Introduction to the Gas Safe Register
If you’re anything like the average UK homeowner you’ve probably never paid much attention to what the Gas Safe register means to you. I mean, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the black and yellow stickers knocking around but you’ve never really paid them any notice.
And if that’s the case, don’t worry. Like I said, that’s perfectly normal. We only ever look into something when it becomes relevant to us. And if you’re on this page, there’s a good chance it just became relevant to you. So let’s dive right in and share everything you need to know as a home-owner about the Gas Safe register.
What is the Gas Safe Register?
The Gas Safe Register is the only official gas registration body of gas engineers in the United Kingdom. And if someone wants to undertake gas work for a homeowner they must be Gas Safe registered.
It is essentially a list of people and businesses who have been confirmed as qualified to competently undertake gas work.
It might help to think of the Gas Safe register like a driving licence. It ensures that whoever is on the register is competent to handle this dangerous substance. Much like a driving licence ensures that drivers know how to drive.
Why must an Engineer hold Gas Safe registration to undertake gas work?
Basically, for safety - to prove their competence.
As we know, gas can be explosive and toxic. So having a Gas Safe register ensures that whoever is undertaking gas work is qualified to do so. Which means they are safe - and so are you, your family, and the wider public.
How does an Engineer get on the Gas Safe Register?
Great question. And perhaps one of the most important questions.
It’s actually quite a long and thorough process for an engineer to become fully recognised as Gas Safe.
Firstly, they have to prove to a recognised awarding body that they have the appropriate level of knowledge, understanding and practical skills to work safely with gas.
Once that’s done they have to pass probation with the Gas Safe Register. And that means providing examples of work completed.
Once all that has been done, the qualified engineer will get a Gas Safe ID card they can produce to prove their qualifications. And you should really ask to see it whenever you’re having any gas work done.
This ID card can then be checked on the online register to ensure it’s valid and legitimate.
Does Gas Safe Registration mean an Engineer can do all gas work?
No. And this is often misunderstood.
A lot of people think that the Gas Safe Registration means the engineer can do every type of gas work, but that isn't the case.
Much like a driving licence only allows you to drive certain vehicles, and this is noted on the back of the ID card, this is the same for Gas Safe registration. Their qualifications are divided into domestic and non-domestic categories and list the types of work they are qualified to undertake along with the expiry date.
How long does Gas Safe Registration last?
Each registration lasts for 12 months before it must be renewed again. And for engineers to remain on the Gas Safe register they have to resit their qualifications every 5 years to ensure they know what they're doing.
How does the Gas Safe Register protect me and my family?
They make sure that all gas work is safe.
If you have a contractor who is not Gas Safe registered you have no assurances that they are qualified to undertake the work. Which means that if they’re installing a boiler or a fire or anything needing a gas supply, the work they produce may not be to an acceptable standard. And there’s the potential for a gas leak - which is potentially lethal - for you and your neighbours.
Whereas if your contractor is Gas Safe registered you know they have been deemed competent by a regulated body to undertake work in your home. And there’s much less chance of an accident taking place.
Are the Better Home Company Gas Safe Registered?
You bet your bottom dollar we are!
All our engineers are fully trained and qualified to make sure that any work they carry out for you and your family is fully safe. In fact, we’re proud to say that we’ve never had a complaint lodged with the Gas Safe Register over any work we’ve carried out. So make sure to check our reviews if you want to see other people’s opinions on work we’ve carried out.
For us to be Gas Safe registered, we have to renew our registration annually - just like the engineers. And then we list our engineers who are gas safe registered.
You can check out our Gas Safe page here.
How do I check the Gas Safe Register?
That’s actually relatively simple. Just click here and you’ll be taken directly to the Gas Safe Register. There you can check the identification number of either the gas engineer or the company they work for. You can also search for businesses which are gas safe registered if you haven’t found an engineer yet.
Feeling reassured?
Well, we certainly hope you’re feeling more reassured about the Gas Safe register and what it means for you as a homeowner.
And if you’re interested in getting any gas work done and you want it completed to the highest possible standard then give us a call today for a no obligation free quote. We offer extremely competitive prices as well as courteous and professional workers who'll do a great job to your full satisfaction and clean up after themselves too.
So make sure to give us a call today.
Categories: Plumbing
