CORGI - THE NATIONAL WATCHDOG FOR GAS SAFETY.

CORGI, the Council for Registered Gas Installers, is the body given the responsibility by the Health and Safety Executive to maintain a register of competent gas installers in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Currently more than 20 million homes in the UK use gas as a primary fuel and so it is vital that the gas safety messages are effectively communicated to gas users.

It is a legal requirement for installation businesses carrying out gas work to be registered with CORGI. Unregistered installers are breaking the law. To ensure greater levels of competence and safety, CORGI registered installers have their work regularly inspected and have to obtain competency certificates in the areas of gas work they carry out. It is impossible to be sure that an unregistered installer has met the required competency levels and accordingly, there can be no guarantee of the quality of the installer's work. Indeed, recent figures from CORGI indicate that gas work carried out by unregistered installers has an amazing 93% chance of having a significant safety defect. This is not a figure to be taken lightly, as appliances which have been inadequately installed or maintained can lead to such domestic disasters as gas escapes and Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

THE CORGI ID Card The CORGI installer ID card, which became a mandatory requirement in 1999, should always be checked by the householder before allowing the installer into their house to carry out gas works.

The front of the card shows the operative's photograph, name, trading title, CORGI registered installer logo, CORGI registration number and card expiry date. The reverse of the card contains details of the different types of gas work the operative is competent to undertake.

CORGI's safety tips . Always use a CORGI registered installer . Before allowing anyone into your property to carry out gas work, ask to see their CORGI ID card . Never DIY with gas . Ensure gas appliances are checked annually . Never block ventilation and ensure that flue terminals are kept clear at all times.