John Vinter, Inspection Services Manager at OFTEC
The heating industry is going through a period of significant change as we begin the transition to renewable heating. It’s an exciting time and, while OFTEC’s commitment to liquid fuel and solid fuel heating remains, we’re seeing rapid growth in heat pump registrations.
To encourage and support this, we’ve launched our own heat pump training and assessments which are already proving popular. But we mustn’t overlook the important role of inspectors in delivering low carbon heating solutions to homes and businesses.
At OFTEC, we’re planning to expand our team of contracted regional inspectors and build on their skills and experience to meet the challenges of a changing industry and its low carbon future.
Most registered technicians are familiar with OFTEC Inspectors and the work they do. It’s perhaps not a glamourous role, but it’s an essential one for an organisation committed to ensuring high standards are met and encouraging continuous improvement.
While ‘Inspector’ is an old-fashioned term, the role is anything but - our inspectors must be technology savvy, up to speed with the latest developments in the industry and audit to Government scheme requirements for the competent person scheme (CPS) and microgeneration certification scheme (MCS).
So, what does an inspection involve? As well as ensuring technicians know what to expect, the core element is measuring work consistently against industry standards such as building regulations, manufacturing instructions and technical books.
This is essential as inspectors are the eyes and ears of the industry. Their feedback helps improve technical books, training, and the information we publish for registered technicians. This will become increasingly important to maintain high standards for consumers as we see more low carbon heating solutions installed.
The heating industry has a history of always improving and OFTEC’s contract inspectors are very much at the forefront of this process.