The following is a sponsored guest post for Homeserve, PLC.
We’ve written before about different ways to save money on your energy bill; however, failing to hire a Gas Safe engineer (if you live in the UK), should not be one of them.
The Gas Safe Engineer Law Enforced
One of the hapless targets of BBC’s Rogue Traders programme has been jailed after it was found he was carrying out gas work despite not being a Gas Safe engineer.
Andrew John Carslake will spend a minimum of six months behind bars after the consumer rights show caught him on secret camera while he carried out gas work he was not qualified to do.
A case was brought before Chelmsford Crown Court after a member of the public complained to the Health and Safety Executive about work carried out at their house.
Carslake, who traded as Aqua Plumbing, admitted breaching multiple health and safety laws in a case which only served to highlight how having boiler insurance in place could be a savvy move that could help you avoid falling victim to this type of conman.
After the 42-year-old was sent down, HSE inspector Toni Drury praised the work on the BBC programme, which is fronted by Matt Allwright and Dan Penteado.
She commented: “There’s no doubt that Watchdog’s Rogue Traders has struck a blow for gas safety with their undercover report. They played a big part in helping us get this case to court and securing justice. We applaud their efforts to expose illegal gas work and help the public understand the importance of getting qualified, registered professionals in to do gas work.”
As Ms Drury points out, one way members of the public can avoid falling victim to an illegal gas worker is to ensure that anyone who comes to deal with a gas supply repair or boiler fix is on the Gas Safe Register.
How The Gas Safe Register Protects You
Introduced in 2009 to replace the previous Corgi registration system, it’s a legal requirement for all tradesmen who work with gas to be signed up for the scheme, which checks qualifications and suitability to work in this area.
However, separating the conmen from the specialists is not always as easy as it sounds – and this is where having boiler insurance can come in.
Badly-maintained or poorly-fitted boilers can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal – meaning it’s really important to get someone in who knows what they’re doing.
People who take out this type of insurance enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing that a fully-qualified engineer will be on the way to get everything sorted should a problem occur with their gas appliances.
Because although watching rogue traders get their comeuppance on the TV can be entertaining and amusing, unwittingly inviting one into your home may end up being no laughing matter.
photo by Elsie esq.
© 2011, Khaleef Crumbley. All rights reserved.
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