CORGI Or Gas Safe?
CORGI was no longer the government's official gas engineer register in 2009, but many people continue to refer to themselves as being "CORGI registered". This could be risky for consumers.
In England alone, over 60 deaths occur annually due to carbon monoxide poisoning. It is therefore essential that you hire an engineer who is gas safe to work on your boiler or other appliances.
Qualifications
The name CORGI is associated with a particular brand of car or a renowned royal dog, but it's also the name of a gas training organization. The company offers gas training courses and qualifications which are accredited by the Skills for Health qualification body. The aim of these qualifications is to ensure that engineers possess the necessary knowledge and skills to safely work using gas. To qualify as boiler gas engineer must pass a series of tests and undergo a period of practical training. Before they are deemed Gas Safe they must provide proof of relevant experience and undergo an identity check.
A Gas Safe registration card will be given to the engineer after they have been qualified. The card will have a photograph of the engineer and their Gas Safe number and expiry date. The reverse side of the card will show the various types of work that the engineer is qualified to do. These include the work that is done on cookers, boilers and other gas appliances. The engineer is allowed to do the work listed on their permit.
Gas installations and repairs can only be performed by Gas Safe Register registered professionals. The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas fitters and is managed by Capita. If an engineer isn't on the register they are not legally working and putting you at risk of poisoning by carbon monoxide or other gas-related accidents.
If an engineer claims to be CORGI registered, you must verify this with the Gas Safe Register website or call the relevant Health and Safety Authority to verify that they are. The HSE website can tell you how to contact your local authority.
The CORGI register was replaced with the Gas Safe Register on 1 April 2009. It is still important for consumers to search for the logo and request an engineer verify their Gas Safe Register card. This will help ensure that they are properly insured and competent to perform the task. Gas Safe Register not only keeps a list of registered engineers and licensed, but also conducts campaigns on gas safety and helps people to answer their questions. It is operated by Capita on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive for Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Environment Agency in Guernsey and Guernsey as well as the Isle of Man.
Checking your ID card
Gas Safe Register is the UK's registration authority for all gas engineers. They are authorized to perform any job relating to a gas appliance such as boiler installation, repair, maintenance or annual safety inspection. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can work on your gas appliances. They will be issued the certificate which shows their registration number and photo and a list of categories of jobs that they are certified to perform at your home.
It's a good idea to ask the engineer to show you their license before they begin any work. However, if they don't have one, or it has expired, you should refuse to allow them to work on your gas appliances. You can verify their registration details online to make sure they're registered with Gas Safe Register.
Capita is the new operator of Gas Safe Register, which has replaced CORGI. All engineers must be registered. It is the only organization that is legally able to operate within the GB Gas industry. It is illegal for an engineer to work on gas installations unless on the register.
A Gas Safe registered engineer will have a green card that has an identifying number and an expiry date of five years. They must also be registered with a business and should have an address and phone number. You can check whether an engineer is a registered on the Gas Safe Register by searching their website for their name.
To be certified as a gas engineer, an individual must have completed a course and gain practical experience working on gas installations. They must also have been passed a criminal records check and not have a history of fraud or malpractice. In spite of all of this, many non-registered UK engineers still perform work that puts their clients and colleagues at risk. Engineers who are not registered may not be aware of the dangers of CO poisoning, and may not have been trained to recognize the symptoms. The best way to prevent these issues is to use only Gas Safe registered engineers.
Verifying the company
Gas Safe registered engineers are the best to hire. They have completed rigorous training and evaluation to ensure they are qualified to work on gas appliances. This is a legal requirement for all engineers and companies who work with gas in the UK. You can verify an engineer's credentials online by visiting the Gas Safe Register if you are unsure. You can also call their customer service team or text "Gas" to the number 85080.
In addition being registered legally, Gas Safe engineers are licensed and insured to work on your boiler. You will be assured of top-quality work and security. You should only employ engineers who are Gas Safe registered. A unqualified installer could cause severe harm. Gas Safe will provide a unique license that can be checked on the register.
Start by looking for an engineer who works in the gas industry in your locality. You can use the "Find by Postcode' feature on the Gas Safe website to find an engineer in your area. You will be provided with a list with the details of the engineers' contact numbers. You should also search for the engineer's Gas Safe ID card, which will contain a photo and their license number.
Unlike CORGI which was replaced by the Gas Safe Register, all companies and engineers must be Gas Safe registered to carry any gas work. This is to protect your family and property from work that is illegal. If you encounter an engineer who isn't registered, you should report them to the Gas Safe Register as soon as you can.
Gas Safe registered heating engineers previously known as Corgi, will inspect your flue pipe and boiler system. This will ensure that all gas appliances are safe to use and that your home is protected from dangerous carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. The law requires landlords to have their gas appliances and pipes checked annually.
Examining the experience of the engineer
Gas engineers are vital to modern living, as they ensure that heating systems and other appliances at home function smoothly and efficiently. Gas engineers also manage more complex gas systems that are used by hotels, restaurants and other companies. Gas safety is a crucial issue and 60 people die each year in the UK due to carbon monoxide poisoning.
When choosing gas engineers It is essential to verify their credentials and experience. The number of certificates and length of training can be used to determine the skill level of an engineer. Training to become a gas engineer usually takes around 26 weeks, and includes instruction in the classroom and practical workshops. The students will also be required to undergo a real-world work experience in order to gain experience.
After years of pressure from the public and the industry, CORGI was replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. A review of gas safety in 2006 led to a decision to change to a different registration body. The Gas Safe Register is operated under contract by Capita and is staffed by HSE-approved staff.
The register is online and is free to access to consumers. It includes gas fitters, gas engineers, and other gas professionals that are registered with the government. The register is regularly updated and includes information about each individual's qualifications and their employment history.
Gas registration bodies can be confusing to consumers and they aren't sure what they refer to in terms safety. A nationally representative poll of 2,000 UK adults revealed that the majority of people believe that CORGI registration is one of the most important aspects when deciding on the right gas engineer. It is more important than recommendations from friends, positive reviews on the internet, or even manufacturer accreditations.
In addition to their certifications and licenses, CORGI-registered gas engineers must meet a series of requirements for quality and safety. They must also pass ACS (Accredited Certificate Scheme) assessments that assess their knowledge and expertise in the field. Viva Training offers a comprehensive program to prepare trainees for the ACS exams. The course consists of classroom instruction and hands-on workshops, as well as an internship that allows trainees to gain practical experience in the field.