EEESafe Advises all Welsh Local Authorities about Procurement of Refurbished White Goods

Last week as part of a new ongoing campaign, EEESafe wrote to the Leaders of all Local Authorities in Wales.

It advised them to check their procurement of Refurbished White Goods and to ensure that they knew they came from a Regulated Supply Chain.   Currently there is no Regulation in the Supply Chain other than EEESafe who run a Competent Persons Scheme which we believe would help departments in the Local Authority. But they would also give Consumers a Trusted Standard where there is none.  The Departments would include, but not exclusively:

• Homeless Departments
• Domestic Abuse Support Groups
• Family Support Groups
• Rehabilitation organisations
• Youth Help programmes
• Housing Officers and Associations
• Landlords
• Asylum Seekers

They were informed that legally, anyone can repair a kitchen appliance and for those who do, there is no requirement in law for an independent assessment proving they are competent at the task.

This is essentially what you get with GAS Safe, and they were also informed that we were introducing EEESafe to reduce the amount of rogue repairers and allow those competent to prove to EEESafe that they understand electrical principals, safety standards in Appliance repairs and work to a recognised standard.

They were reminded that it was important to note that a PAT Test and/or a Function Test does not mean an Appliance is safe to use.  In addition using a Qualified Electrician or qualified PAT tester, does not mean they are Proven Competent in Appliance Repairs and testing procedures.

It was alluded through the communication that the Councils should be aware it is important for them to consider their accountability and responsibility should there be any accidents involving faulty Refurbished Appliances.   EEESafe suggested they check their procurement processes and ensure best practice when putting the appliances into any of their projects.

The councils were also informed of other opportunities in how they may increase Local Regeneration, lower costs and increase Waste prevention in their locality by working with EEESafe, it’s EEESafe Centres and Repairers through encouraging local suppliers of product and services related to Appliance Repairs.

Further work is now proceeding to work with Trading Standards and raise awareness of a model that assists the local community through safe practices and supply of Refurbished Appliances.