FAQ's
Electrotechnical Certification Scheme Health and Safety Assessment
Who needs to pass the Assessment?
Successful completion of the Assessment became mandatory for anyone applying either for an initial card, renewal or re-grade on the 1st February 2003.
The Assessment will apply to all card applications at all levels, whether they are skilled cards, management cards or visitors cards.
What would happen if a Company or an individual refused to take the ECS Health and Safety Assessment and was about to renew or re-grade their card
The ECS Assessment applies to all card applications at all levels. Individuals cannot receive a card unless they have successfully completed the ECS Health and Safety Assessment or has one of approved equivalents.
What is the format of the Assessment?
It is a simple multiple choice paper based Assessment. An Invigilator appointed by the Company facilitates all assessments. The Invigilator is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the Assessments.
Each Assessment is unique to the individual.
What does the ECS Health and Safety Assessment involve?
During the ECS Health and Safety Assessment individuals will be asked to answer a total of 40 questions. These questions concentrate on the following areas:-
- Electrotechnical
- Fire and Emergency
- General Health and Safety at Work
- Health and Hygiene
- Manual Handling Operations
- PPE
- Reporting Accidents
- Special Site Hazards
- Work at Height
- Work Equipment
How long do the ECS Health and Safety Assessments take?
The ECS Health and Safety Assessment takes 30minutes.
What is the pass mark?
The pass mark is 85%.
How long will it take to get the result?
All ECS Health and Safety Assessments will be marked and companies notified of the outcome within 2-3 weeks.
What preparation is available?
Details of all the questions can be accessed from this website and anyone about to complete the ECS Health and Safety Assessment should familiarise themselves with the questions and answers or you can write to the SJIB requesting an ECS Health and Safety Question and Answer booklet enclosing a cheque made out to the SJIB.
How long is the ECS Health and Safety valid for?
The ECS Health and Safety Assessment is valid for 3 years, i.e. the lifetime of the card. A current assessment must have at least six months left on the certificate in order for an individual to obtain a card.
Where can the ECS Health and Safety Assessment be taken?
- The majority of the ECS Health and Safety Assessments will be organised by individual companies.
- The SJIB facilitate and invigilate the ECS Health and Safety Assessment.
- Unite the Union facilitate and invigilate the ECS Health and Safety Assessment on request to union members only.
Are the ECS Health and Safety Assessment applicable to Labourers?
Yes, Labourers who want to obtain a card for the first time or renew their existing card must successfully complete the assessment.
Are the ECS Health and Safety Assessment applicable to Apprentices?
Apprentices are exempt from completing the ECS Health and Safety Assessment as they cover all aspects of Health and Safety in detail throughout the apprenticeship.
Newly qualified Electricians are exempt from having to complete the ECS Health and Safety Assessment for 5 years. Anyone who has completed the Crediting Electrotechnical Competence Scheme (CEC) is exempt from completing the ECS Health and Safety Assessment for 3 years.
What are the exemptions from the ECS Health and Safety Assessment?
Applicants who are able to show they have certain valid and current certificates are exempt from taking the ECS Health and Safety Assessment.
Assessments and Qualifucations which allow a five-year exemption:-
- Apprentices, Adult Trainees and Crediting Electroechnical Competence (CEC) Scheme candidates who have been awarded an SQA/SJIB Level 3 in Electrotechnical Services (ElectricalInstallation-Building and Structures) and SQA/SJIB SVQ Level 3 in Electrical Installation (awarded in Scotland)
- Apprentices and Adult Trainees who have been awarded an NVQ Level 3 Diploma in Installing Electrotechnical Systems and Equipment (Buildings, Structures & Environment) (awarded in England)
- British Safety Council Level 3 Certificate in Occupational Safety & Health
- British Safety Council International Certificate in Occupational Safety & Health
- British Safety Council Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health
- CITB Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS)
- City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate and Level 5 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety
- EEF Woodland Grange in collaboration with Oxford Brooks University. MSc/PgDip/PgCert in Health, Safety and Environmental Management
- EEF Woodland Post Graduate Diploma in Health & Safety Management (accepted until 2017)
- Glasgow Caledonian Diploma in HS Management (Scotland only)
- MSc in Health, Safety & Environmental Management
- NEBOSH Level 3 International Certificate in Occupational Safety & Health
- NEBOSH Level 3 Certificate in Construction Safety & Health
- NEBOSH Level 3 National Certificate in Occupational Safety & Health
- NEBOSH International Certificate in Construction
- NEBOSH Internation Diploma in Safety & Health
- NEBOSH Diploma in Occupational Safety & Health, Units A,B,C & D
- Post Graduate Certificate in Health, Safety & Environmental Management
- TUC Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety
Assessments and Qualifications which allow a three-year exemption:-
- CCNSG Safety Passport - National Course
- CCNSG Safety Passport - Renewal Course
- CCNSG Safety Passport - Supervising Safety Course
- ECITB International Health and Safety Passport
Assessments and Qualifications which allow a two year exemption:-
- CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
- ECA Health and Safety for Site Managers
- ECA Health and Safety for Contract Managers
- ECA Health and Safety for Owners and Managers
- Post Graduate Diploma in Health & Safety
- Safety Pass Alliance (SPA) Passport - Core
- Safety Pass Alliance (SPA) Passport - Sector Course (Building Maintenance, Construction, Renewable Energy and Supervision)
Any IOSH accredited course listed below from an IOSH or approved accredited provider. (Note: Providers must obtain written accreditation from the JIB or the SJIB before the course) will be deemed suitable for SJIB purposes.
- IOSH Working Safely Together
- IOSH Working Safely
- IOSH Managing Safely
- IOSH Managing Safely in Construction
- IOSH Safety Passport
- IOSH Supervising Safely
This list will be reviewed and updated regularly.
Queries over other nationally recognised qualifications should be addressed to the JIB or the SJIB (as appropriate).
How much does the ECS Health and Safety Assessment cost?
- SJIB Member Companies, SELECT Member Companies and Members of Unite the Union - £25.00 per Assessment.
- Non-Member Companies and Self Employed Operatives - £40.00 per Assessment.
Who pays for the ECS Health and Safety Assessment?
The Employer will arrange payment for the ECS Health and Safety Assessment. In the event an individual fails the Employer will arrange and pay for the re-sit. If an individual were to fail the re-sit they will be responsible for the payment of the next re-sit not the Employer.
What happens if an individual fails the ECS Health and Safety Assessment?
Any individual who fails the ECS Health and Safety Assessment can re-sit the Assessment again at any time; there is no time limit.
What training is available?
Select run a half day course which is optional. The course is intended for Employers and individuals to refresh and update their Health and Safety knowledge before undertaking the Assessment.