Beware of rogue traders

ROGUE traders may try to take advantage of confusion arising from changes affecting work carried out under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Act.
The Health and Safety Executive has appointed a new company, Capita, to ensure gas engineers are competent to carry out the work, replacing Corgi, who have operated the scheme for some years.
Capita will use the brand “Gas Safe Register” to identify those engineers who are working within the Act.
Steve McAsey of SMC Heating and Plumbing, of High Legh commented: “Clearly, there is going to be a period of adjustment, where householders will need to become familiar with the change. Capita have launched a publicity campaign and many people may have already seen some material.
“But there is some concern within the industry that there may be some confusion, and that ‘rogue traders’ may take advantage of people’s ignorance. Corgi will still exist, but anyone carrying out gas work must be able to show they are on the ‘Gas Safe Register’.
“I made sure I was registered on the new ‘Gas Safe Register’ earlier in the year and will be able to prove compliance. If an engineer can’t show their ‘Gas Safe Register’ card, householders should assume they are not competent to do the work.
“Unfortunately, the credit crunch is likely to make gas safety less of an issue
for some. I hope these changes give a new focus on the safety of a utility many of us take for granted.”
Further information can be obtained from the website
www.gassaferegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500