Qualified Gas Engineers: Cheaper than Funerals

With winter on its way and as part of Gas Safety Week (10 - 16 September) Kent Trading Standards are advising consumers on the importance of using a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out any work relating to boiler repairs, servicing or fitting.

A survey carried out by Gas Safe Register, the government-approved registration scheme for gas engineers, found that of 690 gas appliances that were serviced or fitted by unqualified workmen 93% were potentially unsafe and 19% were ruled immediately dangerous, posing a risk of leaking deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas. Because CO is tasteless, colourless and odourless, it is almost impossible to detect and people don't realise they are in danger until it is too late.

Homeowners should arrange a gas safety check and service each year by a registered engineer and for those people renting homes, they should ensure they have seen a current Gas Safety Record from their landlord, which is a legal requirement.

You can find a registered engineer at www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

To report any concerns you have or to obtain details of a Buy With Confidence trader call Trading Standards via Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 08454 04 05 06. Or visit their website: www.adviceguide.org.uk Or visit the Buy With Confidence website: www.buywithconfidence.co.uk