Introduction
Street lighting inspectors (known in some local authorities as
electrical inspectors) ensure that the lights in streets, parks and
open spaces used by the public and in residential areas, function
and are safe. They work for county, unitary and metropolitan
councils.
Work Environment
Inspectors are based in council offices where they do their paper
work and spend a good deal of time on the telephone. However,
they spend around 70% of their time outside the office. Most
of this time is spent outside (in all weathers) on site visits
checking street lighting. Some time is spent visiting local
residents. When physically checking street lights in the case
of a power cut out they wear safety clothing - goggles and rubber
gloves. Hours of work are 37, from Monday and Friday, but
with some additional work required in emergencies.
Daily Activities
Inspectors start their days in the office, where they deal with
contractors' invoices - check claims to see that they are for the
amount originally agreed and authorise them for payment; respond to
any telephone calls from contractors, electricity supply companies
or residents and issue orders for work to be done. They then
go out to make visits. Some of these will be part of a
planned programme of maintenance and inspection work. They
check lamp post columns and decide which ones are safe for a
further period and which must be replaced. Any that have
obvious cracks are given priority. When they return to their
offices later in the day - or the next morning - they write to
contractors, who will receive the work of replacing the concrete or
tubular steel columns and to electricity supply companies who will
install the electrical equipment. With the work orders they send
plans showing the exact location of the columns. They may have to
deal with two or three different electricity companies, which serve
different parts of the area - and know which one covers each
part.
They also make visits that arise from requests or emergencies.
If a local resident has complained that a street lamp is not
working or wishes to have a shade put on a lamp that is shining
directly into one of their rooms, the inspector goes to inspect the
street light - or measures the correct angle and position for a
screening shade. When contractors are employed, inspectors
make regular visits to check the work and to make sure that they
are using proper safety measures - for example clear signs and
cones or railings around the site to protect the public. If
this is not done they can impose a fine. In an emergency, as
in the case of the failure of a large number of street lamps in one
area or a fallen column, they make an urgent visit and authorise
repair work at once. The first priority is to disconnect the
power supply. Inspectors may be able to organise this through
the electricity company or might have to do it in person by
locating the switch point that feeds the lamps. When repairs
have been made, they arrange for companies to reconnect the power
as soon as possible.
Skills & Interests
Inspectors need technical knowledge (see Entry Requirements) plus
knowledge of first aid and health and safety regulations.
They need good communication skills since they have to deal with
complaints from the public and to work with electrical contractors
and their workers on site.
Entry Requirements
Street lighting inspectors must be qualified electricians.
They will have completed an apprenticeship with an electrical
contractor, electricity supply company or engineering firm and have
acquired City & Guilds certificates and possibly S/NVQs.
(Advanced Apprenticeships, leading to S/NVQ Level 3 are
available). Most Councils expect a certain number of years'
experience after completion of the apprenticeship. They provide
further training by sending inspectors on specialised courses
covering the Electricity at Work Act and on courses run by
individual electricity supply companies.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
A small council might employ two street lighting inspectors.
In a large council there might be four or five. There are
prospects of promotion to road lighting engineer.
Further Information & Services
Energy and Utility Skills www.euskills.co.uk
Energy Networks Association www.energynetworks.org
Institution of Lighting Professionals www.theilp.org.uk
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.