18/03/2020
OFTEC has released an official statement in regards to the Coronavirus, so in the interest of public health we are forwarding for your viewing.
Coronavirus contingency planning
Here at OFTEC, we are very concerned over the impact the Coronavirus is having across the World. We sincerely hope that everyone is managing to look after themselves and their families in these uncertain times.
We have already taken several measures internally to help protect our staff so that we may be able to continue to provide all services.
We would like to extend this advice to our registered technicians and ask that you familiarise yourself (if you haven't already) with reliable sources of information such as the NHS website (or in the Republic of Ireland, the Health Service Executive). This covers dealing with Coronavirus, looking after your own health as well as the health of your own staff and your customers.
The Health and Safety Executive have also issued advice for the workplace which can be viewed online:
GB
Northern Ireland
Republic of Ireland
OFTEC services
Whilst there is a great degree of uncertainty over the next few weeks and months, we are confident that we will still be able to provide our registrants with a registration and technical service to support you throughout this difficult time. If we are unfortunate in experiencing some staff absence we consider our operations are adequately robust and resourced in all areas to continue with business as usual.
If our head offices are forced to close temporarily most of our services like renewing registration fees, notifying new installations and retrieving historical installation certificates can still be done online via your own registration account. OFTEC is introducing a business continuity plan with key personnel working from remote locations enabling us to continue to communicate and provide support to you and the general heating industry.
Another area we are reviewing is how we conduct inspections so that businesses can continue with their registration. Whilst inspections are necessary for the integrity of the scheme, we will adopt a more sensible approach in carrying out surveillance as we appreciate access to your customers homes to inspect work will not always be possible.
OFTEC Direct will be continuing with daily despatches, orders can continue to be placed online or by telephone.
Training courses
We have been communicating with the several Certification Bodies who certify technicians for oil and gas industry (ACS) competencies. Under each of these schemes your certificate has a five-year life whereby a re-certification assessment must be taken to re-affirm an individual’s competence. The majority of the centres approved to conduct oil and gas assessments are private businesses and currently remain open for business subject to the usual NHS advice that the whole nation needs to observe to restrict the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
As of 18th March 2020, Certification Bodies are not directing any of their approved centres to close because of Coronavirus. If one centre does close, it will be an individual decision based on individual circumstances. If you have paid for a course that does get cancelled please seek a refund and/or a re-arranged date. To find an alternative course, use the 'find a training centre' search facility on our sister website.
In the unlikely and unprecidented event of centres being forced to close for a long period of time under Government legislation, then the OFTEC Scheme Committee have agreed to work with the awarding Certification Bodies and the Gas Safe Register to ensure a joined up approach in dealing with future competency and registration matters.
Keeping you updated
We will keep you regularly informed and notify you of any changes in the service we offer via email, our website and social media - make sure you follow on Twitter for the latest updates.
Government Action
We have seen online that Tracy Brabin MP is collating a dossier of the impact of the Coronavirus on the self employed and small businesses. If you have lost income as a direct result of either self isolating or having customers cancel work please email her your story. The more information the Government has about the financial costs, the better they will be able to shape policy to support small businesses.
For any updates please see the OFTEC website on the following link:
Advice and guidance on steps OFTEC are taking to ensure continuity of service.
