Health and Safety Update (April 2009)
CORGI out... Gas Safe Register in from 1st
April
The 1st of April was the deadline for all gas workers
to be signed up to the newly named Gas Safe Register. This register
replaces the requirement for all gas workers to be registered with
CORGI. The scheme is overseen by the HSE. The new Register comes in
despite a downward trend in the number of incidents and deaths
associated with gas installations.
The number of fatalities reported to the HSE in 2006-2007 was
the lowest on record - 11. Despite this the HSE feels that more
needs to be done to raise public awareness of gas safety.
RoSPA is also using the launch of the new scheme as an
opportunity to warn employers and landlords to ensure their
appliances are serviced regularly by an approved and competent
engineer. They advise businesses to employ only registered gas
engineers to fit new gas fires or boilers and to ask to see the
installer's identity card which will list their competencies and
license number. Registered engineers will also display a new yellow
Gas Safe Register logo on vehicles and paperwork.
CORGI registered installers will have received a letter from Gas
Safe Register and can start the registration process online.
Installers not yet registered with the Register must do so before
they can continue working on gas appliances and flues.
The Register promotes a number of benefits for engineers
including reduced registration fees, access to technical
information and increased demand for service. There will however be
costs associated with launching the new gas safety brand, such as
the replacing of van logos, stationery, clothing and
advertising.