Sparks Electrical News November 2019

CONTRACTORS’ CORNER

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AN INTRODUCTION TO THE DOL REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

O ne of the most versatile and exciting jobs anyone can become involved in is that of an electrician. With the skills, training and ex- pertise you gain as an electrician, you can work across a multitude of industries and can even start your own business, working the times and hours you want. However, the process you need to follow to become an electrician who is legally allowed to work in South Africa is complex. You must be registered with the Department of Labour (DOL) as an electrical contrac- tor and you need to undergo rigorous testing to prove that you have the skills and attributes that the role demands. You are legally recognised as a qualified electrical contractor only once you have your Wire-

PERFECT SYNERGY BETWEEN DRONES AND ROPE ACCESS T he perfect synergy between drone technol- ogy and traditional rope access was dem- onstrated at a recent inspection project un- dertaken by Skyriders at one of the country’s oldest power stations, located in Mpumalanga. The fast- track project was undertaken in conjunction with partner company Nyeleti Consulting. The two-part project involved the inspection of two 155 m high smokestacks. The external inspection component was carried out by a two- person team deploying hi-tech drones fitted with high-definition 4K and thermal cameras. The thermal imaging was carried out very early in the morning, before the sun’s heat could have an impact on the smokestacks. This was neces- sary to identify any hotspots that could indicate areas where the internal brick lining of the con- crete wind shield had deteriorated. In the second part of the project, a two-person rope access team took core samples from the two smokestacks. This involved drilling 100 mm deep holes into the concrete, and extracting the samples to be submitted for laboratory testing for compression strength and carbonation, among others. After the core samples have been physi- cally cut out, the subsequent holes are patched with an approved patching material to ensure the integrity of the structure. Following receipt of the laboratory results, a de- tailed report is submitted to the client, highlighting any issues that may require attention. “Depending on the findings, we could very well be contracted to carry out additional maintenance or repair work in the near future,” explains Mike Zinn, Skyriders Marketing Manager. Apply for three years on your DOL, it will save you time: Registration for your DOL needs to be done every year. However, many individuals who have applied for their DOL certificates are still waiting for their paperwork more than a year later. The process is slow. To avoid frustration, it’s a good idea to invest in a DOL Registration Certificate that is valid for up to three years. You are allowed to do this and the application form clearly indicates what you need to do. Don’t get annoyed, get proactive: The length of time it takes to receive your DOL is infamously long and obviously frustrating. However, there are organisations that can help you find your feet and get the process moving. The following organisations are committed to providing you with support and insight into your DOL: 1. The Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa (ECA) The ECA helps people to prepare what they need to get their DOL and offers ongoing train- ing courses to help you expand your skills. 2. The Department of Labour (DOL) There is an array of supporting documentation on the DOL’s website designed to help you learn more about your registration and the paperwork required. However, this can be out of date with the paperwork asking for one thing, and the person behind the desk asking for another. In our next article we will go into more detail around the exact route you need to take for your DOL, start- ing with your wireman’s license. If you are stuck, take a look through this list of contacts to see if you can get hold of someone in your area: www. labour.gov.za/DOL/contacts/ 3. Forums and publications There are publications and forums that provide insight into the challenges of being an electrical contractor and getting registration right. Consider reading through ESI Africa, the ECA publication Wired, and Sparks Electrical News. Enquiries: www.citiqprepaid.co.za

man’s License and your DOL Registration Certificate.

educational requirements need to be relevant across whichever phase of testing you are applying for. In other words … Know what the phases are and how these affect your application: Electricians can register across three specific categories, each one allowing them to work on different phases of installation with regards to electricity. A single-phase electrician usually works on homes and electrical supplies of 220 volts, a three-phase electrician works with 380 volt three- phase supplies, and a master electrician specialises in hazardous locations. Each of these phases will impact on which documentation you hand to the DOL and which qualifications and testing you will undergo.

How to become a registered electrician Achieve a recognised qualification: There are nu- merous institutions that offer training courses to become an electrician but do your homework and ensure that it is SETA recognised, that your organi- sation is accredited, and that your training includes the certification required to register with the Depart- ment of Labour. You must pass a trade test, have a NQF level 3 minimum that includes a Technical Senior Certificate, and you have to pass the national exam on SANS 10142-1. According to the Department of Labour, your

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SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 2019