“Research for Gas Safe Register found that regular servicing of gas appliances is not a priority in far too many households. Almost a fifth (19.05%) of households with a gas boiler had not had it serviced for at least three years and an alarming 13% of households had never had their boiler serviced or would only do so if there was a problem. The figures for maintaining gas fires were even worse. Almost 1 in 3 (29%) never serviced their gas fire, or last had it serviced or maintained over three years ago.

The credit crunch could result in an increase in fatalities linked to unsafe gas and electrical installations, with over 4 in 10 people (41.4%) admitting they are more likely to tinker with their electrics or fit a new gas appliance in the current economic climate. Only 15% of respondents said they would always use a professional tradesman.

The research, carried out for Gas Safe Registery, highlighted a worrying discrepancy between people’s perception of danger and their willingness to risk their family’s safety. While 82% of those questioned considered it dangerous to fit a gas fire themselves, 1 in 10 were still prepared to do so.

Incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained gas appliances are a major cause of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. They can also lead to gas leaks and explosions. Tragically, on average 25 people a year die from CO poisoning, and many more suffer health problems from CO exposure directly related to gas. In addition, some 40 people a year are killed or injured in gas explosions.

Said Ann Robinson, Gas Safe Register’s director of public awareness: “If anyone thinks DIY gas work can save them money, they should think again. For the sake of a few pounds, they risk endangering the life of anyone who lives in that property – a life that is priceless.”

Paul Overton is acutely aware of this. His stepdaughter died in her sleep and CO poisoning due to a faulty gas boiler affected four other family members. He now campaigns for better understanding of the causes and effects of CO poisoning. Paul was living in a rented property at the time, and the landlord had failed to have the gas appliances checked and serviced annually.

Said Ann Robinson: “Keeping the public safe is Gas Safe Register’s top priority. If we are to reduce life-threatening accidents a properly qualified and correctly registered engineer must carry out all gas work. From April 1, if someone other than a Gas Safe registered engineer carries out gas work at your home, you could be risking the safety of your family and your property.

Added Ann Robinson: “We recommend you have a gas safety check once a year. Some vulnerable people on means tested benefits may be entitled to a free annual gas safety check and they should ask their energy supplier about this.”

By law, since 1 April, only Gas Safe registered engineers should be employed to carry out work on gas installations or appliances – CORGI gas registration are not be valid. The 120,000 engineers currently verified under the CORGI scheme have now to register with Gas Safe Register so they can continue to work legally from April.

Finding a Gas Safe registered engineer is simple. Since1 April, you will be able to find an engineer in your area online. Registered engineers are identified with the new yellow Gas Safe Register logo, and every engineer will carry a Gas Safe Register ID card with their own unique licence number. Before you have any gas work done in your home, make sure you check the card.”

Source: Gas Safe Register, February 2009

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