When you’re dealing with a substance that is as potentially dangerous as gas can be, you want to know that everything has been done properly and to a specific set of safety standards. As a consumer, the only way you can be assured of this is by looking for gas engineers that are on the Gas Safe register. In this article, we’ll explain what it means for an engineer to be Gas Safe registered.
What is the Gas Safe register?
The Gas Safe Register is an official gas registration body in the United Kingdom, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey; the only one, in fact. It replaced CORGI in Great Britain and Isle of Man in April 2009, and in Northern Ireland and Guernsey in April 2010. Legally, all gas businesses must be Gas Safe registered.
What does the Gas Safe register do?
The Gas Safe register monitors the competence of gas business, implementing a competency test that only when passed allows an engineer to legally work on gas appliances and systems. This allows them to self-certify that the heat producing gas appliances and hot water and heating systems are compliant with Building Regulations in England and in Wales.
In addition to this, Gas Safe can apply sanctions if an engineer is found to be working unsafely, or breaching the rules of registration, and can investigate reports of illegal gas works carried out by engineers who are not Gas Safe registered.
The Gas Safe register is also where you can find an official list of all Gas Safe businesses and engineers, so that you can find a gas safe engineer near you or verify that the one you’re considering is legally able to carry out the work.
What does an engineer have to do to become Gas Safe registered?
Gas Safe sets out the industry standards, and therefore becoming Gas Safe registered involves passing a competency test, much like you do when you want to legally be allowed to drive a car.
An engineer looking to become Gas Safe registered will need to complete a Gas Managed Learning Programme, build experience of gas work alongside a Gas Safe registered engineer, and undertake an ACS Assessment for CCN1 and relevant appliances. They then need to apply to become Gas Safe registered.
Gas Safe membership needs to be renewed once a year.
Why should you only consider Gas Safe registered engineers?
Only Gas Safe engineers can legally install gas appliances and systems, so by engaging an engineer who isn’t Gas Safe registered means the installation is being done illegally by them, and you could be risking a bad and unsafe installation.
A Gas Safe engineer will have a comprehensive knowledge of the appliance, and will have had to meet a certain set of standards in order to become qualified, setting your mind at rest that the installation is being done properly.
Choose Wakefords as your Gas Safe engineers
Suffice to say that Wakefords is on the Gas Safe register, which means that you can rely on us to install and service gas fires to the highest of standards. We know that peace of mind is crucial when it comes to heating your home, which is something our engineers are only too happy to provide.