The Gas Safe Register is a list of businesses and operatives who are qualified to undertake both piped natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas work in the UK, Northern Island, the Isle of Man and Guernsey. According to the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) regulations 1998, in order for a gas engineering business to legally carry out gas work they must be on the Gas Safe Register.
History of Gas Safe
The Gas Safe Register was launched under an agreement with HSE on 1st April 2009. It came into place after a review of domestic gas safety in 2006 showed a strong case for change, despite the fact the previous scheme, CORGI Gas Registration, had significantly reduced gas related fatalities.
Purpose of the Gas Safe Register
The Gas Safe Register provides benefits for both consumers and gas engineers by raising awareness of domestic gas safety risks and highlighting the importance of hiring a competent registered gas engineer. Consumers that do not check to see if their gas engineer is Gas Safe could potentially be putting themselves and their family at risk, as the quality and safety of their work cannot be guaranteed. Engineers that carry out gas work that requires Gas Safe accreditation are breaking the law.
Identity cards
Engineers registered as Gas Safe are required to carry identity cards. If you have an engineer coming out to service or fix your boiler / central heating system, it is essential that you ask to see their Gas Safe card before inviting them into your home. On the front of the card there should be a photograph of the engineer, a registration number and an expiry date. On the back of the card you will find the different categories of work that the engineer is permitted to undertake.
Inspections
Businesses and engineers that are new to the industry or returning to the industry will be subject to a probationary period. During this time they will be required to report all gas work they carry out so a Gas Safe Register inspector can inspect it. The same goes for companies who have a history of complaints or record of unsafe gas work.
It is the job of Gas Safe Register inspectors to ensure that gas work is being undertaken competently and safely. They are also responsible for dealing with complaints and carrying out risk based inspections. Gas Safe Register inspectors work closely with a number of regulators including HSE and Local Authorities.
If you require boiler installation, repairs, servicing or maintenance to be carried out, it is essential that you hire a Gas Safe engineer. To find this out you can either ask the individual if they are Gas Safe (always ask to see their ID card) or visit the Gas Safe Register website.
