GAS WORK NOTIFICATION:

Any gas appliance* installed must now (by law) be notified to CORGI (council of registered gas installers).  CORGI will then issue the householder with a certificate stating that the appliance was fitted in accordance with building regulations.  This certificate will also be required in the new "Home Buyers Pack" which becomes a legal requirement next year and will be part of the conveyancing procedure. 

Only CORGI registered installers have the facility to "notify" the installation.  This means that although any consumer can purchase any gas appliance themselves, they cannot have it fitted by anyone other than a registered gas installer.  This new safety legislation is designed to protect the consumer from rogue fitters and householders wishing to "have a go" themselves.  Only CORGI registered installers can work on a gas appliance for obvious safety reasons. 

CORGI registered installers have to be qualified to work with gas and comply with a code of practice.  They are vetted and checked regularly for compliance with the rules of the organisation.  Registration with CORGI is a legal requirement for any person working with natural gas and is not optional or negotiable. Therefore, not only is using non-CORGI fitters unsafe, it is also illegal. If you have had an appliance fitted since 1st April 2005 and not received an official certificate, you should advise CORGI who can then investigate the fitter involved. 

Gas work notification does involve a small administration charge which is generally passed onto the consumer.

(*Appliances such as boilers, cookers & hobs, fires & heaters.  Also hot water cylinders are included; although not a gas appliance, notification to building control is required under new building regulations and notifying them via the CORGI scheme is acceptable & recommended practice.)

 For further information, see www.corgi-gas-safety.com