CORGI Or Gas Safe?
CORGI has been dissolved as the government's official gas engineer register in 2009, but many people still refer to themselves as being "CORGI registered". This could be risky for consumers.
In England alone, more than 60 deaths occur each year due to carbon monoxide poisoning. It is therefore essential that you hire a gas safe engineer to repair your boiler or other appliances.
Qualifications
The name CORGI is often associated with a particular model of car or a famous royal dog, but it's also the name of a gas training organization. The company provides gas training courses and qualifications that are endorsed by the Skills for Health qualification body. The aim of these qualifications is to ensure that engineers have the necessary competence and understanding to work safely using gas. To become a Gas Safe Engineer, an engineer must complete a series of assessments and a training course. They also have to provide evidence of their experiences and pass an investigation into their criminal record prior to being deemed Gas Safe.
A Gas Safe registration card will be issued to the engineer when they have been certified. The card will have a photograph of the engineer, their Gas Safe number, and an expiry date. The reverse of the card will highlight the different categories of work that the engineer is qualified to undertake. This includes gas appliances, like cookers, boilers and other appliances. The engineer is only able to perform the work specified on their permit.
Gas installations and repairs can only be completed by Gas Safe Register-registered experts. The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas fitters and is run by Capita. If an engineer doesn't appear on the Gas Safe Register, they are operating illegally and putting you at risk of carbon monoxide or other gas-related incidents.
If an engineer claims to be CORGI registered, it is best to verify this with the Gas Safe Register website or contact the relevant Health and Safety Authority to confirm that they are. The HSE website will tell you how to locate your local authority.
The CORGI register was replaced with the Gas Safe Register on 1 April 2009. It is still important that consumers look 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 do the job. Gas Safe Register not only keeps track of registered engineers as registered, but also organizes campaigns on gas safety and assists people answer their questions. It is operated by Capita on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive for Great Britain and Northern Ireland as well as the Environment Agency in Guernsey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man.
Checking your ID card
Gas Safe Register is the UK's authority for registration for all gas engineers. They are authorized to perform any work related to gas appliances, for example, boiler installation, repair, maintenance or an annual safety check. Only Gas Safe registered engineers can operate on your gas appliances. They will have a certificate that shows their registration number and photo, along with the types of jobs they are certified to perform at your home.
It's a good idea ask the technician to show you their ID card before they begin any work, but if they don't have one, or it's expired, you must refuse to let them work on your gas appliances. You can verify their registration details online to confirm they are still registered with Gas Safe Register.
The new Gas Safe register replaced CORGI in 2009 and is managed by Capita. All engineers must be registered. It is the sole body that can legally operate within the GB Gas industry. It is unlawful for engineers to work on gas installations unless they're registered with the body.
Gas Safe registered engineers will be issued an ID card in green with the expiry date of five years. A Gas Safe registered engineer will also have a valid telephone number and address. If you're not sure if an engineer is registered with the Gas Safe Register, you can check by visiting their website and searching for their name.
To be qualified as a Gas Engineer, a person needs to have completed training on gas installations and gained practical experience. They must also have cleared of a criminal record check and not have a history of malpractice or fraud. In spite of all this, many unregistered UK engineers still carry out 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 might not be trained to recognize the signs. The best way to prevent these issues is to only use Gas Safe registered engineers.
Checking the company
Gas Safe registered engineers are the best to hire. Gas Safe engineers have gone through rigorous testing and training to ensure they are competent enough to work with gas appliances. This is required for all companies in the UK and all engineers working with gas. If you are not sure whether an engineer is Gas Safe, you can check their credentials online at the Gas Safe register. You can also contact their customer service number or text "Gas" to the number 85080.
In addition being registered legally, Gas Safe engineers are certified and insured to work on your boiler. This means that you'll get top-quality workmanship and safety. It is recommended to only work with engineers who are Gas Safe registered. A unqualified installer could cause severe injury. Gas Safe will provide a unique license that can be verified on the register.
Start by looking for gas engineers in your area. Use the "Find by Postcode" tool on the Gas Safe site to find an engineer in your area. You will be provided with a list with the contact information of all engineers. You should also look for the engineer's Gas Safe ID card, that will have a picture and their license number.
Gas Safe Register has replaced CORGI. All companies and engineers must be Gas Safe registered before they can perform any type of gaswork. This is to protect you from work that is illegal, which could put your family or property at risk. Report any engineer who isn't registered to the Gas Safe Register immediately.
A Gas Safe registered heating engineer formerly known as Corgi is able to conduct a thorough inspection of your flue and boiler system. This will ensure that all gas appliances are safe to use, and that your home is safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. The law requires landlords to have their gas appliances and pipes examined annually.
Examining the experience of the engineer
Gas engineers are vital to modern living, as they ensure that heating systems and other appliances in the home function smoothly and efficiently. Gas engineers also manage more complex gas systems used by restaurants, hotels, and other businesses. Gas safety is a crucial issue, with 60 deaths a year in the UK caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
It's important to verify the qualifications and experience of a gas engineer prior hiring them. The length of training they have completed and the number of certifications an engineer has can determine their level of expertise. The training required to become an engineer in the field of gas typically lasts 26 weeks and includes classroom instruction and hands-on workshops. The students will also be required to undergo a real-world work experience to gain experience.
After years of pressure from the public as well as the industry, CORGI was replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009. commercial gas engineers of gas safety in 2006 led to a decision to change to a different registration body. The Gas Safe Register, operated by Capita under contract, is staffed by HSE-approved personnel.
It is accessible online and is accessible to consumers for free. The register lists the names of all engineers, gas fitters and other gas professionals registered with the government. The register is updated frequently and contains information on the qualifications of each individual and their workplace history.
Consumers are often confused about gas registration bodies and what they can mean for security. A national representative survey of 22,000 UK adult consumers revealed that CORGI registration is seen as the most important factor when choosing the gas technician. It is more important than the recommendations from family and friends and online reviews that are positive, and even manufacturer accreditations.
In addition to their certificates and licenses, CORGI registered gas engineers must also meet certain requirements for safety and quality. They must also pass the ACS (Accredited Certification Scheme) assessments, which test their skills and knowledge of the industry. Viva Training provides a comprehensive training program to prepare students for the ACS examinations. The training includes classroom instruction, hands-on workshops and a field placement to give trainees the chance to gain experience in the field.