Since June 2014, it has been a mandatory requirement of the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) that all registered operatives on combustion appliance competent person schemes must have successfully completed a relevant training course within the past five years.
HETAS offers a range of courses designed for installers, retailers and those involved in the wood fuel and biomass chain. The refresher courses are available to any person who has previously completed a HETAS course.
A refresher course must be undertaken by anyone who has previously completed the following courses:
- Two Day Solid Fuel Awareness Course
- Three Day Solid Fuel Awareness including the Engineers course.
- H003 certificate older than five years
- H004 certificate older than five years
- H006 certificate older than five years
The H003 Dry Appliance course is suitable for stove retailers, chimney sweeps and allied traders who wish to install, service and maintain dry solid fuel appliances. It is a pre-requisite for installers keen to be a registered member of HETAS’ Competent Persons scheme.
Bruce Allen, chief executive of HETAS, said: “With refresher courses being a government requirement and part of ensuring on-going competence, HETAS must ensure that all registered installers are updated every five years, to ensure they are well informed about the latest regulations and to ensure they maintain a high standard of service for their customers.”
Before the exam, candidates on the refresher course could be eligible to receive relevant course documentation by registered post, prior to sitting a preliminary test at their local HETAS training centre. If successful, candidates can then proceed to the full Practical and Theory Assessment, as per the current H003 exams.
Becoming a HETAS Registered Installer has several advantages, including access to the HETAS online shop and technical bulletins, regulation updates, and registration onto the Competent Persons Scheme. The HETAS technical helpline is also available as a resource.
If your refresher training is due soon, contact your nearest HETAS Approved Training Centre. For a full list of HETAS Approved Training Centres, visit www.hetas.co.uk/professionals/training-centres.