Investigations

Complaints & incidents

The Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) is appointed by the Department of Labour (DOL) in terms of legislation to assist with the investigation of complaints and incidents and provide technical reports relating to these events. In addition the findings of such investigations will be used in assisting the legal system in prosecuting offenders who violate electrical regulations.

These findings may also be provided as expert opinion with regards civil action when damages are incurred.

The AIA will only react on behalf of the public upon receipt of a written complaint; and such complaint being forwarded to the Department of Labour for capture on their national complaints data base. An inspector for electrical installations will be appointed and will conduct the required investigation pursuant to the letter of complaint. A report will be issued to the User/Lessor (as the case may be) of the installation and will usually be accompanied by a notice indicating action which is required of the User/Lessor. Should the complaint involve the activities of an electrician who has performed electrical installation work at a premises or a Registered Person who has signed a Certificate of Compliance for a particular electrical installation, a copy of the report will be sent to the relevant Person with instructions to assess he electrical installation in terms of the requirements of the relative legislation and attend to any remedial work which may be required.

In order to finalize the complaint, re-inspections will be conducted where necessary to determine compliance after remedial work has been attended to.

Incidents involving electrocution or injury will usually be further investigated by the Department of Labour after a report has been sent to them by the AIA and prosecution (where necessary) will be dealt with by the Department of Labour and the Specialist Public Prosecutor.

OUR VISION
To create an environment that strives to encourage electrical safety through public awareness and support.

WHY DO WE HAVE APPROVED INSPECTION AUTHORITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA?
To ensure the safety and protection of persons and property by providing competent inspectors to inspect and investigate public complaints regarding Electrical Certificates of Compliance and Safety Standards

WHAT IS AN APPROVED INSPECTION AUTHORITY?
An Approved Inspection Authority is an organisation accredited by the Department of Labour to perform functions on and behalf of the Department of Labour with regard to the technical policing of relevant safety standards in the electrical industry.