Gas Safe Register replaces CORGI
From 1 April 2009, Gas Safe Register replaces the CORGI gas registration scheme in Great Britain.
New research from Gas Safe Register reveals that when it comes to gas safety, Brits are far too trusting. Alarmingly, over half of Great Britain’s population said they took it on trust that their gas engineer was properly registered and never checked that they were. A trust which if broken can make the difference between life and death.
With 14 people dying from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning last year due to badly installed, repaired and maintained gas appliances, keeping the public safe is Gas Safe Register’s top priority. The ‘make Britain gas safe’ message is simple. Be safe, use a registered engineer and always check the card.
Gas Safe Register will offer the public an improved service making it easier to find and check an engineer. To find a Gas Safe registered business and to check each individual engineer to see what work they are qualified to do visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call the dedicated helpline on 0800 408 5500.
Every Gas Safe registered engineer has a photo ID card with a unique licence number, and details of the work they are qualified to do. To check this information simply enter the engineer’s licence number on the website or call the helpline.
The new register will aim to reduce the number of gas-related deaths and injuries every year caused by incorrectly installed, badly repaired and poorly maintained gas appliances by raising awareness that appliances should be inspected regularly by a qualified engineer. Shockingly almost a fifth of households (19.05%) with a gas boiler had not had it serviced for at least three years. Gas Safe Register recommends that all gas appliances are safety checked and serviced at least once a year.
From 1 April, all work on gas installations or appliances must only be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Gas Safe Register’s top tips to keep you and your family gas safe
1. Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for any gas work in your home – and check their ID card.
2. Make sure your gas appliances are safety checked and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines, or at least once a year.
3. If you live in rented accommodation, your landlord must arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out a safety check every year on all gas appliances. You should be given a copy of the safety certificate before you move in or within 28 days of the safety check. If you don’t have this certificate, ask your landlord.
4. Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm, which will alert you if dangerous levels are present in your home.
5. If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak: turn off the gas at the meter, extinguish naked flames, open windows and leave the area. Seek medical advice if you feel unwell. Call the Gas Emergency Freephone number 0800 111 999.
Find and check a Gas Safe registered engineer by calling 0800 408 5500 or visit their webpage on the link below.