Gas Safe Register has developed an accurate profile of those most likely to be involved in illegal gas work.
More than half (57%) are sole traders and a third (33%) work in companies employing fewer than four people.
As well as carrying out gas work, many also undertake plumbing jobs (90%), bathroom fitting (81%), kitchen fitting (67%), general building (43%) and electrical work(43%).
Gas Safe Register believes a higher percentage of illegal gas fitters advertise their services online and in local papers as few if any checks for registration are carried out. In contrast, directories such as Yellow Pages and Thompson Local check for registration, so few illegal gas workers advertise their services as for example, ‘gas fitters.’
How to avoid unqualified gas fitters:
Always use a gas engineer who is on the Gas Safe Register to fit, fix and service your gas boiler, gas fire and gas cooker.
Never trust a gas fitter on first impressions or recommendations alone, no matter how helpful and polite they seem – always ask for the Gas Safe Register ID card. It’s the only way you can guarantee that your engineer is legally allowed to work on your gas boiler, gas fire and gas cooker.
Check on the back of the Gas Safe Register ID that the engineer is registered to carry out the work he intends to do in your home. If they’re registered to fit gas boilers, it doesn’t mean they are automatically qualified to put in a gas fire.
Check a gas engineer is registered by visiting www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call the free helpline 0800 408 5500
After the gas work is done, nominate your home for a free gas safety check.
If you suspect an illegal gas fitter report them to Gas Safe Register anonymously.
