What Is OFTEC? Oil Firing Technical Association
OFTEC stands for the Oil Firing Technical Association. It is a 'competent persons scheme' which recognises installers who are approved to install oil, solid fuel and renewable heating equipment and to main oil and solid fuel systems.
If you need a new oil boiler or your oil boiler needs fixing or servicing, send us an enquiry today and we'll find you free no-obligation quotes from up to 3 OFTEC registered engineers in your area.
What is an OFTEC registered installer?
Before an installer can become OFTEC registered they have to complete an approved training course and pass an assessment. They are then reassessed regularly to ensure they continue to meet the required working standards to remain registered.
OFTEC registered installers are able to self-certify that their work meets Building Regulations and can carry out certain work without a building control notice. Any customer who uses an OFTEC registered installer will receive an official certificate to confirm that the work done meets the official industry standards for safety and quality. This means that homeowners do not need to spend time or money getting the work checked by the local authority. There are approximately 8,000 technicians who are registered with the scheme.
Why use an OFTEC registered installer?
A brief history of OFTEC
OFTEC launched in 1991 with the objective of raising standards in the UK and Republic of Ireland's heating industries. It was initially a trade association representing the interests of oil equipment manufacturers, developing course and assessment material for training providers.
In 2002, at the same time as several competent persons schemes for the building trades, it became a UKAS accredited competent person registration scheme. Competent persons schemes are intended to improve safety standards in the building industry and to make it easier for homeowners, businesses and organisations to choose qualified and reputable tradespeople.
What if your installer is not OFTEC registered?
Unlike gas boilers which legally have to be installed by a Gas Safe registered installer, OFTEC registration is not legally required in order to install an oil boiler or storage tank. However, any oil boiler installer who is not registered is required to notify their local authority's building control department before they carry out any installation work. The installation will then need to be certified by a competent person to confirm that it meets building regulations.
While an registered installer can both install and declare the work compliant with regulations, if you choose to have the work carried out by someone without OFTEC registration you will then need to find a competent person to check their work. Non-compliant work which has not been done by a registrant can be reported through OFTEC to the Local Authority Building Control.
Find a local registered boiler installer
When choosing an OFTEC installer, it's best to shop around. To get a competitive price you need to compare at least 2-3 quotes from different oil boiler installers so you can be sure you're getting the best price and a high quality service.
