Over 1 Million Households At Risk From Illegal Gas Installers

Over a million gas jobs are carried out every year by fitters who are not properly qualified according to the Gas Safe Register. This is putting families at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, and gas leaks that could cause fires and explosions. Three-fifths of these illegal jobs were dangerous, and a fifth, when inspected, were found to be in an immediately dangerous condition and had to be immediately disconnected. 

Households At Risk From Illegal Gas Installers

Many of the victims had employed tradesman based on a recommendation from a friend or family member. A quarter had found their fitter through an advert, and wrongly assumed they were properly registered. None of the householders had checked the fitter’s credentials. This should always be done as it is a legal requirement for gas engineers to be on the Gas Safe Register. The outcome of using an unregistered engineer can be fatal. Unsafe gas appliances can emit the poisonous gas carbon monoxide (CO). Carbon monoxide is odourless and cannot be seen in a room. In the past three years, more than 20 people have died due to gas incidents and there have been almost a thousand injuries. Jonathan Samuel, Gas Safe Register’s Chief Executive, said: “Far too many people are letting unregistered gas fitters into their home and putting their families at risk. We are urging people to trust the triangle. Look for the Gas Safe Register triangle on you gas engineer’s ID card – thousands of people already do – and make sure you’re getting your gas appliances checked every year.”

Our advice to avoid risk from illegal gas installers:

• Only employ a Gas Safe registered engineer such as L&W Heating and Plumbing to undertake gas work in your home.
• Every registered gas engineer carries a Gas Safe ID card. Always ask to see the card.
• If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak, call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number 0800 111 999.

L&W Heating and Plumbing are Gas Safe Registered Experts for Newton, Warrington, Wigan and St Helens. Avoid the risk from illegal glass installers and call us today on a number below for any of your gas, plumbing or heating needs.

Plumbers Wigan on 01942 417220
Plumbers St Helens on 01744 776140
Plumbers Warrington on 01925 394260
Plumbers Newton Le Willows on 01925 394260