HETAS is calling on all registered installers who completed a HETAS H003 Dry Appliance course prior to June 2014 to brush up on their skills with a refresher course.
Since June 2014, it is a mandatory requirement from MHCLG (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government – formerly DCLG) for all registered operatives on combustion appliance competent person schemes to have successfully completed a relevant training course within the past five years.
HETAS offers a range of comprehensive courses specifically 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 needs to 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. The course is a pre-requisite for installers keen to be a registered member of HETAS’ Competent Persons scheme.
Bruce Allen, CEO of HETAS, says: “With refresher courses being a Government requirement and part of ensuring ongoing 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.”
Prior to the exam, candidates on the refresher course could be eligible to receive relevant course documentation by registered post, before 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.
Allen comments: “It is essential installers demonstrate how to choose and use an appliance effectively and this is another area where HETAS can help. All our installers receive regular Technical Bulletins and monthly newsletters providing information on some of the changes since initial training, which will assist in successful completion of refresher training.”
If you are aware that your refresher training is due soon, contact your nearest HETAS Approved Training Centre, available in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. To find a full list of HETAS Approved Training Centres, visit www.hetas.co.uk/professionals/training-centres
