The new gas safety rules
Did you know that the laws surrounding gas safety have changed? In the UK, when you’re looking for a gas engineer to help you out, it’s no longer Corgi that is the seal of approval, but Gas Safe. If your engineer isn’t on the Gas Safe register, then don’t hire them, it’s as simple as that. Here we take a look at the new Gas Safe initiative and find out what difference it will make to everyday consumers.
If you’re looking to have any kind of gas work done to your home or workplace, no matter how big or small the job, you will now need to find a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry this work out. Check the government’s official Gas Safe website for a database of registered plumbers engineers and workmen who can help you out safely and legally.
Whether you are living in privately rented, local government or housing association accommodation, in a bedsit, bungalow or even in holiday accommodation, your landlord has the legal obligation to ensure that you are safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and explosion that gas can present. Gas appliances should be serviced annually by a properly qualified Gas Safe registered engineer and you should be given evidence of these checks.
Once you have hired an engineer, there are two ways to find out if they are officially Gas Safe registered. One is to check the Gas Safe website for their details, and the other is to check their Gas Safe Register ID Card, which they are required to carry at all times. Both the website ad card will let you know if the person is registered, and if so what work exactly they are qualified to carry out.
The types of gas work that are covered include: installing or repairing a gas fire, gas cooker or hob, any work on a heat producing appliance, for example radiators or your hot water system, if it is connected to either a Natural Gas or LPG (liquid petroleum gas) supply, installing, repairing or servicing a gas boiler. Some engineers may not be qualified to do all types of gas work so check their credentials carefully before allowing them to start work.
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