Watchdog - Gas registration scheme

The director of Gas Safe Register, Jeff Learman, explains how the new service aims to improve gas safety in Great Britain.

New research from Gas Safe Register reveals that when it comes to gas safety, people in Great Britain are far too trusting of the people they employ to service their boilers, gas fires or water heaters.

Now, when people want to book a gas engineer, they can look for one in their local area, and check they're qualified to do the work required, by going onto the Gas Safe Register website or by calling the helpline on 0800 408 5500.

Every Gas Safe registered engineer has a photo ID card with a unique licence number on the front, and details of work they're qualified to do on the reverse.

Jeff Learman, the director of Gas Safe Register, told Watchdog: "If the person you booked to do work on your home does not provide this ID card when they arrive, our advice is not to let them in your home."

The Gas Safe Register is currently not operating in Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands, where the CORGI register system still remains. The Gas Safe scheme operates in England, Scotland, Wales and Isle of Man.

Safety first

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.

Gas Safe Register recommends that all gas appliances are safety checked and serviced at least once a year. Its top tips to keep you and your family gas safe are:

• Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer for any gas work in your home - and check their ID card.
• Make sure your gas appliances are safety checked and serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines, or at least once a year.
• 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.
• Install an audible carbon monoxide alarm, which will alert you if dangerous levels are present in your home.
• 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.