Whatever you want to call it (a gas engineer / fitter / worker) it is a very important job. Gas is a substance we all need and rely upon but it takes highly skilled and trained people to deal with it. In the wrong hands (just like with electricity) attempting to work with it could be very dangerous or even fatal. This is why there are strict training, regulations and monitoring for people who are gas fitters. In our latest post, we will explore this in more detail.
From: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dobrych/3216543078/
Gas fitters are good with their hands, making, fixing or repairing things is in their nature. An interest and perhaps a background in science and maths helps as principles of chemistry and physics come into this role. Today in the age of being diverse and versatile in work roles, qualified gas engineers can also be other things (such as carpenters & bathroom fitters) although most just specialise in the area only.
Once potential engineers have successfully passed all of their college courses then they need to move on and obtain a uniformly recognised qualification that everyone must pass to be a gas engineer. This used to be known as being ‘CORGI registered’ but it now called Gas Safe registration. Once people apply for this and subject to satisfactory approval they are accepted on a probationary period of 3 months. This means they can carry out gas work but it is fully monitored with records and information. A probationary period will only end when the board is satisfied that the worker is competent enough to work alone, and this initial 3-month period can be extended if its felt to be appropriate. Within this period is it perfectly possible that inspectors will come and monitor the work of the engineer – this is done for all round safety. Once qualified certificates last for 12 months and will need to be renewed annually.
There is a general misconception that once qualified as a gas fitter they can do anything related to gas – this is not actually the case. Engineers get a gas safe certificate for appliances they want to work on only. For example, someone with a certificate who is competent to work with boilers may not be able to work with gas cookers if they haven’t undertaken training related to this.
From: https://www.flickr.com/photos/derekl/8151021928/
Gas safe engineers all carry a valid card which gives their name, expiry date of certificate, and shows what appliances they can work on or with. We would strongly encourage everyone to see and ask for evidence of this before they let any gas fitter undertake work for them. In the unlikely event of poor work, complaints can be made to the gas safe register board who work closely with other regulatory bodies to ensure that standards are maintained and appropriate action is taken.
As you can tell by reading this post, becoming a safe and competent gas engineer is the aim of the training programmes, qualifications and accreditations. Regular assessments and updates are carried out for a reason – because complete confidence and safety in the industry needs to be maintained.
At UK Gas every single one of our installers are gas safe registered which should give you the peace of mind to know that quality and competent work will be carried out. This is all done by our experienced professionals who have a wealth of knowledge on the industry. We also boast further accreditations so you can be sure that our work is to the highest possible standard and has been recognised for this.
Have more questions about gas safe registration or other topics? Contact us or have a look at our FAQ page.
