Gas safety FAQs - Engineers

Registered engineers

• How much will it cost me to register?
• What consultation took place with engineers in the run up to the signing of this contract?
• Why change the gas registration scheme brand?
• Will ACS exist under the new scheme?
• What will happen to the Gas Work Notification Scheme (GWN)?
• Will I still be able to get technical help, and if so, in what form?
• How will the new registration scheme and new gas safety brand be publicised?
• Will I be compensated for the cost of re-spraying my van, printing new advertising materials, business cards, letterheads etc.?
• How does Capita propose to handle to problem of the "cowboys" and illegal gas engineers who bring our industry into disrepute?
• Can I still supply individuals proposing to carry out DIY in their own homes with gas appliances/ fittings?

How much will it cost me to register?

As part of the new scheme, HSE stipulated that bidders should set registration fees at affordable levels, aiming to reduce them in real terms during the lifetime of the contract. Full details of the fees can be found on the Gas Safe Register website

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What consultation took place with engineers in the run up to the signing of this contract?

Right from the start of this process, during the review of gas safety 2006, engineers and their representatives were actively involved. We listened very carefully to what engineers and others had to say about the current arrangements and the new scheme is designed to address a number of the concerns expressed.

HSE couldn't consult engineers or others about the detailed aspects of the competition and, because this was a commercial procurement exercise, we were restricted in what we could say publicly at that time. Nevertheless throughout the process we have aimed to keep engineers as up to date as possible with what's been happening through our website www.hse.gov.uk/gas/

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Why change the gas registration scheme brand?

The CORGI brand is owned by the CORGI Group, not gas engineers or HSE. The Gas Safe Register brand  is held in trust by HSE, on behalf of gas engineers, will be used by the provider for the duration of the contract, and will be available to whoever runs the registration scheme in the future. The new Gas Safe Register will focus exclusively on gas safety.

Before and during the competition, HSE did discuss with CORGI various possible options for purchasing or licensing the CORGI brand for the competition.  We had to conclude that it would not be possible to do so in a way which would not disadvantage competitors and which would not lead to future problems with ongoing, associated commercial activities.

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Will ACS exist under the new scheme?

Yes, and you will not need to be re-certified just because of the new scheme.

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What will happen to the Gas Work Notification Scheme (GWN)?

Gas work that is notifiable under the Building Regulations.can be reported through the Gas Safe Register.  However under the Gas Safe Register Rules of Registration engineers are not required to report all gas installations, as they were requird to do under the previous scheme.

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Will I still be able to get technical help, and if so, in what form?

The technical resources which were within CORGI have transferred to the Gas Safe Register.  Gas Safe Register will issue technical bulletins to registered engineers by e-mail for those businesses who registered online and in hard copy for those that registered by post or phone. Engineers can also access a freefone telephone helpline if they wish to talk through technical issues.

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How will the new registration scheme and new gas safety brand be publicised?

Gas Safe Register have been working with stakeholders such as consumer groups, charities and trade organisations to increase understanding of the new scheme.  However as the current CORGI gas registration scheme will operate until 31 March 2009 the main public campaign has been specifically timed with the aim to avoid confusion as to which scheme is in operation and have maximum impact in raising awareness. 

Some of the highlights include;

• National TV advertising on all ITV networks, FIVE, Gold and Dave.
• National newspaper advertising throughout April in the main news sections of The Sun, Daily Mirror, Daily Star, Daily Express, Daily Mail, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Independent and The Times
• Regular big advertising billboards at more than 300 rail stations across Great Britain, including all major rail stations
• Hundreds of radio spots on Talk Sport, as well as on regional radio stations across Great Britain.
• Gas Safe Register adverts on Sky Sports Rugby League and Twenty 20 Cricket.
• Saturday roadshows at the major shopping centres across Great Britain with entertainment and demos on how to find a local Gas Safe registered engineer
• Information about Gas Safe Register on energy bills and on energy suppliers websites
• Gas Safe Register listings and information in printed and online directories
• Leaflets constantly distributed to thousands of consumers via hundreds of organisations. 

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Will I be compensated for the cost of re-spraying my van, printing new advertising materials, business cards, letterheads etc.?

Whilst no compensation will be given, all registered enginers will have received two free van stickers with the first edition of Registered Gas Engineer, the monthly publication from the Gas Safe Register.  Gas Safe Register also have agreements with several companies to provide reduced rates for further printing.  Engineers will also be able to download the brand toolkit which contains various logos and templates for stationery, business cards, leaflets and marketing materials, along with guidance on how to use the Gas Safe Register brand.

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How does Capita propose to handle to problem of the "cowboys" and illegal gas engineers who bring our industry into disrepute?

Gas Safe Register will encourage illegal gas engineers to register and  has  an enforcement team to track down these individuals, and work with HSE in gathering evidence to inform enforcement action.

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Can I still supply individuals proposing to carry out DIY in their own homes with gas appliances/ fittings?

Yes, providing they are competent to do the work. You may want to remind those wishing to undertake DIY of the possible risks to themselves and to others when they are carrying out gas work.

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