Gas Update - CORGI is being Replaced
Did you know that from 1st April 2009, the Gas Safe Register will replace CORGI gas registration in the UK?
For many years, CORGI was the official authority for registered gas installers and was recognised as the sign of quality and safety. However the contract to run the gas installer registration scheme has now come to an end and the contract to administer its replacement has been awarded to Capita.
The Health and Safety Executive, which is responsible for regulating gas safety in the UK, will oversee the new Gas Safe Register which will be run by Capita. The register will provide enhanced levels of service and clearly written rules of registration. There will also be new services and benefits designed to improve the existing registration scheme and to promote gas safety.
So what are the implications for boat owners and operators?
Is the Gas Safety Certificate issued by my previous CORGI-registered gas installer now invalid?
No. Any certificate issued by a CORGI-registered installer will continue to be valid until its normal expiry date.
Will all CORGI-registered gas installers have to re-train?
No. Previous CORGI-registered gas installers simply have to register with the new Gas Safe Register and agree to the rules of membership before the 31st March 2009, if they wish to continue trading from the changeover date of 1st April 2009.
How do I check my engineer is Gas Safe-registered?
Always ask to see the registration card. All Gas Safe-registered engineers will have an ID card with their license number and a photograph. The license number will be easily verified on the Gas Safe website or by phone from the 1st April 2009.
If you think your engineer is not registered, just call 0800 408 5500 to check.
How do I find out more information about the Gas Safe Register?
Visit the Gas Safe Register - www.gassaferegister.co.uk
Combating illegal installers
The main aim of the Gas Safe Register is to help make gas safe in the UK. The new scheme will work to improve consumer awareness of gas safety issues and target unregistered installers.
Incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained gas appliances are a major cause of carbon monoxide poisoning. They can also lead to gas leaks and explosions. On average over 25 people a year die from CO poisoning, and many more suffer health problems from CO exposure directly related to gas. Around 40 people a year are killed or injured in gas explosions. (Source: HSE)
According to Ann Robinson, Gas Safe Register's director of public awareness, "Gas safety is a life or death matter that affects the entire nation. As the new hallmark for gas safety in the UK from 1st April, the Gas Safe Register will raise public awareness of the dangers of using unregistered installers and explain how easy it is to avoid them by always using a registered engineer."
"We will be encouraging consumers to make sure their work is carried out competently and safely by always asking to see a Gas Safe-registered engineer's ID card. If they are at all suspicious that a trader offering gas services is unregistered, they can prevent lives from being endangered by reporting the individual to the Gas Safe Register and we will work with the Health and Safety Executive and trading standards to investigate and take action against those trading illegally."