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| First ACS centre opens in the Isle of Man |
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| Date:
10/03/04 |
Author:
Lucie Dudley |
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The Minister for the Department of Trade & Industry Mr Alec Downie MHK, joined key figures from the Isle of Man gas industry earlier this month,to open the islands’ first ACS assessment centre for CORGI registered installers.
The minister was joined at the official opening ceremony in Douglas by Isle of Man CORGI inspector Rob Greaves, and Senior Health and Safety Inspector for Gas from the Health and Safety at Work Inspectorate (HSWI) Brian Arnold.
Until recently, installers working on gas on the island and wishing to register with CORGI required ACoP training and assessment in elements 1-5 and 15, and 16 if commercial work was carried out. Appliance elements were not mandatory although some operatives undertook the training locally on a voluntary basis.
Under the new ACS scheme all operatives will have to undertake ACS core assessments by 2009 and all relevant appliance ACS elements by 2007. Although existing ACoP certification will be valid until their expiry, five years from the original date of issue.
CORGI’s Rob Greaves, said: “Discussions over the last two years between CORGI, the HSWI and the DTI has brought about the implementation of the new ACS assessment scheme to replace the outdated ACoP scheme and bring the island in line with the UK.
“The new assessment centre has been planned and built inside an existing modern industrial unit and will be dedicated to maintaining the high standards, which already exist among CORGI registered gas installers on the Isle of Man.”
The new centre will offer the majority of available assessments that are available in the UK including Domestic Natural gas, LPG and the associated domestic appliances. Additional Commercial assessments will also be offered and include pipe-work, boilers and catering, and it is envisaged that assessments for installers wishing to work on boats and caravans will also be available.
Geoff Chatwood, DTI’s Training Services Manager, said: “The opening of the new ACS centre will enable local gas installers to obtain their accreditation on the island, ensuring a high standard of competency for the industry’s workforce without incurring unnecessary travelling.”
The ACS assessment Centre is located at Unit 3, Carrs Lane Industrial Estate, Tromode, Douglas, Isle of Man. Gas installers requiring further information should contact DTI Training Services on
Tel : 01624 687156. If required, training is available for installers at the Isle of Man College of Further Education.
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