key legislative changes is the need to demonstrate both organisational and occupational competency. Inspection plays a vital role in evidencing your ongoing organisational competency— satisfactory completion of this offers you a significant advantage over non-members, in ensuring compliance with these new legal obligations.
Those members who are also CPS registered contractors will be required to demonstrate their competency through an annual inspection of their work and offices.
You can download helpful NFRC guidance on the requirements using the link below. This guidance is free for NFRC members and available to purchase for non-NFRC members https://www.nfrc.co.uk/resource/nfrc-gn70-overview-of-part-2a-of-the-building-regulations-2010--mrk274--pdf.html.
What does the inspection process look like?
The process for NFRC members and CPS registered contractors is slightly different. For contractors who are an NFRC trade member AND a CPS registered contractor, only one inspection is required to cover both memberships. We make sure that our inspection process is proportionate to the risks involved in roofing, but we appreciate that the process can feel overwhelming, especially for smaller roofing businesses.
Below we have outlined the inspection process for both NFRC and the Competent Person Scheme. Inspection process The inspection process for NFRC members and CPS registered contractors is very similar.
This section covers:
- What documentation is required?
- Who will visit my site and/or office?
- How are inspections arranged?
- How long does it take to find out the result of our inspection?
- What if we fail our inspection?
- What if we refuse an inspection?
What documentation is required?
Evidence of Training Certification
- NVQ certificates – management and employees (not every employee)
- CSCS Cards
- Training matrix/records
- Asbestos Awareness certificates
- Working at Height certificates
- Any additional training certificates within the last 3 years
Company Accreditations
- CHAS – Constructionline -SSIP
Samples of Toolbox talks
RAMs
COSSH assessments
Photographic evidence of:
- Health and Safety poster on display
- Accident Book
Who will visit my site?
NFRC and CPS inspections are managed by the Competent Person Scheme Technical Inspection team. A member of this team will visit your site and/or office to complete the inspection.
How are inspections arranged?
A member of the operations team will notify you by email that we intend to inspect your business and provide an inspection date. They will also include any relevant details about the inspection process that you need to be aware of.
How long does it take to find out the result of our inspection?
After the inspection is complete, the report will be returned to the Compliance Manager (for CPS registered contractors) or Regional Manager (NFRC members) for approval. This usually takes no longer than 10 working days.
What if we fail the inspection?
If you do not pass your inspection the first time, the Technical Compliance Manager or Regional Manager will provide guidance to help you meet the required standard. We will then invite you for a repeat inspection.
What if we refuse an inspection?
If you refuse an NFRC inspection, your Regional Manager will be informed of your refusal and your account may be terminated. For CPS registered contractors, your account will be suspended immediately until an inspection is completed.
Remember, our inspectors are on your side. They will work with you to complete the inspection process, and if there are any areas that need work, our inspectors will identify those and provide guidance for you to implement in your business.