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Identifying illegal gas workers
Catching a criminal – can you identify an illegal gas worker?
Home is an important place, and not somewhere you would knowingly invite a criminal. But when your boiler gives up or your gas hob falters, would you know if the engineer you’d called was legal?
You wouldn’t be alone if your answer is no. In fact, two thirds of UK adults don’t know to check that their gas engineer is registered, according to the latest research by Gas Safe Register – the official registration body for gas engineers.
Within the last five years, two thirds (66%) of gas work carried out by illegal gas fitters across the UK was deemed unsafe, a figure that has increased to almost seven in every ten (69%) appliances investigated since April 2017.
You can also check via the register online and search using location, business name, business registration number, or type of gas appliance.
You should look out for warning signs that a gas appliance isn’t working properly, including lazy yellow flames, excessive condensation and black marks/stains. Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
If you are concerned that a meter may have been illegally interfered with, you can visit stayenergysafe to learn more about the warning signs of a tampered meter.
You can also anonymously report concerns of energy theft online at stayenergysafe.co.uk or you can call 0800 023 2777.
You wouldn’t be alone if your answer is no. In fact, two thirds of UK adults don’t know to check that their gas engineer is registered, according to the latest research by Gas Safe Register – the official registration body for gas engineers.
Within the last five years, two thirds (66%) of gas work carried out by illegal gas fitters across the UK was deemed unsafe, a figure that has increased to almost seven in every ten (69%) appliances investigated since April 2017.
How can you ensure your engineer is registered?
To avoid falling victim to an illegal gas worker, make sure you ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe Register ID card, both front and back. The front will confirm their registration and identity, the back will confirm they can do the gas work you’ve employed them to do.You can also check via the register online and search using location, business name, business registration number, or type of gas appliance.
What are the dangers of using a non-registered engineer?
The consequences of using an unregistered engineer can be deadly. Unsafe gas appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions. Unregistered gas installers put the lives of the public at risk, meaning any work on gas equipment should be done by a registered individual or business.How else can I stay safe?
One in six (17%) adults take no steps at all to ensure their homes have safe gas appliances. As well as getting your appliances checked annually by a Gas Safe Registered engineer, you should buy an audible carbon monoxide alarm and install it near your gas appliances. Alarms are a strong second line of defence against poisonous carbon monoxide, which you can’t see, taste or smell.You should look out for warning signs that a gas appliance isn’t working properly, including lazy yellow flames, excessive condensation and black marks/stains. Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headaches, dizziness, nausea, breathlessness, collapse and loss of consciousness.
If you are concerned that a meter may have been illegally interfered with, you can visit stayenergysafe to learn more about the warning signs of a tampered meter.
You can also anonymously report concerns of energy theft online at stayenergysafe.co.uk or you can call 0800 023 2777.
How can I report an unregistered engineer?
Carrying out gas work without the correct accreditation is illegal. If you have any information on businesses or individuals, you can report them via the Gas Safe Register.