For those working directly with gas the switch from Corgi has also been straightforward and almost universal. The Register now holds registrations for over 60,000 businesses and will continue to grow in 2010 when businesses from Guernsey and Northern Ireland also come aboard.

Those working with gas may be familiar with the rules and their responsibilities but what about those in the broader construction trades who may be working alongside them?

Under Regulation 8 of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998, those working in trades other than gas also have a legal duty not to compromise the safety of gas installations in the course of their work.

Jamie Cooper, Technical Support Manager for Gas Safe Register said:

"We all recognise that health and safety should always come first as part of any building project. But where gas installations are concerned, like gas engineers, all trades have a legal duty to make sure that the work carried out doesn’t make an installation unsafe."

"For example, roofers must check that they are not adversely affecting a flue system; kitchen fitters must take care not to build a cupboard too close to a cooker; and double glazing fitters must not block essential ventilation when putting up new windows. It is also essential that any gas work undertaken on a building project is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Remember it is not permissible to have gas work undertaken by someone else signed-off by a registered engineer."

"An awareness of the risks is a key first step. In some cases other trades may not even have considered that their work could impact upon the safe operation of gas appliances."

Unfortunately there is no ‘one size fits all’ guidance with regards to ultimate legal responsibility:

"The Health & Safety at Work Act is the ‘umbrella’ legislation in this context and any work carried out must meet its requirements. In cases where responsibility is disputed it can ultimately come down to a court to decide."

If you are carrying out any work which you think may fall within the scope of ‘gas work’, including flues, ventilation or suitable clearances around gas appliances you can obtain gas safety advice from the Gas Safe Register technical team on 0800 408 5500 and press Option 2.

The research further identifies that a quarter of a million gas jobs are carried out each year by at least 7,500 hard core illegal gas fitters. They are potentially the most dangerous type of illegal gas workers in the country. As well as carrying out gas work, many may also undertake plumbing jobs, bathroom fitting, kitchen fitting, general building and electrical work.

Commenting on the research, Phill Brewster, Gas Safe Register’s national investigations manager said:

"For a consumer there’s an awful lot to think about when they’re doing any improvements to their home, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms. So, it’s not surprising that for some, it can slip their mind that certain jobs have to be done by skilled tradesmen."

Gas Safe Register’s investigation team are searching out illegal gas fitters around the country who are not registered. They also investigate registered engineers that carry out work they are not qualified to do, as Phill Brewster explains:

"We want consumers to understand that different types of gas work require different qualifications. Just because someone is qualified and registered to work on one gas appliance, for example gas boilers, does not mean that they are automatically qualified to put in a gas fire. If they do this, the work is illegal and potentially life threatening. The work that engineers can legally do is listed on the back of their Gas Safe Register ID card – so before a consumer has any gas work done in their home we want them to make sure they check the card."

Anyone encountering illegal gas work can report it anonymously to Gas Safe Register via the website: www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Source: Article provided by Gas Safe Register

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