Gas Safe Register
If you're currently a Gas Safe Engineer, then you already know about the importance of being registered with them. Not only does it mean you would have undergone all relevant Gas Training Courses, but it acts as a stamp of re-assurance to anyone looking for a Gas Engineer. More often than not, we hear about rogue traders taking advantage of their clients to make a quick buck as they lie about being Gas Safe Registered. Such lie can pose serious threats to the public however, as sub standard gas work really does put the lives of innocent people in danger.
Yet Another Case!
This week we hear about another case involving two unregistered fireplace installers who have been given suspended sentences for leaving gas work in a dangerous condition. Having given the punishment over at Greater Manchester's Magistrates' Court, the defendants were found guilty of installing gas fires in 3 properties between August 2015 and February 2017 and not being registered with Gas Safe.
After the case was looked into by HSE (Health and Safety Executive), their findings were exactly what you would expect. Their results showed sub standard work and in some cases, work was deemed as dangerous. What's even more shocking is that one of the properties had excessive carbon monoxide leaking and we all know the dangers of that!
Here's what punishments the two rogue traders were convicted with:
- Pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1), 3(3) and 5(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. He was given a 10 month suspended sentence, 150 hours unpaid community work and ordered to pay £2200 toward the costs.
- Pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1), 3(3) and 5(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was given a 10 month suspended sentence, 150 hours unpaid community work and ordered to pay £1000 toward the costs.
Here's what the HSE Inspector Jennifer French had to say:
All gas work must be done by registered Gas Safe engineers to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life. The HSE will not fail to take the appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.
Is It Really Worth it?
Able Skills Gas Training Courses are Bpec Approved
With hefty punishments at stake, let alone the burden of knowing you're putting someones life in danger, you would think rogue traders like these guys wouldn't bother to perform such terrible acts. They would have been much better off undergoing the correct Gas Training as many Gas Safe Engineers will tell you, the public are more inclined to go with a Gas Safe Register Engineer. This means more work, more money and not having to put anyone's life at risk!
If you're thinking about becoming a qualified Gas Engineer, kick start your career now with Gas Training Courses that put you on your way to become Gas Safe Registered.