08/11/2023
Why should I hire an OFTEC Technician?
Having a trustworthy technician to install, inspect, or remove your oil tank is crucial for ensuring its proper installation and longevity. The majority of companies adhere to the ‘competent persons’ regulations, which require that only professionals handle all aspects of oil tank work.
OFTEC is among the most dependable organisations that offer training and qualifications to oil tank technicians. There are numerous advantages to hiring skilled technicians instead of attempting to install a tank on your own. Keep reading to learn why it’s important to hire an OFTEC-certified technician.
What is OFTEC?
OFTEC is a trade association that represents manufacturers of liquid fuel heating equipment and training providers.
In 2002, the British government introduced the competent person scheme for various building trades, including heating. This means that your oil tank must be installed, inspected, and regulated by a certified technician to ensure a safe installation and the longevity of your tank.
Since the regulation changed, OFTEC started offering a competent persons scheme for businesses and technicians approved to install and maintain oil heating equipment. All technicians at Oil Tank Change are OFTEC Certified.
What is an OFTEC Technician
OFTEC’s Technician Scheme was the first recognised scheme in the industry. By collaborating with heating equipment manufacturers, training providers, UKAS, LABC, and other industry professionals, they have maintained their position as one of the top industry leaders.
Over 10,000 technicians have registered with OFTEC’s UKAS-accredited registration schemes, indicating their commitment to providing work that meets local building regulations and adheres to industry best practices.
OFTEC offer training and assessment at over 95 centres around the UK and Ireland, making the certification accessible to a wide range of businesses and individuals. To complete certifications with OFTEC, an individual must already hold a ‘nationally recognised qualification in a trade associated with oil work’. Training and assessment is offered for:
- Liquid Fuel Heating Technicians
- Solid Fuel Heating Technicians
- Heat Pump Technicians
Courses typically include knowledge of regional requirements, installation, servicing and OFTEC regulations for each of the above, as well as health and safety and fire regulations, going above and beyond to ensure your peace of mind.
Benefits of using an OFTEC Technician
Opting for oil tank services with an OFTEC-certified technician can offer a range of benefits.
- Regular Assessments: OFTEC Technicians have their work checked regularly to ensure they are obliging regulations and that their installations, inspections, removals and repairs are up to the highest standard possible.
- Building and Safety Standards: All OFTEC Technicians must ensure that their work adheres to domestic oil tank regulations, such as local building regulations and safety standards.
- Essential re-certification: All qualifications expire after 5 years. To re-qualify and continue practising as a technician, individuals must go through re-assessment. This ensures knowledge is up-to-date and technicians follow the most current health and safety guidelines.
- Insurance and documentation: Using certified OFTEC technicians leaves you with a paper trail, so if you have any problems with your oil tank, you can get in touch and find a resolution. Equally, if there is a serious incident, such as a spillage, evidence of proper installation and inspection can aid your insurance claim.
- Peace of mind: Using a certified OFTEC Technician can give you peace of mind. With highly trained staff, you do not have to worry about the level of quality or customer service that you will receive.
Overall, we highly recommend using a technician you can trust to avoid any costly or damaging accidents and to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your oil tank.
Next Steps
Enquire today about hiring one of our OFTEC-certified technicians to complete an oil tank service at your property. Or, check to see if there are OFTEC-certified technicians near you.
