Almost 2,000 cases of illegal gas work in properties are being investigated by Gas Safe Register across the UK.
According to a new study, a third of adults do not check credentials of a professional working on their property’s gas appliances, putting their households at risk of gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, fires and explosions.
This is mainly due to lack of understanding and an assumption that all engineers are registered (40%).
Some 18% of respondents said they simply forgot to ask if the trader was Gas Safe Registered; 15% blamed being in a rush and 14% were too embarrassed to ask.
Gas Safe Register – first port of call
The research revealed that out of those who did check if their engineer was legally fitting, maintaining or servicing the property’s gas appliances, 28% looked for confirmation in the wrong places such as logos on traders’ websites and uniforms, as opposed to directly with the Gas Safe Register.
“Anyone working on gas appliances who is not on the Gas Safe Register is doing so illegally. Gas appliances can be dangerous if they’re not looked after, so it’s important to ensure they are serviced or fixed by someone who is legally registered and qualified to do so. You can look up your gas engineer’s registration number on the Gas Safe Register website, or call our helpline” – said Jonathan Samuel, CEO of Gas Safe Register.
Gas safety awareness
The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has partnered with Gas Safe Register to “help promote good practice to both landlords and tenants” when it comes to gas safety in the private rented sector.
RLA Chief Executive, Andrew Dixon, said: “No-one can cut corners when it comes to gas safety, and it is important that landlords are confident the people they are hiring to carry out essential gas safety works in their properties are competent and trustworthy.”
Find a reputable gas engineer
With a constantly growing number of new gas companies on the market, choosing the right one which is fit for purpose, might be a daunting task.
Here are some top tips to help you stay safe in your home:
- Only hire a Gas Safe Registered tradesman to carry out any gas work in your property. Gas Safe Register is the only official gas registration and licensing body in the UK.
- Vet the company or engineer thoroughly by checking how long they have been operating for, if their website appears on Google search organic listings and not paid ads and if they have a landline phone number and not mobile only.
- Check if they have suitable experience by seeking references or reviews on their services.
- Find out if the company has Public Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance.
- If they are VAT registered, ensure you check their VAT number.
- Check if they have a virtual office address or an actual physical office, so they can be traced if something was to happen.
- Don’t just go with the cheapest. Ability to communicate with the company and standard of their work might be worth spending extra pennies to ensure your peace of mind.
Report a rogue gas engineer or a gas leak
If you are in any doubt about gas work in your property being carried out illlegally, please contact Gas Safe Register and if you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number on 0800 111 999.
