Ideas, Please.

[securespark]

My eldest plays Lacrosse at a sports club.

In the changing rooms is a broken 1 gang PVC pattress with a light switch hanging off it.

I have suggested to the committee that it be repaired. It has been suggested I do it.

If I do it, I will not charge for the work, as the sports club is run as a charity.

I was self-employed and had PLI, but no longer. I am now PAYE and only insured while working in domestic premises for my employer.

I realise there are other solutions, but assuming I do the work, what can I do to cover myself?

Can I take out a temporary short-term PLI?

I welcome your comments, guys & gals.

 

[LoveRocket]

Don't touch it with a barge pole.

This is the result of overbearing regulation and the UK becoming a litigation nation.

This kind of thing was the lifeblood of sports & social clubs, there were always tradesmen on hand to do this kind of work, but now no-one will touch it as they stand to lose too much.

So now, the club will either shell out a fortune to get it done 'officially' or simply leave it.

Great.

 

[skenk]

I would say just do it and be done with it. In the almost non-existent possibility that something bad were to happen in the future you could always deny it was you/your fault.

Its replacing a surface box FGS, is it REALLY that risky?

 

[Spark123]

PLI only costs about £100 a year for £2M cover. On the other hand can you change it when nobody is looking?

 

[1john]

change it, you arnt altering the wiring or adding anything new, you are making a repair, take some pictures before and after, that should cover your rear end if required.

 

[davelx]

Have you asked your employer if they would let you do it under their auspices but FOC and in your own time?

 

[Paul_C]

What a ridiculously sad state this country has reached when a trivial little job like this is even being discussed in such terms.

I'd just replace it and rest easy knowing that I've made the place safer.

 

[Johnmelad502]

Just do it and then remove any fingerprints or other incriminating evidence.

 

[TicklyT]

Now you have noted a dangerous situation, what are the possible consequences of NOT carrying out the repair, or leaving the switch in a dangerous state to be repaired by someone who, in the eyes of the law, may not be competent to do the work?

 

[bongos]

Despite what many people would have you believe nowdays, the chances of litigation are pretty much zero. Also, on top of everything else you're a professional spark who knows what he's doing.

Like others have said. I would replace it and not give it another thought.

 

[securespark]

Have you asked your employer if they would let you do it under their auspices but FOC and in your own time?

Mrs Secure said this too. I think it's worth an ask.

Then at least if I get the go-ahead I'll feel happier doing it with the backing of my boss.

If not, I'll rethink.

 

[electronicsuk]

Despite what many people would have you believe nowdays, the chances of litigation are pretty much zero. Also, on top of everything else you're a professional spark who knows what he's doing.

Like others have said. I would replace it and not give it another thought.

It does certainly seem that the notion of risk of litigation has given it more credence than it really deserves. As others have said, I'd just get on with the job and sleep sound in the knowledge that it's been left in a safer state than it was before.

Unless you actually make a mistake, I find it hard to see how legal action against you would succeed.

 

[ColJack]

they may be able to take legal action against you right now anyway..
you pointed it out so you know it's dangerous but refuse to do anything about it despite being able and qualified to do so..
if your son touches it and gets a shock who would you sue?

 

[Adam_151]

you pointed it out so you know it's dangerous but refuse to do anything about it despite being able and qualified to do so..

I can't see that, he being a skilled person has identified the risk and passed that information onto the duty holder... the question that remains tho, is is there a written record of this? I'm not sure if there is a generic danger notice he could issue, certainly NICEIC produce them for approved contractors, not sure if there is a generic 3rd party pad that wholesalers do?

 

[skenk]

There's a generic 3rd party one in my head which i haven't gotten around to making yet, but if anyone wants to send/sell me an editable Word document instead i'd be much obliged!