Registered Gas Engineer, January 2023 issue

In this issue

Around the industry Jail for illegal fitter who showed ‘blatant disregard for the law’; the first heat pumps roll off the line at Vaillant’s Belper HQ; low carbon will boost business, say heating engineers

04 Gas Safe news

Are all your registration details up to date? Make sure you know what changes you need to tell the Register about and why PLUS please tell us what you think about this magazine in our annual reader survey 06 Day in the life What happens when Gas Safe Register investigates a report of illegal gas work? We talk to highly experienced regional investigations officer Keith Mckinlay

Alert 030 Glen Dimplex Home Appliances Ltd manufactured Belling, Stoves and New World gas range cookers with gas grill (110, 100 and 90 models) with amendments

FROM THE EDITOR

TCommenthis time last year, we wrote: “Hold on to your hats, it’s going to be another rollercoaster of a year.” We were looking ahead to the 2022 changes to Building Regulations and CO alarm rules, the launch of the Boiler Upgrade Scheme and pondering what we thought the uptake might be.

But no one could have predicted quite what a wild ride the year would turn out to be, with three Prime Ministers and a government in turmoil. And then the cost of living crisis, which saw energy and how we heat our homes – and at what cost – truly dominate the headlines. The effects of the war in Ukraine pushed up energy prices to record highs, affecting every UK household.

When winter finally hit last month after a warmer than average November, the reality of people being too worried about the cost to put their heating on came into focus. When people are cold but they’re still having to choose whether they can afford to stay warm using their trusty gas boiler, it’s hard to imagine that they will be spending time wondering whether to replace it with a low-carbon alternative such as heat pump.

As we start 2023, that dichotomy is likely to continue. We wish you all a happy and healthy new year.

Nicki Shearer, editor

Are all your

Why is it important to update your business details?

When you first join Gas Safe Register and when you renew your registration, you agree to keep the Register updated with your correct details. It’s a requirement under the rules of registration and it’s important that your details are correct so that you can receive important communications, including:

• Details of any inspection appointments

• Reminders to renew your registration

• Notification of any sanctions

• Registered Gas Engineer magazine every month. If your details are incorrect, your customers may not be able to get in touch with you through Gas Safe Register’s Find an Engineer function, and Gas Safe Register may not be able to contact you.

How can I do this?

You can make most changes:

• Via your Gas Safe Register online account

• In writing to Gas Safe Register, PO Box 631, Darlington, DL1 9DG

• By email to: Register@ GasSafeRegister.co.uk

• By calling 0800 408 5500.

What changes

do I need to notify the Register about?

Under the rules of registration, you must tell Gas Safe Register about the following changes:

• Your business address, as well as any other address from where gas work is conducted, such as your operating centre. If you have more than one business address on your registration, this must be the main address from which you operate

• Your trading title

• Changes to the ownership of your business

• If you stop trading

• The name of the person who is responsible for registration matters on behalf of your Gas Safe Register, PO Box 631, DARLINGTON, DL1 9GD

Email: enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk, register@gassaferegister.co.uk or technical@gassaferegister.co.uk

Managing editor: Scott Darroch scott.darroch@gassaferegister.co.uk

Editor: Nicki Shearer editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk

News: Jennie Ward news@registeredgasengineer.co.uk

Publisher: Peter McCreary publisher@registeredgasengineer.co.uk

Technical consultants: Carl Banister, Stephen Gallagher, Jonathan Palmer

Production: Mark Turpin

Advertising enquiries only: Ian Carter ian@rgemagazine.co.uk

Additional print subscriptions £25 per year email: wgardiner@circdata.com, Tel 01635 869 868

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Gas Safe Register. The publishers will accept an advertisement or other inserted material only on the condition that the advertiser warrants that such advertisement does not in any way infringe copyright or contravene the provisions of the Trade Descriptions Act. All copy is subject to the approval of the publisher, who reserves the right to refuse, amend, withdraw or otherwise deal with advertisements submitted to it at its absolute discretion and without explanation. All advertisements must comply with the British Code of Advertising Practice. ABC membership approved 19 March, 2009.

Registered Gas Engineer is written, designed and published by The Team on behalf of Gas Safe Register. 30 Park Street, London, SE1 9EQ CIRCULATION: Jan-Dec 2021 80,070

When should I tell Gas Safe Register about any changes to my business details? Generally, you must notify any changes within five days.

MP highlights the importance of Gas Safe’s work

Gas Safe welcomed Maria Miller MP to its HQ to talk about how the Register helps to keep consumers safe. The Basingstoke MP said: “The Gas Safe Register is at the forefront of efforts to protect against the dangers of carbon monoxide. I was pleased to speak with chief executive Jonathan Samuel about the important work they do and their efforts to raise awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide.”

Having had constituents who were affected by carbon monoxide poisoning in the past, Maria is a strong advocate for gas safety issues and is a member of the All Party Parliamentary Carbon Monoxide Group (APPCOG).

details up to date?

Do check your email settings to make sure you receive Gas Safe Register communications. We know that sometimes these messages can be filtered into junk in error.

Remember: It your responsibility to look out for communications from Gas Safe Register and respond in a timely manner as required and as appropriate. The Register does not accept that you have not received a communication if it has been sent to the details held on its database using your preferred method of contact.

business. If you are a sole trader, you are the responsible person

• Any changes to engineers working for you; and

• Any current/active Notices of Contravention and/or Improvement Notices issued against you or your business in writing relating to gas work. Gas Safe Register uses electronic communication as the preferred method wherever practical to keep its service cost effective and environmentally sustainable. This means, for example, that when a business applies for or renews its

registration online, the email address provided will be the primary method used for all communications.

If you don’t have an email account, an alternative method of communication will be used. However, Gas Safe Register reserves the right to apply additional charges to businesses that register or renew online but that subsequently do not receive other communications online.

You can see all Gas Safe Register’s published policies at: www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk/ policies

Tell us what you think

O

ur reader survey is running through the whole of January and we’d be very grateful if you could spare just a few minutes to let us know what you think about this magazine.

As Gas Safe’s official registration magazine, we aim to bring you all the latest information from the Register – whether it’s about changes that affect you and your registration, useful reminders, its latest marketing and advertising campaigns, or important technical documents, including Safety Alerts, Technical Bulletins and Industry Standard Updates.

We also keep you up to date with technical features about gas work and information to support your business, news, initiatives and products from

around the industry, and developments on the road to zero carbon.

We want to make sure that the magazine continues to be informative, relevant and valuable to you, and that you can receive it a range of formats. Our reader survey will help us find out more about you and your work, to help make sure that we provide you with

the information you need.

You might recognise some of the questions from previous surveys. This is because it’s important that we understand if and how things are changing in your work.

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete, and you are welcome to give your feedback anonymously if you prefer to do so. The survey will run until the end of January 2023 and we will share its findings with you in the spring.

You can take part by scanning the QR code using your phone’s camera, or by going to: www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/RGE2023

Thank you for taking part. Your responses really will help us to make the magazine as interesting and useful to you as possible.

Bringing rogue gas workers to justice

Safe

The road to RIO

“I started as an apprentice with Scottish Gas in Edinburgh in 1976, working up through the ranks to become a service technician. I joined Corgi in 1991 as an inspector when it became mandatory for gas engineers to be registered.

“I was a complaint inspector for a few years, dealing with registered complaints and concerns in the central belt of Scotland.

“My role now as a regional investigations officer requires me to have most ACS qualifications, including domestic, nondomestic and commercial catering, and covering both natural gas and LPG. RIOs also receive training in acting as a witness and report writing, which becomes very useful when we appear in court cases.”

When Keith’s not at work, he can often be found on two wheels. With four motorbikes – three of which are classics from the 1970s and 1980s – as well as mountain bikes and an electric version, he’s either riding them or maintaining them. And he loves to spend any other spare time with his new baby granddaughter.

Inever know what to expect when I walk through the door to a new investigation,” says Keith Mckinlay. He looks after a big area that covers Scotland and the north of England and has seen most things during his long career. But he is determined to make sure that those who put other people’s lives at risk for money face justice.

The team of seven regional investigations officers (RIOs) actively investigate illegal – and usually unsafe – gas work to provide the evidence that’s needed for enforcement agencies to take action where appropriate. They also support the Register’s inspectors in identifying illegal gas work.

Reports of illegal gas work come from many sources, including homeowners, gas engineers, HSE, Trading Standards and environmental health officers, but they’re often anonymous. It’s down to Keith and his knowledge and expertise to find out exactly what’s wrong with the installation and to discover who is responsible.

“Typically, an investigation starts when a customer or homeowner contacts Gas Safe Register and raises concerns about their installation or service by a suspected unregistered installer,” says Keith. “Initially, I try to establish if there are any

The most common serous defects include:

• Detached chimney/flues due to being unsupported and unsecured with brackets and screws

• Gas escapes

• Spillage of products of combustion

• Incorrect chimney/flue terminations

• Appliances not commissioned correctly.

immediate dangers or gas safety concerns, such as a smell of fumes, or whether a CO alarm has activated.”

Before Keith physically inspects the appliance or installation, he examines any evidence that’s already available, including work records, invoices and receipts, and takes a statement from the complainant to establish what gas work was done, who did it, when, whether it was witnessed and any other information that could be relevant.

Then it’s time to visually inspect the whole installation and risk assess it. Keith uses a safe-to-touch voltage stick on all metallic parts to keep himself safe while he’s doing operational checks, and he carries out a tightness test to make sure there isn’t a gas escape. If there are no

What happens when Gas

Register investigates a report of illegal gas work? Highly experienced regional investigations officer Keith Mckinlay talks to Registered Gas Engineer about his role and what a typical day can involve.

A common issue: an unsealed, unsupported chimney Gas fire chimney/flue teminating in the roof space

obvious dangers, he then carries out GSIUR 26/9 checks.

“Gas Safe Register’s priority is the safety of the public’s life and property. So if there is an immediate concern, I will provide the appropriate gas safety advice and contact the National Gas Emergency Service Provider.”

Having carried out the checks and tests, he records everything, including any gas safety defects, in his report, classifying them and taking action in accordance with the Unsafe Situations Procedure (IGEM/G/11/Edition 2). “It will come as no surprise that most of the unregistered work I investigate is either Immediately Dangerous or At Risk and will often include Not to Current Standards defects.”

All ID and AR defects are photographed and referenced, and Keith uses Danger Do Not Use warning labels and Warning advice notices too. Not to Current Standards defects are recorded in reports but these do not form part of the Unsafe Situations Procedure. “On completion of the investigation, I will advise the complainant verbally of my findings.”

Keith sends a final detailed report, including all defects and photographs and information about what is needed to rectify the defective gas work, to the complainant and the HSE within 10 days of his visit.

But it’s not down to Gas Safe Register to decide on what action should be taken. “Gas Safe Register does not have enforcement powers but it is responsible for investigating and compiling the evidence of illegal gas work that is then used by

enforcement agencies to bring prosecutions, where necessary.”

Enforcement around illegal gas work is the responsibility of the HSE, which reviews the report and carries out its own investigation. Actions under its Enforcement Policy may include:

• A Warning Letter: the first stage of enforcement

• A Prohibition Notice: this orders the worker to stop working on gas immediately

• Prosecution: this may result in a fine and/or imprisonment. ■

Keith has seen most things in his career, but there are some investigations that have stuck in his mind. “I did an investigation in Edinburgh where an unregistered fitter had fitted a combi boiler in the converted roof space. The homeowner had contacted Gas Safe Register initially because the newly installed boiler kept cutting off after short periods.”

The installer would not return to site. Keith says: “It was not until I attended that I discovered that the chimney/flue was falling apart because it had not been secured correctly [see right]: jointing clamps and screws were missing. When the boiler was in operation, the boiler was discharging products of combustion into the roof space bedroom area.

“There were two small tents in the roof and the customer told me that is where his grandkids loved to sleep when they visited at the weekend. The family was so lucky they contacted us with their concerns.”

Keith made safe by disconnecting the boiler from the gas supply and he submitted a RIDDOR to HSE. The case was followed up by HSE and Police Scotland.

He’s also particularly proud of the role he played in bringing the prosecution in 2021 of an illegal gas worker who had been working in Edinburgh and the north-east of England for several years. HSE said Dean Mulholland Blues’ dangerous work had put people’s lives at risk from carbon monoxide, asphyxiation, fire and explosion in seven homes. He had been advertising using a false name and several telephone numbers and had at least three bank accounts to evade detection. Justice finally caught up with him and he was sent to prison for three years.

A gas escape at the meter

A gas hob installed with flexi hose, with heat damage to the hose

A builder had extended the chimney/flue with plastic drainpipe out of the window. The plastic melted, of course

‘The family were so lucky that they contacted us’

Every crisis needs a hero

Jail for illegal fitter who showed ‘blatant disregard for the law’

A Portsmouth plumber who had been prohibited from working with gas has been sent to prison after fitting a gas boiler. Peter Read traded as ACE Plumbing and Heating in Portsmouth and was contracted to install a new gas boiler for a customer in

January 2020, Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court heard.

A few days later, the customer had problems with the boiler. A Gas Safe registered engineer inspected and found numerous faults. Water was leaking from the boiler and radiators, and three out of five radiators installed did not work. The gas meter was not supported correctly, the chimney/ flue was sealed incorrectly, the external condensate pipe was uninsulated and terminated above a drain cover, and the condensate discharge pipe was fitted incorrectly and in the wrong size pipework.

The Benchmark boiler commissioning checklist had not

been completed, and the boiler installation had not been notified under Building Regulations.

The qualified registered engineer had to carry out repair work to ensure that the installation was safe.

The HSE investigation found that Mr Read was not registered and not competent to carry out gas work. His competencies had expired in 2008. He had been prosecuted by the HSE in April 2016 for working on gas illegally and had then received a suspended prison sentence. He was also given a Prohibition Notice not to work on gas until he was registered, with which he failed to comply.

First Vaillant heat pumps roll off the line in Derbyshire

Vaillant has unveiled a multimillion-pound heat pump production line at its Derbyshire HQ, making it the first manufacturer to produce both heat pumps and high-efficiency boilers in the UK.

The new line was officially opened by John Forkin, MD of Marketing Derby, who was joined by Pauline Latham, MP for Mid Derbyshire. The £4 million investment in low-carbon production capabilities reinforces the company’s commitment to ensuring that all UK homes can be heated via the most effective technology for that property – a heat pump or boiler.

The line in Belper will produce Vaillant’s aroTHERM plus air-to-water heat pump. It can achieve hot water flow temperatures up to 75°C for stored water without the need for a back-up heater.

Henrik Hansen, managing director of Vaillant Group UK & Ireland, says: “We know there is no single solution when it comes to heating our homes in the UK as the breadth of property type is diverse. Heat pumps are a here-and-now technology that can offer decarbonisation benefits: however, the future is likely to be made up of a mix of heat pump, hybrid and boiler technologies.

HHIC welcomes new ECO+ insulation plans

The HHIC has welcomed the government’s new ECO+ scheme as a step in the right direction to improving energy efficiency.

Set to launch in the spring, the scheme will set aside £1 billion to improve insulation, helping to reduce energy costs, and extend support to those in the least energy efficient homes.

HHIC’s own research of 2,000 UK homeowners found that the

majority (93 per cent) say they are worried about the price of their heating this winter. It also found nine in ten (89 per cent) people will be changing their home heating behaviour in some way to reflect the increasing costs.

The HHIC’s guide, Improving the Efficiency of Home Heating, includes advice on boiler servicing, how thermostats increase efficiency, system water treatment,

and the use of inhibitors, in addition to ways that gas engineers can support with efficiency.

Director Stewart Clements says: “We are pleased to see the government join the heating industry in giving people the tools to reduce their energy consumption and save money with crucial measures like insulation.”

www.hhic.org.uk/resources/10

Peter Read of Seafield Road, Portsmouth, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(1) and 3(3) of the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998 and section 22 of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was sent to prison for 20 weeks.

HSE inspector Karen Morris said after the hearing: “He has shown a blatant disregard for the law and continues to put people at risk despite previous enforcement against him by the HSE. His actions have not only caused considerable stress for the customers concerned but have also resulted in additional financial outlay required to put right his poor-quality work.”

Competition winners

Congratulations to the winners of our October and November competitions.

October’s winner was Ian McGregor from Strood, Medway, who wins a DAB radio and six months’ worth of beer from Fergus.

November’s winners take home a new TapBoost from Salamander and were Rob Evans from Gloucester, Nick Kirk from Bristol and Lawrence Bristow from Hurstpierpoint.

• You can enter this month’s competition on page 39.

New team against tool and van crime

ARMD and Van Guard have announced a new partnership to help protect tradespeople against tool theft and van crime. The partnership brings together Van Guard’s range of van security products with ARMD’s smart insurance and fast digital claims.

“Ultimately, we want to help consumers feel in a position to make an informed choice about what will work for both their lifestyle and their property.”

L-r: Joe Dunn, Vaillant; John Forkin, Marketing Derby; Pauline Latham MP; Henrik Hansen, MD Vaillant

Female plumbing learners can test their skills in 2023

HIP has launched its first national Female Skills Competition for plumbing learners. HIP, which organises the HIP Learner of the Year competition, aims to build confidence and advocates skills development, along with getting the best people into the industry regardless of their gender.

Level 2 and 3 plumbing students of all ages will be able to compete in a live practical installation for the chance to win a place in the grand final on

30 March 2023. Two regional heats in February and March will see the top three from each heat go on to compete in the final, at Loughborough College.

Competitors will be judged on practical tasks by Jerry Whiteley, CIPHE’s technical manager; professional plumber Becky Bates and Glenn Scholfield from Pegler. Becky says: “This exciting platform is just the place for women to feel confident in showing off the incredible skills and knowledge

they have gained so far. It enables them to step into the limelight and showcase to other women the kind of opportunities that are available.”

HIP managing director Zoë Tanner adds: “We’re thrilled to see the HIP Female Skills Competition launch this year. It’s a fantastic way for learners to build their confidence and take pride in their work. Now more than ever is the time to support the next generation of plumbing and heating talent.”

Low carbon will boost business, say heating engineers New look for Logic4training as it celebrates 20 years

Heating engineers are optimistic about the future of their business as more households explore low-carbon heating solutions, according to new research from Daikin UK.

The company’s Installer Confidence Monitor, which surveys members of its Sustainable Home Network, found that over half (53 per cent) predict that between half and all their business will come from installing heat pumps and hybrids in the next five years.

Almost two-thirds (62 per cent) expect their profits to increase over the next 12 months and four in five (88 per cent) expect profits to rise over the next five years.

The research comes amid increased calls for government support for households to make the heat pump transition, with nine in ten (93 per cent) agreeing that more must be done to make heat pumps affordable and accessible. More than half (59 per cent) agree that the government should support hybrid heat pumps as a transitional technology.

Product and training manager Martin Passingham says: “It’s encouraging that Sustainable Home Network installers see a bright future for heat pumps and hybrid heat pumps, and are confident (84 per cent) about the future of their businesses.”

Logic4training is celebrating two decades in business with a new look and a new website. The company opened in 2002 as Gas Logic, focusing on gas ACS re-assessment. The business has grown, adding electric, plumbing, F-Gas and renewables training. Logic4training’s first centre in Northolt has been joined by locations in Basildon, Luton and most recently Sittingbourne.

Director Mark Krull says: “The past 20 years have been a period of evolution across the building services engineering sector, and Logic4training has been along for this ride. From the dawn of the Gas Safe Register to the

renewables boom stimulated initially by the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) and Feed-in Tariff (FiT), we have adapted our business to meet the needs of installers and the sector at large.

“Building Services Engineering (BSE) continues to face a skills shortage, so we must encourage the existing installer base to upskill to meet the demands of a low-carbon future, while communicating the great career to as many people as possible.”

Deadlines for submitting your Self Assessment tax return

The deadline to complete your Self Assessment tax return online is 31 January 2023 for the 2021 to 2022 tax year.

There may be a different deadline if you are a partner in a company and need to submit Partnership Returns. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘Self Assessment tax return deadlines’ for more information.

If you submit your return late, you may have to pay a penalty.

Payments

You must pay the final tax you owe for the 2021 to 2022 tax year by midnight on 31 January 2023.

You must make two payments on account every year, in January and July, unless you meet one of two conditions. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘payments on account’ for more information.

Not making your income tax payments on time could lead to interest charges and penalties.

If you can’t pay in full, HMRC may be able to help by arranging an affordable plan. If you owe less than £30,000, you may be able to do this online – visit GOV. UK for more information about ‘time to pay’.

You can now make Self Assessment payments quickly and

securely through the HMRC app. When you’re logged into the HMRC app, you can either connect to your bank to make your self-assessment payments or pay by direct debit, personal debit card or corporate/commercial credit/ debit card.

The HMRC app is available on iOS or Android. You will need your Government Gateway user ID and password to sign in for the first time. For more information, go to GOV.UK and search ‘HMRC App’.

Deadline for previous tax year corrections

If you make a mistake in your tax

return, you can make a change to the return from three days after you’ve filed it. You’ll need to make your changes by 31 January 2024 for the 2021 to 2022 tax year.

If you miss the deadline to make an amendment to your tax return, you’ll need to write to HMRC to request the change to be made. How you update your tax return depends on whether you filed it online or sent a paper tax return. Go to GOV.UK and search ‘updating your tax return’.

Your tax bill will be updated based on what you report. You may have to pay more tax or be able to claim a refund.

UFH Problem Solvers

Thegoodthebad+theugly

Send us your pictures

Registered Gas Engineer wants to see your pictures – whether you’ve come across some horrors or instances of really good work. Please email your stories and pictures to editorial@registeredgasengineer. co.uk or via Twitter to @RGEMag

Ken Harper and his apprentice Mitchell Ward were called to a suspected water leak on this boiler. It was not leaking water but they did get a shock when they took off the front cover. Luckily, the appliance was not in use: they made safe and a new boiler has now been fitted.

Tiziano Perera was called to a constant drip of water from the bathroom ceiling. The boiler’s chimney/ flue had been replaced with plastic flue pipe except the final terminal, which was aluminium. After Tiziano replaced the chimney/flue terminal, he noticed that the condense pipe from the boiler was also discharging into a copper pipe, then into a kitchen drain, where the PRP from the boiler was also connected. The condense pipe and PRP have now also been installed correctly.

Tim Welford was called to trace and repair a gas escape and found the gas pipe corroded inside the wall because it had not been sleeved.

The pipework has now been replaced, complete with sleeving.

Operations manager

John Boxall says the company’s engineer went to install a hob. But then the property’s new owner said she had some concerns about the boiler – with good reason. The appliance was Immediately Dangerous, so the engineer capped it and raised a RIDDOR.

We may share some of your pictures on social media, so remember to include your contact details so we can tag you (or let us know if you’d rather we didn’t).

Do gas safety records comply with GDPR?

I have been thinking about how GDPR/data protection affects CP12 landlords’ gas safety certificates. If a tenant moves out of a premises and a new tenant moves in six months after I have carried out an inspection, the letting agent would normally use that existing record for the new tenant, but the old tenant’s details are still on that certificate.

Does this break data protection [regulations] to give out the old personal details to the new tenant? It’s a bit like the DVLA not showing previous vehicle owner’s details.

If so, how do we get around this? Issue a fresh certificate per tenant or remove the tenant’s name from the record?

Alan Thomas, Highland Gas

Gas Safe Register replies: Regulation 36 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR) lists the requirements of information to be included on a landlord’s gas safety record (LGSR). These requirements are:

(i) The date on which the appliance or flue was checked

(ii) The address of the premises at which the appliance or flue is installed

(iii) the name and address of the landlord of the premises (or, where appropriate, their agent) at which the appliance or flue is installed

(iv) A description of and the location of each appliance or flue checked (v) Any safety defect identified

(vi) Any remedial action taken; Guidance 36(1)–(2) Regulation 36(1)–(2) ACOP 36(1)–(2) Regulation 36(3)–(4) 1 Regulation 36(3) was amended by the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 2018. 70 Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances (vii) Confirmation that the check undertaken complies with the requirements of paragraph (9) below

(viii) The name and signature of the individual carrying out the check, and (ix) The registration number with which that individual, or their employer, is registered with a body approved by the Executive for the purposes of regulation

3(3) of these Regulations.

It is not a requirement to record the tenant’s details when carrying out a landlord’s gas safety record check.

When recording anything other than these points, the responsible person should consider whether it is relevant and that it is stored and maintained in guidance with data protection and GDPR.

Guidance regarding data protection is outside the scope of Gas Safe Register, but you can find details of how to comply with the Data Protection Regulations and GDPR at: www.gov.uk/data-protection and www.registeredgas engineer.co.uk/technical/ your-guide-to-gdpr/

Why is fast-track training allowed?

Why are training providers allowed to offer fast-track training? And why are the certifying bodies awarding certification to people who have clearly been fast-tracked with little work experience and knowledge?

I know of a training establishment that requires only 15 work-placement jobs to complete their portfolio – five cookers, fires and boilers. How can this possibly be enough proper work experience and vital skills to gain certification?

These training establishments are charging in the region of £8,000 for a six-month course, sometimes shorter. But it takes a lot longer than six months and 15 jobs in a portfolio to gain enough experience and knowledge to enter the gas industry and be able to work competently and safely.

What are students getting for their £8,000? Minimal training and experience and a guaranteed pass, by the look of it.

Concerned gas engineer

With regard to Graham Hawkes’ letter (November) that the UK should concentrate on cheap UK gas to help keep costs down and to be selfish like China and America: it’s incredibly short-sighted.

Green renewable energy is cheaper and quicker to produce and, in turn, will bring down energy costs and give us energy independence, along with cutting harmful emissions. I have a two-year-old boy: if something

is not done now, there will not be much of a future for him. This is how we save lives around the world.

We must lead and set an example, whether others follow or not. Just because others do nothing does not mean we should too. For evil to succeed good men just have to do nothing.

Dan Mitchell, Mitchells Plumbing and Heating

Please send your letters, which may be edited, to editorial@registeredgasengineer.co.uk.

If we do nothing, there won’t be a future

Safety Alert 030

Introduction

Gas Safe Register has been advised by the manufacturer of an issue regarding the use of gas grills on certain Belling, Stoves and New World gas range cookers manufactured by Glen Dimplex Home Appliances.

Safety concern

It has been identified in some models that if the gas grill is used with the door closed, there is a risk that the flame could become vitiated, resulting in extremely dangerous levels of carbon monoxide (CO) being produced, which could pose a significant risk to health, and death.

Corrective actions

It is vitally important to contact Glen Dimplex Home Appliances immediately to book a free-ofcharge modification to the grill of the appliance. If the appliance has been sold to a third party, it is still important to contact the manufacturer so they may trace the new owner.

In the meantime, to ensure that the appliances work in a safe manner, it is advised that consumers must use their gas grills with the grill door fully open, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The gas oven and hob are not affected by this Safety Alert.

Consumers can contact Glen Dimplex Home Appliances on 0800 110 5728, or email consumersupport@ glendimplex.com to arrange a free-of-charge modification. Alternatively, a web booking form is available at: www.stoves.co.uk and www.belling.co.uk

Safety notices have also been added to the manufacturer’s websites at:

• Belling www.belling.co.uk/ en-gb/safety-notice

• Stoves www.stoves.co.uk/ en-gb/safety-notice

• New World newworld. family/safety-notice

Developed with Glen Dimplex Home Appliances

Glen Dimplex Home Appliances Ltd manufactured Belling, Stoves and New World gas range cookers with gas grill (110, 100 and 90 models) with amendments. Date issued: 28 November 2022

This Safety Alert provides guidance to Gas Safe registered businesses/engineers about a product safety concern related to cooking appliances manufactured by Glen Dimplex Home Appliances (GDHA).

Models affected

The full list of models affected is provided below, and includes 110, 100 and 90cm models bought between 2010 and 2022.

110cm gas range cookers

444440400 BEL CLASSIC 110GT Blk

444440401 BEL CLASSIC 110GT Sil 444440402 BEL CLASSIC 110GT Crm

444441444 BEL CLASSIC 110GT CB Ssk 444441445 BEL CLASSIC 110GT CB Wbe 444441446 BEL CLASSIC 110GT CB Hja 444441447 BEL CLASSIC 110GT CB Ibr 444441448 BEL CLASSIC 110GT CB Dab 444441449 BEL CLASSIC 110GT CB Dda

444441450 BEL CLASSIC 110GT CB Mga

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444444100 BEL COOKCENTRE 110G Sta 444444101 BEL COOKCENTRE 110G Blk 444444151 BEL FARMHOUSE 110G Blk 444444152 BEL FARMHOUSE 110G Sil 444444153 BEL FARMHOUSE 110G Crm 444444297 BEL FARMHOUSE 110G CB Sh Grn

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100cm gas range cookers

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90cm gas range cookers

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Stay safe from the

Around 5,000 people in Great Britain die every year from asbestos-related diseases as a result of past exposure, making asbestos the single greatest cause of work-related deaths. Here, we look at HSE’s guidance on asbestos, including what to do if you disturb it accidentally.

W hy is asbestos a problem?

A large number of premises and older plant and equipment still contain some asbestos. Much of the asbestos will be hidden in the fabric of the building and is not immediately obvious. Large amounts of asbestos were used in new and refurbished buildings before 2000. Blue (crocidolite) and brown (amosite) asbestos were banned in 1985. Manufacture and supply of all asbestos was banned by the end of 1999. Existing asbestos articles can continue in use until they reach the end of their service life.

Workers most likely to come into contact with asbestoscontaining materials (ACMs) are those in the construction, maintenance, refurbishment and related trades.

When ACMs are damaged or disturbed they can release dangerous fibres which, if breathed in, can cause serious diseases. HSE has created a suite of materials, including asbestos essentials task sheets, which provide information about what to do if you need to work on or near ACMs.

The task sheets cover work that does not need a licence if carried out as the sheets describe. Each sheet describes what equipment is required for a particular task and covers the action needed to reduce exposure to an adequate level.

Information, instruction and training

Any worker (including those who are self-employed) who is liable to disturb asbestos during their work must receive the correct level of information, instruction and training so they can work safely and without risk to others.

What to do first

Before starting work you should check what asbestos is present as part of your planning. In non-domestic premises, including

industrial and commercial buildings, there should be a location plan/register – ask to see it. Domestic premises do not usually have a plan or register.

Check that the plan covers the area of the building in which you will be working and, if you are doing refurbishment work, that it includes a survey listing the types of asbestos present and their condition.

If there is no register or survey – or the report is not clear – do not start work.

Disturbing asbestos-containing material (ACM) can release invisible fibres. Once in the air, fibres can be breathed in and cause lung diseases including:

• Mesothelioma – a cancer of the linings to the lungs and stomach

• Lung cancer

• Other serious diseases such as asbestosis – a scarring of lung tissue.

There are no sudden changes in health after breathing in fibres: these diseases can take from 15 to 60 years to develop. They are incurable and often fatal. You need to protect yourself now to prevent contracting an asbestos-related disease in the future.

Source: HSE

You could arrange for a sample to be taken by a competent person and analysed or, alternatively, you can presume that any material you need to disturb contains the most hazardous types of asbestos (crocidolite or amosite) and apply the appropriate controls, using a licensed contractor if required.

If you have any doubts, your risk assessment should help you determine the type of work, or ask your customer to employ an HSE-licensed asbestos contractor.

Planning checklist

Remember, before carrying out any work:

• Ask the premises owners for their records of asbestos; what was checked, what was found, and what was not checked.

• If there is no record and you have reason to suspect asbestos, ask for an asbestos survey to be done before accepting the contract (you will have to arrange this yourself in domestic properties, or alternatively, assume that it

mesothelioma deaths due to past asbestos exposures (2020)

dangers of asbestos

Don’t

does contain asbestos and take appropriate control measures)

• Check if the work could require a licence

• When the work does not need a licence, check if it is notifiable and, if so, submit form NNLW1 then follow the task sheets or other HSE guidance

• If there is no task sheet for the work, it may be possible to safely adapt a similar task sheet. If required, get help from a competent health and safety advisor

• If ACM needs replacement, the replacement must be asbestos-free.

What to do if you discover or accidentally disturb asbestos during your work

Discovered materials that could contain asbestos?

Stop work immediately

Keep everyone else out of the area

Report the problem to the person in charge as soon as possible

Put up a warning sign ‘Possible asbestos contamination’

Arrange a sample to be analysed Presume it contains the worst type of asbestos Does it contain asbestos?

Damaged materials that could contain asbestos?

Stop work immediately

Is there dust or debris on clothing?

A little, eg, dust on sleeves/ shoes

A lot, eg, contaminated clothes, hair, footwear

Stay put, avoid inhaling dust, put on RPE if possible, damp wipe outer clothing if possible, then remove outer clothing before moving away from source

Seek help. Helper to put on PPE and RPE before entering area

Wipe down with damp rags

Damp wipe all contaminated items: clothing (as necessary), footwear and skin/hair until visually clean

Decide if need to wash hair and shower

Put contaminated clothes, towels etc in a plastic bag and dispose of as asbestos waste

Dispose of rags as asbestos waste and keep a record of the event

Decide if the work needs a licensed contractor

Broken asbestos insulating board

Asbestos lagging

Sprayed asbestos (limpet)

>

Stay safe from the dangers of asbestos

(continued)

What to do if you discover

accidentally disturb asbestos during your work

If you discover materials which you believe to be asbestos, stop work immediately. Put up a warning sign and ensure that nobody enters the area.

Report the problem to the person in charge and arrange to have a sample of the material analysed. If it does not contain asbestos then work can continue. If the material does contain asbestos then follow the HSE’s flow chart to decide if the work needs a licensed contractor.

Alternatively, presume that the material contains the worst type of asbestos and apply the appropriate controls, using a licensed contractor if required.

If you are employed, remember to tell your manager to update the asbestos management plan; otherwise report it to the customer.

HSE task sheets

Accidental release of asbestos

If you accidentally disturb and release asbestos, it must be dealt with quickly and appropriately.

The clean-up of lower-risk asbestos materials where the fibres are firmly bound in a matrix but are essentially in good condition (ie, mostly intact), such as asbestos cement, bitumen products, papers, textiles, small-scale release of asbestos insulating board, etc, will generally not require a licensed contractor.

You should:

• Warn anybody who may be affected

• Exclude from the area anyone

Asbestos Essentials task sheets help small businesses, sub-contractors and self-employed people to comply with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. They will also help dutyholders, clients, trade union and employee safety representatives to understand how work should be done.

Remember

Before starting any work that is likely to disturb asbestos, a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and a plan of work must be prepared.

• Work with, or disturbance of, any type of asbestos-containing material (ACM) can be dangerous

• If you work on ACMs and you smoke, you are at much greater risk of lung cancer

• You need information, instruction and training to work safely with ACMs

• Consider those around you. Don’t put your

4 in 5 plumbers have found asbestos

Every week 21 per cent of plumbers are exposed to asbestos and 78 per cent have found it in their working lives, according to research by ElectrialDirect.

The survey asked tradespeople how often they encounter asbestos, and the impact this has on their health.

not needed to deal with the release

• Identify the cause of the uncontrolled release

• Regain adequate control as soon as possible

• Make sure anyone in the work area affected who is not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), including respiratory protective equipment (RPE), leaves the affected area immediately. Minimise the spread of asbestos by ensuring they are suitably decontaminated

• Clean up dust and debris in line with HSE’s guidance in Asbestos Essentials task sheet em7: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ guidance/em7.pdf

• Decontaminate anyone who is contaminated with dust and debris

• Ensure that rags, clothing or PPE is decontaminated or disposed of as contaminated waste

• Alert the appropriate person.

workmates in danger or take fibres home on your clothes and put your family at risk

• Second-hand equipment may not be asbestos-free

• Dispose of contaminated materials safely.

The Asbestos Essentials task sheets do not apply to licensed work. You should only go ahead if you are sure the work does not require a licence.

More info at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos and www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/assets/docs/ beware-asbestos-reference-cards.pdf

Tradespeople are among the most at-risk workers of asbestosrelated diseases and across all industries, many are exposed to the potentially lethal material on a regular basis. Three in five (60 per cent) find it every year, 35 per cent say every month, and one in 12 come face to face with asbestos every day: 32 per cent have had symptoms of an asbestos-related disease or know a colleague who has.

Symptoms

Asbestosis causes a range of symptoms, including a persistent cough, shortness of breath; wheezing, pain in the chest or shoulder, tiredness, and swollen or ‘clubbed’ fingertips.

Every week, 20 tradespeople die from causes attributed to asbestos. Dr Rhianna McClymont, GP at digital healthcare provider Livi, says: “Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease caused by breathing in large amounts of asbestos dust for a long time. The asbestos gets lodged in the lungs, causing scarring around the air sacs (alveoli), which means oxygen can’t reach the bloodstream easily. The scarring leads to the lungs hardening, making it more difficult to breathe because the lungs cannot hold as much air as they used to.”

To read ElectricalDirect’s full Asbestos and the Trades: 2022 report, including what to do if you encounter asbestos at work, and the treatment options if you spot symptoms, go to: www.electricaldirect.co.uk/ blog/asbestos-and-thetrades-2022

or

“When asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release dangerous fibres which, if breathed in, can cause serious diseases.”

Can you balance the books?

Limited companies and selfemployed traders must submit accounting records of sales, profits and expenses to HMRC every year. Many choose to work with an accountant to do this, but even if you’re not dealing with HMRC yourself, you should still understand when you need to pay and what’s involved so that you make sure you’re paying the right amount of tax.

Sole traders

If you earn more than £1,000 from self-employment in any single tax year, you’re considered to be self-employed and must register as a sole trader. Then you’ll need to file a tax return every year.

The current tax year, for example, runs from 6 April 2022 to 5 April 2023. Once registered for self-assessment, you must submit a paper tax return by 31 October 2023 or, if you’re submitting online, by midnight on 31 January 2024.

Any tax owed must then be paid by 31 January 2024. There’s usually a second payment deadline of 31 July to make

advance payments towards your next tax payment – equivalent to half your previous year’s tax bill – known as making ‘payments on account’.

You can find out more at www.gov.uk/income-tax

Making Tax Digital

The biggest change to the way sole traders and limited companies pay tax in recent years is Making Tax Digital (MTD), an initiative to move to purely digital records instead of notebooks or spreadsheets. The government says this will help minimise errors and ensure everyone pays the right tax.

MTD has been introduced gradually since April 2019, and currently applies to all VATregistered businesses in the UK – those with a taxable turnover above £85,000. From 6 April 2024, MTD will apply to incometax returns as well, and all self-employed businesses and landlords with an annual business or property income above £10,000 will have to follow MTD rules.

MTD requires that you must keep your VAT records digitally,

using MTD-compatible software to submit VAT returns to HMRC. Submissions must be made to HMRC every three months, but any taxes due will be paid annually. Invoices and any expense receipts must be kept for six years but these can be kept as paper copies.

VAT information that must be kept digitally includes, for each supply of goods or services, the time of supply (tax point), the value (net, excluding VAT), and the rate of VAT charged. It should also include information about your business, including the business name and principal business address, your VAT registration number and details of any VAT accounting schemes you use.

MTD-compatible software

HMRC considers that MTDcompatible software must be able to:

• Record and preserve digital records

• Provide to HMRC information and returns from securely via an API (application programming interface)

• Receive information from HMRC via the API.

Some compatible software may be able to carry out all these functions, while others may need to be used alongside other programs. If you use spreadsheets to keep business

records, you’ll also need MTD-compatible software so that you can send your VAT returns to HMRC and receive information back from HMRC. Bridging software may be required to make spreadsheets MTD-compatible.

A key aspect of MTD is to ensure that, once a digital record is created, any further transfer of that data must be done digitally, via linked software. Transferring data manually (ie, re-typing, or copy and pasting information from one place to another) will not be allowed.

You can find a full list of MTD-compatible software, many of which are paid for, at: www.gov.uk/guidance/softwarefor-sending-income-taxupdates#VAT

Learn more at www.gov.uk/government/ publications/making-tax-digital

Claim back your expenses

There are always costs involved in running your business, from parts and materials to additional costs such as work clothes, accountancy fees and vehicle costs.

Some of these are allowable expenses that can be offset against your profits to reduce the amount of tax you pay, but what you can claim depends on whether you’re self-employed or operating as a limited company – and some expenses can’t be claimed.

Gas engineers don’t just have to be experts on gas appliances: if you’re self-employed, you also need to navigate the tax rules to make all your hard work worthwhile. Here’s what you need to know.

Office costs: You can claim for stationery, phone, mobile or internet bills, postage, printing, printer ink and cartridges, and computer software or licences. You can also claim for property insurance, utility bills, security and rent for business premises, or for using part of your home as an office.

Travel costs: Claim for vehicle insurance, repairs and servicing, fuel, parking, hire charges, licence fees, breakdown cover, hotel rooms, or train, bus, air and taxi fares, as well as meals on overnight business trips. You cannot claim for non-business travel costs, fines or commuting.

Clothing: Claim for uniforms or protective clothing needed for your work, but you cannot claim for everyday clothing, even if you wear it for work.

Staff costs: Claim employee and staff salaries, bonuses, pensions, benefits, sub-contractor fees and employer’s National Insurance.

Things you buy to sell on: You can claim allowable business

expenses for goods you buy for resale, raw materials, or any direct costs incurred from producing goods. You cannot claim for depreciation of any equipment.

Financial costs: Claim for any accountancy, solicitors, surveyors or architects’ costs. You can also claim professional indemnity or any business insurance premiums. You cannot claim for the legal costs or buying property or machinery (instead claim these as capital allowances). Also claim for bank, overdraft or credit card charges, or for interest on bank and business loans.

Advertising or marketing: Claim for any advertising costs such as in newspapers or directories, direct mail, or any website or social media costs.

You cannot claim for entertaining clients, suppliers or customers.

Training: Claim for any training course that is related to your business and helps you improve your skills and knowledge. You cannot claim for training courses that help you start a new business

Limited companies

If you’re the director of a limited company, you must pay corporation tax on the company’s profits, as well as paying any income tax you owe separately if you are taking a monthly salary as an ‘employee’ of the company. You need to register for PAYE to do this. You can then extract any additional profits from the company as dividends every year – although these will be subject to a separate dividend tax.

At the end of the financial year, you must prepare full annual accounts and a company tax return, which must be filed with both HMRC and Companies House.

Your accounting period for corporation tax is the time covered by your company tax return – normally the same 12 months as the company financial year covered by your annual accounts. Find out more at: www.gov.uk/browse/business/business-tax

or expand into new areas.

Capital allowances: If you use traditional accounting, you can claim capital allowances when you buy equipment, machinery, or business vehicles such as cars or vans.

Find out more at: www.gov.uk/expenses-if-youreself-employed

If you’re operating as a limited

company different expense rules apply. You can find out more at: www.gov.uk/running-a-limitedcompany ■

* The information in this article is intended only as a guide. Always check with an accountant or at www.gov.uk for advice that is specific to your business.

Banish the pinch points

Can using job management software really save you time on business admin? James Chillman, UK country manager for Fergus, explains how it can.

R unning a business can be hard. As well as all the work on site, administrative pinch points can take precious time away from the things you love doing, like spending time with your family and friends.

Despite the digital revolution of the past 30 years, many tradespeople are still using manual, often paper-based systems and processes to manage their businesses. This can ultimately lead to poor cashflow, lower profits and significant stress.

Tradespeople have effectively been left behind and ignored by the software industry, predominantly because the average size of trade businesses was considered too small to matter. In the main, the trades have had to rely on paper-based systems and other processes, such as email, which aren’t joined up and can lead to inefficiencies.

It’s all too easy for things to slip through the cracks, such as late payments or invoices, and that makes running your business laborious and stressful. Job management software is one solution and the best ones enable you to integrate all aspects of

Get the basics right

Always know your day-to-day costs and what you need to cover equipment and wages. You should always keep the minimum amount of money that your business needs in your account and never go below this. Keep a close eye on your accounts and on payments in and out.

Know when a customer has failed to pay an invoice, when you’re due to pay a supplier or when a late payment needs chasing. Spend time every day on your accounts and file receipts and invoices as soon as you get them. It saves time later on when you need to file your tax return.

Price correctly and control your overheads

Controlling your overheads helps eliminate waste. Use business software to integrate all aspects of your business and provide a powerful, easy-to-read, visual overview of your business in its entirety.

Using Fergus, you can see the status of a job from quote to completion, which gives you the power to plan ahead. Then you can employ sub-contractors when you need them and hire

electricity certificates; log hazards and on-site incidents, and record sign-offs.

Tackle problems fast

your business, giving you complete oversight from start to finish.

Dan Pollard, founder of Fergus, began life as a plumbing and heating engineer in New Zealand. After going bust once and burning out once, Dan figured out that a trade business needs proper systems in place to keep it running – without running its owner into the ground.

Here are some top tips to avoid the pinch points in business:

equipment only when necessary. You can assign people to jobs in seconds by just using drag and drop; they’ll automatically receive notification through the app so there’s no need to phone or have a meeting.

You can build bespoke quotes in minutes, adjusting pricing or mark-ups on materials, or offer discounts where necessary; create digital job cards which can be seen anywhere and by anyone on your team by just logging into the app; fill out templated gas and

Problems can arise on any job and they can escalate if not dealt with quickly. This can then delay completion and eat into your bottom line. It’s important to spot problems as soon as they happen and deal with them. Fergus’s status board, for instance, is colourcoded and easy to read at a glance, so you’ll be able to see if something’s going wrong and fix it quickly.

Invoice on time

One of the biggest challenges and frustrations for tradespeople is invoicing and chasing up payments. Reminding customers to pay you on time is never pleasant and can make both you and them feel uncomfortable. One of the best features of a job

management system for gas engineers is the ability to use in-built automated payment reminders. They can also make it easier to provide quick quotes and estimates.

Chase late payments

Get in the habit of issuing clear and easy-to-understand invoices as soon as a job is done. Job management software simplifies this: by logging your costs, the materials, and tracking the time you and your employees spend on it, you will have all the information needed to feed into the invoice. You can follow up late payment with automatic SMS messages.

Using these tips, you’ll be able to run your business more efficiently and more profitably. You’ll be happier, able to achieve a good work/life balance, and have more time to do the things you enjoy. ■ fergus.com

Top tips for a profitable 2023

Being good at your trade is great – but it’s not the only ingredient to business success.

Mark Krull from Logic4training gives his top tips if you’re looking to expand or diversify in 2023.

When everything right now seems uncertain and unpredictable, gas engineers can be safe in the knowledge that they have a strong foundation of qualifications, skills and experience that will see them working and earning long into the future.

But practical skills can only take you so far in business. There’s another side that includes admin and book-keeping, paying tax, marketing and websites, and communication with customers.

Here are our top 10 tips to help your business succeed in 2023.

1 Make a business plan

This is a quick win for long-term success. Even if you don’t need to create a business plan to secure investment or a loan, doing so will help you organise your goals and set strategies for achieving them. Include things like van costs, tools, uniform, insurance, training – everything you need to buy and do. This will help you to price jobs and allocate your time accurately.

2 Update your website

Freshen things up with some new images, write a blog and upload some video content. Websites that are updated regularly perform better in search engine rankings.

3 Get Google My Business

Google My Business is by far the quickest and easiest way to increase online visibility and boost SEO. We think it’s an absolute business essential.

4 Join a review site

As many as 98 per cent of people read online reviews, which means that your reputation online is as important as in real life. For tradespeople, sector-specific sites like Checkatrade are widely used and respected among customers, plus you benefit from recognisable marketing materials such as vinyl stickers for your van. Some companies provide discounts on fuel, tools, insurance, workwear or other business essentials for their members.

5 Respond to customers

Manners cost nothing, as they say, but bad manners could cost you a customer. Word-of-mouth recommendations are still of vital importance. Clear communication is key and you should be easily contactable and reply promptly, politely and honestly.

6 Train for new business opportunities

There is no shortage of work, but alternative heating technologies are growing fast and may provide a lucrative opportunity for expansion. Heat pumps are on an upwards trajectory that will see them become the main heating source for new-build homes from 2025.

Uptake is also increasing in existing housing under the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS) which aims to retrofit 90,000 heat pumps in place of gas or oil boilers over the next three years.

For you, this presents an opportunity to diversify your business and tap into an emerging market. Heat pump training is an add-on to existing skills and takes around a week to complete. MCS umbrella schemes provide an alternative to full MCS accreditation in the first instance, giving you an opportunity to test your local market and build a customer base in a risk-free environment.

7 Employ someone

If you’re planning to expand or diversify your services, you might consider getting another pair of hands on board. This could be anyone from a plumber’s mate to an experienced heating installer, on a full employment or selfemployed basis, depending on your needs.

Make sure you check the legalities and duties of becoming an employer: you must provide things like paid holiday, sick pay and a workplace pension. If you employ someone on a selfemployed basis, make sure you pay them through the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), if appropriate.

8 Press record

Video content is a great addition to your website and social media platforms. Could 2023 be the year you start a YouTube channel? Why not film your completed jobs and talk through the work you’ve carried out? Or provide tips about saving money on

Multi-skills will always be needed

The government is funding installer training and stimulating the heat pump market for growth. But upskilling in low-carbon heating does not mean abandoning gas: there will be plenty of work in both gas and low-carbon heating for many years to come. Multi-skilled installers who can offer advice about a variety of heating technologies will be in high demand. www.logic4training.co.uk

energy bills? Would any of your customers be willing to say a few words to camera?

Statistically, people are far more likely to click on a video than static pictures.

9 Go digital

HMRC is pushing all businesses towards making their accounts digital (Making Tax Digital), but why not do it now? Keeping digital records will save you time and help you stay on top of your finances, improving billing by sending your invoices electronically.

Forget the yearly scramble for invoices and receipts: when everything is in one place, you can prepare your tax returns at the touch of a button.

10 Put aside cash for tax

The self-assessment system is often a source of real stress if you’re a sole trader or run a small business. Make a commitment to your mental health this year and put away money for tax as you go along. ■

Legislative, Normative & Informative

The Gas Safe Register Legislation & Standards Document List

Date issued: 1 January 2023

Introduction

This document defines all documents recognised by Gas Safe Register as being Legislative, Normative (gas standards) and Informative reference documents.

Some documents may only be available as hard copy documents, but the majority are available to download, either via Gas Safe Register’s engineer website or from the organisation or body promoting the document. In some cases, the document is only available for purchase from the organisation or a recognised supplier.

Hierarchy of legislation and standards

In this document list, the hierarchy of documents within the following tables is defined in order of significance.

Detailed first are Statutory Acts or regulations that are legally enforceable. These are followed by a recognised list of documents known as ‘Second Tier’ documents. This series of documents provides practical guidance on ways to comply with the functional requirements of Regulations. This guidance is not law, but provides information that, if followed correctly, will ensure that legal obligations have been met.

Where someone chooses to depart from this guidance, they will need to ensure that the method chosen provides equivalent or better standards of safety than the relevant published guidance. The guidance provided within appropriate second-tier documents will be used to assess compliance.

The next tier of documents is gas industry standards that are aimed specifically at the installation, commissioning or maintenance of gas equipment (pipework, appliances, etc). These are known as Normative Documents and are referred to as ‘Gas Industry Standards’. These documents, in conjunction with any available manufacturer’s instructions, will be used by Gas Safe Register to assess compliance.

Finally, the remaining listings provide details of links to other available information that is considered useful to help registered businesses comply with

their obligations and assist them in carrying out their day-to-day activities. These are referred to as Informative Documents.

1. Hierarchy of documents Legislation

In this section, the listed documents are those brought to the Statute Book by an Act of Parliament and are referenced as Statutory Instruments (SI) or equivalent. These are the law in the respective countries as stated and must be followed. The SI

Reference number (or equivalent) is preceded by the year of it being added to the Statute Book, ie, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 has an SI Number of 1998:2451.

Regulations are in general written in a format that provides high-level requirements.

Documents supporting legislation

These documents provide practical guidance on ways to comply with the functional requirements of the Regulations. For the Building Regulations, these are outlined in a series of Approved Documents (AD) published by the appropriate government department responsible for the Regulations.

The ADs that currently apply to gas work are:

• A Structure

• B Fire safety

• F Ventilation

• G3 Hot water storage

• J Heat producing appliances

• L Conservation of fuel and power

• M Access to and use of buildings

• P Electrical safety in dwellings.

Each document contains general guidance on the performance expected of materials and building work in order to comply with each of the requirements of the Building Regulations; and practical examples and solutions on how to achieve compliance for some of the more common building situations.

2. Gas Industry Standards

In this section are all the Gas Industry Standards published by

the three current Standard Setting Bodies, which are:

• British and European Standards (BSI)

• Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM)

• Liquid Gas UK (formerly known as UKLPG).

One standard is published by National Caravan Council (NCC).

3. Documents under review

If it is known that the three-month validity period coincides with a period of time in which a standard being revised is out for public comment, the final date for comment will be included.

Gas Safe Register will use best endeavours to keep the documents under review as up to date as possible, but the Register is NOT responsible for reviewing, revising or updating industry standards. Where a registered business or industry stakeholder has an enquiry about revisions to guidance documents, this should be directed to the relevant Standard Setting Body.

Comments on draft standards can be submitted to:

• British and European Standards (BSI)

https://standardsdevelopment. bsigroup.com (registration required)

• Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (IGEM) www.igem. org.uk/technical-services/ comment-on-draft-standards/

4. Links to online documents

When viewing this document online, hyperlinks are active, so that you can open the document and read it or save it for later use.

However, all saved documents will be considered as uncontrolled versions and you should check that you are referencing the current version.

5. Inspections undertaken by Gas Safe Register

When Gas Safe Register inspects work undertaken by registered gas businesses in Great Britain, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and Guernsey, in the first instance, it will assess against the manufacturer’s installation

instructions. Where these are not available or relevant, it will inspect against the criteria as specified within legislative documents and relevant gas industry standards. However, it is recognised that, due to the differences of individual legislation used in different geographical areas, there will be some differences in application. While conducting inspections, due regard will be taken of the requirements of all appropriate guidance.

6. General

This Gas Safe Register document will be updated and republished on, or about, the following dates each year:

• 1 January

• 1 April

• 1 July

• 1 October.

If you identify an error in this document, or you are aware of reference documents that may be useful that you think should be added to future editions, please email: technical@ gassaferegister.co.uk

BSI, IGEM and Liquid Gas UK develop and publish guidance with the help of industry in the form of committees. Gas Safe Register does not have any responsibility for the development and publication of this type of guidance document. Where registered businesses and stakeholders have questions regarding these guidance documents, they should be directed to the relevant Standard Setting Body.

SECTION 7: LEGISLATION

Health & Safety Legislation

Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (GB)

The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (GB)

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 (GB) Health & Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978

Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (of Parliament) (As applied to Isle of Man)

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2003 (As applied to Isle of Man)

The Health & Safety at Work (General) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1987 As Amended – Version May 2016

Gas Safety Legislation

The Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 (England, Scotland & Wales)

The Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2004 Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1994 as amended & applied by the Gas Safety (Application) Order 1996 (As applied to Isle of Man)

The Health & Safety (Gas) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2006 As Amended Version – May 2016

Approved Code of Practice ‘Safe Work with Gas Systems and Appliances’ – Jersey

The Gas Appliances (Safety) Regulations 1995 (As applied in the United Kingdom)

The General Product Safety Regulations 2005

The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996 (As applied in Great Britain)

The Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1997 (As applied in Northern Ireland)

Gas Safety (Rights of Entry) Regulations 1996 as applied to Great Britain

Schedule 5 (Powers of Entry, etc) of The Gas (Northern Ireland) Order 1996

Gas Safety (Rights of Entry) Regulations 1983 as applied by the Gas Safety (Application) Order 1996 (Isle of Man)

Part 7 of The Health & Safety (Gas) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 2006 As Amended Version May 2016

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences (RIDDOR)

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR) (GB)

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1999 (RIDDOR) (Isle of Man)

The Health & Safety at Work (General) (Guernsey) Ordinance, 1987 (includes RIDDOR-type reporting)

Building Legislation

Building Regulations (England and Wales) 2010

Building and Buildings, England & Wales, The Building Regulations & C (Amendment) Regulations 2015

Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations 2004

Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2010

Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2011

Building (Miscellaneous Amendments) (Scotland) Regulations 2013

Building (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2022

Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

The Building (Guernsey) Regulations 2012

Building Bylaws (Jersey) 2007

Building Regulations 2014

Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 (Great Britain)

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2007

The Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2003 (As applied to Isle of Man)

Building Control (Approved Documents) Order 2014 (As applied to Isle of Man)

Other Legislation

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

The Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) (GB)

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) (GB)

The Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016

The Pressure Equipment (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (UK)

The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (GB)

Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 (GB)

Control of Asbestos at Work (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2003

The Control of Asbestos Regulations (GB) 2012

The Control of Asbestos Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012

Managing asbestos (Isle of Man)

HSE Guernsey – Management of Exposure to Asbestos in Workplace Buildings and Structures – ACOP

HSE Guernsey – Control of Asbestos – ACOP 2017

The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (GB)

Electricity At Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991

Note 1: Further information on ordinances in Guernsey at: www.gov.gg/hseguidance

Note 2: Further information on legislation in the Isle of Man at: www.gov.im/about-the-government/ departments/environment-foodand-agriculture/environment-safetyand-health-directorate/healthand-safety-at-work-inspectorate/ legislation/

SECTION 8: DOCUMENTS SUPPORTING LEGISLATION

Key Approved Documents to the Building Regulations (England)

Approved Document 7: Materials and workmanship

B: Fire Safety – Volume 1: Dwelling houses

B: Fire Safety – Volume 2: Buildings other than dwelling houses

F: Ventilation

G: Sanitation, hot water safety & water efficiency (2016 edition)

J: Combustion Appliances & Fuel Storage Systems

L: Conservation of fuel and power –Volume 1: Dwellings

L: Conservation of fuel and power – Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings

Second tier documents to the Building Regulations – England Code for Sustainable Homes & Technical Guide December 2014 Building Energy Performance Assessment

Key approved documents to the Building Regulations (Wales)

B: Fire Safety – Volume 1: Dwelling houses

B: Fire Safety – Volume 2: Buildings other than dwelling houses

F: Ventilation

G: Sanitation, hot water safety & water efficiency (2016 edition)

J: Combustion Appliances & Fuel Storage Systems

L: Conservation of fuel and power Volume 1 – Dwellings

L: Conservation of fuel and power Volume 2 – Buildings other than dwellings Out for comments

Second tier documents to the Building Regulations – Wales Code for Sustainable Homes & Technical Guide December 2014 Building Energy Performance Assessment

Key Approved Documents to the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations (Domestic)

Scottish Technical Handbook (Domestic)

Section 2 – Domestic Fire Section 3 – Domestic Environment Section 6 – Domestic Energy Building Energy Performance Assessment

Key Approved Documents to the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations (Non-domestic)

Scottish Technical Handbook (Non-Domestic)

Section 2 – Non-Domestic Fire Section 3 – Non-Domestic Environment Section 6 – Non-Domestic Energy

Second tier documents to the Building Standards (Scotland) Regulations

Scottish Government Guide to the Condensing Boiler Installation Assessment

Building Energy Performance Assessment

Key Approved Documents to the Building Standards (Regulations) Northern Ireland

DFP Technical Booklet C: 2012 –Site preparation & resistance to moisture

DFP Technical Booklet E: 2012 –Fire Safety

DFP Technical Booklet C: 2012 –Site preparation & resistance to moisture

DFP Technical Booklet E: 2012 –Fire Safety

DFP Technical Booklet F1: 2012 –Conservation of fuel & power in dwellings

DFP Technical Booklet F2: 2012 –Conservation of fuel & power in buildings other than dwellings

DFP Technical Booklet K: 2012 –Ventilation

DFP Technical Booklet L: 2012 –Combustion appliances & fuel storage systems

DFP Technical Booklet P: 2012 –Sanitary appliances, unvented hot water storage systems and reducing the risk of scalding

Building Energy Performance Assessment

Key Approved Documents to the Building Regulations Isle of Man (IoM)

B – Fire Safety – Fire safety (2022 Edition)

F – Ventilation (2022 Edition)

J – Combustion Appliances & Fuel Storage Systems (2022 Edition)

L1 – Conservation of Fuel & Power in Dwellings (2022 Edition)

L2 – Conservation of Fuel & Power in Buildings other than Dwellings (2022 Edition)

> Building Energy Performance Assessment

Key Approved Documents to the Building Bylaws (Guernsey) –Channel Islands

B – Fire Safety – Volume 1: Dwelling houses

B – Fire Safety – Volume 2: Buildings other than dwelling houses

F – Ventilation

J – Heat producing appliances & Fuel Storage Systems

L1 – Conservation of Fuel & Power in Dwellings

L2 – Conservation of Fuel & Power – Buildings other than Dwellings Building Energy Performance Assessment

Key Approved Documents to the Building Bylaws (Jersey) –Channel Islands

Part 2 – Fire Safety

Part 3 – Combustion appliances and Fuel Storage Systems

Part 5 – Ventilation

Part 11 – Conservation of Fuel and Power

HSE Publications and other Approved Codes of Practice (Great Britain)

L21 – Management of Health & Safety at Work Withdrawn. See HSG65 below

L24 – Workplace health, safety & welfare (ACoP & Guidance) 2nd Edition

L25 – Personal Protective Equipment at Work

L56 – Safety in the Installation & use of Gas Systems & Appliances –Approved Code of Practice

L80 – A guide to the Gas Safety (Management) Regulations 1996

L108 – Controlling noise at work –The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 – Guidance on Regulations

L122 – Safety of pressure systems – Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 – Approved Code of Practice (Second Edition)

L138 – Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres. Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. Approved Code of Practice & Guidance

L143 – Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (ACoP) – The management of asbestos in non-domestic premises, and Work with materials containing asbestos (Second Edition) Incorporating previous L127

L144 – Managing health & safety in construction – Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2015 Approved Code of Practice

HSG47 – Avoiding danger from underground services –Third edition 2014

HSG48 – Reducing error & influencing behaviour

HSG65 – Managing for Health & Safety Management –Third Edition – 2013

HSG85 – Electricity at Work – Safe working practices – Third Edition 2013

HSG97 – A step by step guide to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessment (see also COSHH Essential Guidance publications)

HSG137 – Health Risk Management – A practical guide for managers in small & medium-sized enterprises

HSG176 – The storage of flammable liquids in tanks

HSG210 – Asbestos Essentials –A task manual for building, maintenance & allied trades on non-licensed asbestos work (Free task sheets)

HSG213 – Introduction to Asbestos Essentials

HSG250 – Guidance on permit-towork systems: A guide for the petroleum, chemical & allied industries

HSG253 – The safe isolation of plant and equipment (Second edition)

HSG261 – Health & safety in motor vehicle repair and associated industries

EH40 – Occupational Exposure Limits (2020)

INDG163 (rev4) – Risk assessment (A brief guide to controlling risks in the workplace)

INDG223 (rev5) – Managing asbestos in buildings (A brief guide)

INDG231 (rev1) – Electrical safety and you (A brief guide)

INDG258 (rev1) – Confined spaces (A brief guide to working safely)

INDG428 (08/09) – Inspecting and maintaining or replacing buried metallic pipework carrying LPG vapour

INDG223 – Manage buildings? You must manage asbestos

INDG370 (rev1) – Controlling Fire and explosion risks in the workplace – A brief guide to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regs

INDG453 (rev1) – Reporting accidents and incidents at work. A brief guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR)

HSE aO – Advice on non-licensed work with Asbestos. Introduction to ‘Asbestos essentials’ task sheets

Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Essentials guidance publications

Building Bulletin 101 – Ventilation of school buildings (Called up in IGEM/ UP/11 Edition 2)

LAQM.TG(09) Local Air Quality Management – Technical Guidance

CAIS10 (Revision 2) – Ventilation of kitchens in catering establishments (7.12)

CAIS23 (Revision 2) – Gas safety in catering and hospitality (July 2013 version aimed at those operating catering and hospitality businesses)

Note 3: Further asbestos-related guidance at: www.hse.gov.uk/ asbestos/essentials/index.htm

Note 4: Further Health and Safety Guidance (HSG) publications at: www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/ index-hsg-ref.htm

HSENI Publications and other Approved Codes of Practice (Northern Ireland)

A guide to the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1997 L56 Safety in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances –GB ACOP approved for use in NI Memorandum of guidance on the Electricity at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1991

Note 5: Further information on Northern Ireland Approved Codes of Practice and guidance notes at: www.hseni.gov.uk/publications

HSE Publications and other Approved Codes of Practice (Guernsey)

Safety in the Installation & Use of Gas Systems & Appliances. The Health & Safety (Gas) (Guernsey) Ordinance 2006

The Organisation & Management of Health & Safety in Construction (Guernsey)

Reporting an Injury, Disease or Dangerous Occurrence (Guernsey) Note 6: Further information on Approved Codes of Practice and guidance notes for gas safety and other important issues at: www.gov. gg/hseguidance

SECTION 9: GAS INDUSTRY STANDARDS

British & European Standards

BS 4163: 2014 Health and safety for design and technology in schools and similar establishments – Code of practice

BS 5440-1: 2008 Flueing & ventilation for gas appliances of rated input not exceeding 70kW net (1st, 2nd & 3rd family gases) Specification for installation of gas appliances to chimneys & for maintenance of chimneys. Under review

BS 5440-2: 2009 Installation & maintenance of flues & ventilation for gas appliances of rated input not exceeding 70kW net (1st, 2nd & 3rd family gases). Specification for installation & maintenance of ventilation provision for gas appliances. Under review

BS 5546: 2010 Specification for installation & maintenance of

gas-fired water-heating appliances of rated input not exceeding 70kW net

PD 54823: 2016 Code of practice for domestic butane & propane gas-burning installations. Installations in boats, yachts & other vessels

BS 5864: 2019 Installation & maintenance of gas-fired ducted air heaters of rated input not exceeding 70kW net (2nd & 3rd family gases).

Specification

BS 5871-1: 2005 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers & decorative fuel-effect gas appliances – Gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers & heating stoves (1st, 2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 5871-2: 2005 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers & decorative fuel-effect gas appliances – Inset live fuel-effect gas fires of heat input not exceeding 15kW & fire/back boilers (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 5871-3: 2005 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers & decorative fuel effect gas appliances – Decorative fuel-effect gas appliances of heat input not exceeding 20kW (net) (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 5871-4: 2007 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers & decorative fuel effect gas appliances – Independent gas-fired flueless fires, convector heaters & heating stoves of nominal heat input not exceeding 6kW (net) (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 6172: 2010 + A1 2017

Specification for installation, servicing and maintenance of domestic gas cooking appliances (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 6173: 2020 Specification for installation of gas-fired catering appliances for use in all types of catering establishments (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 6230: 2011 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas-fired forced convection air heaters for commercial & industrial space heating (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 6400-1: 2016 Specification for installation, exchange, relocation, maintenance and removal of gas meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6m3/h – Part 1 –Low pressure (2nd family gases)

BS 6400-2: 2018 Specification for installation, exchange, relocation & removal of gas meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6m3/h (2nd & 3rd family gases) –Medium pressure (2nd family gases)

BS 6400-3: 2007 Specification for installation, exchange, relocation & removal of gas meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6m3/h – Low & medium pressure (3rd family gases)

BS 6644: 2011 Specification for Installation of gas-fired hot water boilers of rated inputs between 70kW (net) & 1.8MW (net) (2nd & 3rd family gases) – Incorporating Corrigendum No. 1

BS 6798: 2014 Specification for selection, installation, inspection, commissioning, servicing and maintenance of gas-fired boilers of rated input not exceeding 70kW net BS 6891: 2015 + A1 2019 Specification for the installation and maintenance of low-pressure gas installation pipework of up to 35mm (R1¼) on premises

BS 6896: 2011 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas-fired overhead radiant heaters for industrial & commercial heating (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 7624: 2004 Specification for installation & maintenance of domestic direct gas-fired tumble dryers of up to 6kW heat input (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 7671: 2018 + A2: 2022 Requirements for electrical installations. Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Wiring Regulations (formally IEE Wiring Regulations) – Eighteenth edition. Amendment to existing guidance document

BS 7967: 2015 Guide for the use of electronic portable combustion gas analysers for the measurement of carbon monoxide in dwellings and the combustion performance of domestic gas-fired appliances

BS 7967-5: 2010 Carbon monoxide in dwellings & other premises & the combustion performance of gas-fired appliances – Guide for using electronic portable combustion gas analysers in non-domestic premises for the measurement of carbon monoxide & carbon dioxide levels & the determination of combustion performance

BS 8313: 1997 Code of practice for accommodation of building services in ducts

BS 8446: 2020 Specification for the installation & maintenance of open-flued, non-domestic gas-fired laundry appliances.

BS 8660-1: 2011 Gas-fired micro-cogeneration appliances of rated thermal input not exceeding 70kW net Part 1: Specification for selection, installation, inspection, commissioning, servicing and maintenance of Stirling engine micro-cogeneration appliances

BS EN 721: 2019 Leisure accommodation vehicles –Safety ventilation requirements

BS EN 751-1:1997 Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact with 1st, 2nd & 3rd family gases & hot water. Anaerobic jointing compounds

BS EN 751-2:1997 Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact with 1st, 2nd & 3rd family gases & hot water. Non-hardening jointing compounds

BS EN 751-3:1997 Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact with 1st, 2nd & 3rd family gases & hot water. Unsintered PTFE tapes

BS EN 1775: 2007 Gas supply pipework for buildings – Maximum operating pressure loss ≤5bar –Functional requirements

BS EN 12327: 2012 Gas infrastructure – Pressure testing, commissioning and decommissioning procedures –Functional requirements

BS EN 50292: 2013 Electrical apparatus for the detection of carbon monoxide in domestic premises – Guide on the selection, installation, use & maintenance

BS EN 15001-1: 2009 Gas installation pipework with an operating pressure greater than 0.5bar for industrial installations & greater than 5bar for industrial & non-industrial installations –Detailed functional requirements for design, materials, construction, inspection & testing

BS EN 15001-2: 2008 Gas installation pipework with an operating pressure greater than 0.5bar for industrial installations & greater than 5bar for industrial & non-industrial installations –Detailed functional requirements for commissioning, operation & maintenance

BS EN ISO 10239: 2017 Small craft – Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems. Under review

BS EN 13410: 2001 Gas-fired overhead radiant heaters –Ventilation requirements for non-domestic premises (Amd Jan 03)

BS EN 1749: 2020 European scheme for the classification of gas appliances according to the method of evacuation of the products of combustion

Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers Documents (IGEM)

IGE/UP/1 Strength & tightness testing & purging of industrial & commercial gas installations (inc Amd published March 05).

Under review

IGE/UP/1A Strength testing, tightness testing & direct purging of small low pressure industrial & commercial Natural gas installations (inc amendments published March 2005). Under review

IGEM/UP/1B Tightness testing and direct purging of small Liquefied Petroleum Gas/Air, Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas installations (with Amendments October 2012). Out for public comment

IGEM/UP/1C Strength testing, tightness testing & direct purging of natural gas and LPG meter installations

IGEM/UP/2 Installation pipework on industrial and commercial premises. Under review

IGEM/UP/3 Gas fuelled spark ignition and dual-fuel engines. Under review

IGEM/UP/4 Commissioning of gas fired plant on industrial & commercial premises

IGEM/UP/6 Application of compressors to Natural Gas fuel systems

IGE/UP/7 Gas installations in timber framed & light steel framed buildings (inc amendments published October 2008)

Note 7: IGE/UP/7 – Edition 2 is available free at: www.igem.org. uk/technical-services/technicalgas-standards/utilisation/ ige-up-7-edition-2-a-2008-gasinstallations-in-timber-framed-andlight-steel-framed-buildings/

IGE/UP/9 Application of Natural Gas and fuel oil systems to Gas turbines and supplementary and auxiliary fired burners. Revision expected

IGEM/UP/10 – Edition 4 with amendments – March 2016

Installation of flued gas appliances in industrial and commercial premises

IGEM/UP/11 Gas installations in educational establishments

IGEM/UP/12 Application of burners and controls to gas fired process plant. Under review

IGEM/UP/16 Design for Natural Gas installations on industrial and commercial premises with respect to hazardous area classification and preparation of risk assessments

IGEM/UP/17 Shared chimney and flue systems for domestic gas appliances

IGEM/UP/18 Gas installations for vehicle repair and bodyshops (Replaced British Gas Technical Publication IM/28: 1993)

IGEM/UP/19 Edition 2 Design and application of interlock devices and associated systems used with gas appliance installations in commercial catering establishments

IGEM/GL/8 Reporting and investigation of gas related incidents. Under review

IGE/GL/9 Guidance for large gas consumers in dealing with Natural Gas supply emergencies. Available free at: http://www.igem.org.uk/ technical-services/technical-gasstandards/legislation/igem-gl-9/ IGE/TD/4 Gas Services. Revision expected

IGEM/G/1 Defining the end of the Network, a meter installation and installation pipework. Under review

IGEM/G/4 Definitions in the Gas Industry. Under review

IGEM/G/5 Gas in multi-occupancy buildings. Revised guidance document

IGEM/G/6 Gas supplies to mobile dwellings. Out for public comment IGEM/G/7 Risk Assessment Techniques

IGEM/G/10 Non-return valves

IGEM/G/11 Edition 2 with amendments July 2022 The Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP)

Note 8: IGEM/G/11 is available free at: www.igem.org.uk/technicalservices/technical-gas-standards/ general/igem-g-11-edition-2gas-industry-unsafe-situationsprocedure/

IGEM/G/11 Supplement 1

Responding to domestic CO alarm activations/reports of fumes after attendance by the emergency service provider or the Liquid Petroleum Gas supplier

Note 9: IGEM/G/11 Supplement 1 is available free at www. igem.org.uk/technical-services/ technical-gas-standards/general/ igem-g-11-supplement-1responding-to-domestic-co-alarmactivations-reports-of-fumes

IGEM/G/13 Domestic supply capacity and operating pressure at the outlet of the meter

Note 10: IGEM/G/13 is available free at www.igem.org.uk/technicalservices/technical-gas-standards/ general/igem-g-13-domesticsupply-capacity-and-operatingpressure-at-the-outlet-of-the-meter

IGE/GM/4 Flow metering practice for pressures between 38 & 100bar IGE/GM/5 Selection, installation & use of electronic gas meter volume conversion systems. Under review

IGEM/GM/6 Edition 3 Non-domestic meter installations – Standard designs

IGEM/GM/7A Electrical connections for gas metering equipment

IGEM/GM/7B Hazardous area classification for gas metering equipment

IGEM/GM/8 – Pt 1 Non-domestic meter installations. Flow rate exceeding 6m3/h-1 & inlet pressure not exceeding 38bar Design

IGEM/GM/8 – Pt 2 Non-domestic meter installations. Location, housings and compounds

IGEM/GM/8 – Pt 3 Non-domestic meter installations. Installation and commissioning

IGEM/GM/8 – Pt 4 Non-domestic meter installations. Operation and maintenance

IGEM/GM/8 – Pt 5 Non-domestic meter installations. Notices and labels

IGEM/IG/1 Standards of Training in Gas Work

Note 11: IGEM/IG/1 is available free at: www.igem.org.uk/technicalservices/technical-gas-standards/ industry-guidance/igem-ig-1-ed2-standards-of-training-in-gas-work/

IGEM/IG/1 Supplement 1 Standards of Training in Gas Work, Nondomestic training specification

Note 12: IGEM/IG/1 Supplement 1 is available free at: www.igem.org. uk/technical-services/technical-gasstandards/industry-guidance/igemig-1-supplement-1-non-domestictraining-specification/

IGEM/IG/2 Engineer’s Guide to relevant sections of IGEM/UP/19 in catering establishments

Note 13: IGEM/IG/2 is available free at: www.igem.org.uk/technicalservices/technical-gas-standards/ industry-guidance/igem-ig-2guidance-for-gas-engineers/ IGEM/G/7 Risk assessment techniques

IGEM/SR/25 Hazardous area classification of natural gas installations (with amendments July 2013). Under review

IGEM/SR/29 Dealing with gas escapes

IGEM/H/1 Reference Standard for low pressure hydrogen utilisation

Note 14: IGEM/H/1 is available free at: www.igem.org.uk/technicalservices/technical-gas-standards/ hydrogen/igem-h-1-referencestandard-for-low-pressurehydrogen-utilisation/

Liquid Gas UK Codes of Practice (CoP)

UKLPG – LPG Technical Fundamentals

CoP 1 Part 1 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations – Design, installation & Operation of Vessels Located Above Ground

CoP 1 Part 2 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations – Small bulk installations for domestic purposes

CoP 1 Part 3 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed installations – Examination & Inspection

CoP 1 Part 4 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations – Buried/Mounded LPG Storage Vessels

CoP 7 Storage of full & empty LPG cylinders & cartridges. Revised guidance document

CoP 17 Purging LPG vessels & systems

CoP 21 Guidelines for Safety Checks on LPG appliances in Caravans (Including Amendment Aug 2000)

CoP 22 Including Amd 1 Design Installation and Testing of LPG Piping Systems.

Revised guidance document

CoP 24 Part 1 Use of LPG Cylinders – At residential & similar premises

CoP 24 Part 3 Use of LPG for Commercial Catering Events, Street Food and Mobile Catering

CoP 24 Part 5 Use of LPG Cylinders – Storage & use of LPG on construction sites

CoP 24 Part 6 Use of Propane in cylinders at commercial & industrial premises

CoP 25 LPG Central storage & distribution systems for multiple consumers (Including Amendment 1 2008)

CoP 32 Liquid Gas UK CoP 32 LPG systems in Leisure Accommodation Vehicles and Road Vehicles with Habitation – Post Delivery Inspection, Commissioning and Maintenance

GN 2 A guide to servicing cabinet heaters

SECTION 10:

OTHER INFORMATIVE DOCUMENTS AND USEFUL REFERENCES

Liquid Gas UK Consumer Guidance Sheets (CGS)

CGS 01 Mobile Bottled Gas Heaters and Condensation

CGS 03 The Use of LPG Cylinders Indoors

CGS 04 LPG Patio Heaters –Safe Use

CGS 05 LPG Hose and Tubing for use with Vapour Offtake Cylinders

CGS 20 Camping Safely

CGS 22 Owning Your Own LPG Storage Vessel

CGS 25 LPG Installation Record & Documentation

CGS 28 Safe Use of Propane and Butane Cylinders and Cartridges

CGS 37 Guidance for Private Ownership and Filling of LPG Cylinders

CGS 39 Regulators – Safe Use

Note 15: Liquid Gas UK Consumer Guidance Sheets (CGS) are available at: www.liquidgasuk.org/ domestic/consumer-guidancesheets

Other Industry Procedures/ Documents

DW/172 Specification for kitchen ventilation systems

IGEM/G/11 Edition 2 with amendments July 2022 The Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP)

This can be viewed by logging into your online account at: www. gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in or the IGEM website at: https://www.igem. org.uk/technical-services/ technical-gas-standards/general/ igem-g-11-edition-2-gas-industryunsafe-situations-procedure/

All Technical Bulletins

For further information see TB 1000. This can be viewed by logging into your online account at: www. gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in

All Gas Safe Register Safety Alerts

This can be viewed by logging into your online account at: www. gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in

All Gas Safe Register Industry Standard Updates

This can be viewed by logging into your online account at: www. gassaferegister.co.uk/sign-in Note 16: Gas Safe registered businesses can find up-to-date manufacturer’s instructions/ information for a wide range of heating appliances, notably boilers and warm air heating appliances, on the HHIC’s website. More information at: https://installersfirst. co.uk/register

SECTION 11: ACCESS TO INDUSTRY STANDARDS FROM GAS SAFE REGISTER

The Industry Standard numbers highlighted below are those included in the list of current Industry Standards available on a subscription basis to the majority of Gas Safe registered businesses.

To subscribe, log into your online account at: www.gassaferegister. co.uk/sign-in and choose Standards Subscriptions.

Choose and pay for a one or three-year subscription and then you will be able to access the normative documents.

BS 5440-1: 2008 Flueing & ventilation for gas appliances of rated input not exceeding 70kW net (1st, 2nd & 3rd family gases) Specification for installation of gas appliances to chimneys & for maintenance of chimneys

BS 5440-2: 2009 Installation & maintenance of flues & ventilation for gas appliances of rated input not exceeding 70kW net (1st, 2nd & 3rd family gases). Specification for installation & maintenance of ventilation provision for gas appliances

BS 5546: 2010 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas-fired water-heating appliances of rated input not exceeding 70kW net

PD 54823: 2016 Code of practice for domestic butane & propane gas-burning installations. Installations in boats, yachts & other vessels

BS 5864: 2019 Installation & maintenance of gas-fired ducted air heaters of rated input not exceeding 70kW net (2nd & 3rd family gases). Specification

BS 5871-1: 2005 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers & decorative fuel-effect gas appliances – Gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers & heating stoves (1st, 2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 5871-2: 2005 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers & decorative fuel-effect gas appliances – Inset live fuel-effect gas fires of heat input not exceeding 15kW & fire/back boilers (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 5871-3: 2005 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers & decorative fuel effect gas appliances – Decorative fuel-effect gas appliances of heat input not exceeding 20kW (net) (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 5871-4: 2007 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers & decorative fuel effect gas appliances – Independent gas-fired flueless fires, convector heaters & heating stoves of nominal heat input not exceeding 6kW (net) (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 6172: 2010 + A1 2017 Specification for installation, servicing and maintenance of domestic gas cooking appliances (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 6173: 2020 Specification for installation of gas-fired catering appliances for use in all types of catering establishments (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 6230: 2011 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas-fired forced convection air heaters for commercial & industrial space heating (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 6400-1: 2016 Specification for installation, exchange, relocation, maintenance and removal of gas meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6m3/h – Part 1 –Low pressure (2nd family gases)

BS 6400-2: 2018 Specification for installation, exchange, relocation & removal of gas meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6m3/h (2nd & 3rd family gases) –Medium pressure (2nd family gases)

BS 6400-3: 2007 Specification for installation, exchange, relocation & removal of gas meters with a maximum capacity not exceeding 6m3/h – Low & medium pressure (3rd family gases)

BS 6644: 2011 Specification for Installation of gas-fired hot water boilers of rated inputs between 70kW (net) & 1.8MW (net) (2nd & 3rd family gases) – Incorporating Corrigendum No. 1

BS 6798: 2014 Specification for selection, installation, inspection, commissioning, servicing and maintenance of gas-fired boilers of rated input not exceeding 70kW net

BS 6891: 2015 + A1 2019 Specification for the installation and maintenance of low-pressure gas installation pipework of up to 35mm (R1¼) on premises

BS 6896: 2011 Specification for installation & maintenance of gas-fired overhead radiant heaters for industrial & commercial heating (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 7624: 2004 Specification for installation & maintenance of domestic direct gas-fired tumble dryers of up to 6kW heat input (2nd & 3rd family gases)

BS 7967: 2015 Guide for the use of electronic portable combustion gas analysers for the measurement of carbon monoxide in dwellings and the combustion performance of domestic gas-fired appliances

BS 7967-5: 2010 Carbon monoxide in dwellings & other premises & the combustion performance of gas-fired appliances – Guide for using electronic portable combustion gas analysers in non-domestic premises for the measurement of carbon monoxide & carbon dioxide levels & the determination of combustion performance

BS 8446: 2020 Specification for the installation & maintenance of open-flued, non-domestic gas-fired laundry appliances

BS EN 721: 2019 Leisure accommodation vehicles –Safety ventilation requirements

BS EN 12327: 2012 Gas infrastructure – Pressure testing, commissioning and decommissioning procedures –Functional requirements

BS EN 15001-1: 2009 Gas installation pipework with an operating pressure greater than 0.5bar for industrial installations & greater than 5bar for industrial & non-industrial installations –Detailed functional requirements for design, materials, construction, inspection & testing

BS EN 15001-2: 2008 Gas installation pipework with an operating pressure greater than 0.5bar for industrial installations & greater than 5bar for industrial & non-industrial installations –Detailed functional requirements for commissioning, operation & maintenance

BS EN 1949: 2021 Specification for the installation of LPG systems for habitation purposes in leisure accommodation vehicles & accommodation purposes in other vehicles

BS EN ISO 10239: 2017 Small craft – Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems

BS EN 13410: 2001 Gas-fired overhead radiant heaters –Ventilation requirements for non-domestic premises (Amd Jan 03)

Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers Documents (IGEM)

IGEM/UP/1 Strength & tightness testing & purging of industrial & commercial gas installations (inc Amd published March 05)

IGEM/UP/1A Strength testing, tightness testing & direct purging of small low pressure industrial & commercial Natural gas installations (inc amendments published March 2005)

IGEM/UP/1B Tightness testing and direct purging of small Liquefied Petroleum Gas/Air, Natural Gas and Liquefied Petroleum Gas installations (with Amendments October 2012)

IGEM/UP/1C Strength testing, tightness testing & direct purging of natural gas and LPG meter installations

IGEM/UP/2 Installation pipework on industrial and commercial premises

IGEM/UP/3 Gas fuelled spark ignition and dual-fuel engines

IGEM/UP/4 Commissioning of gas fired plant on industrial & commercial premises

IGEM/UP/6 Application of compressors to Natural Gas fuel systems

IGEM/UP/7 Gas installations in timber framed & light steel framed buildings (inc amendments published October 2008). See Note 7

IGEM/UP/9 Application of Natural Gas and fuel oil systems to Gas turbines and supplementary and auxiliary fired burners

IGEM/UP/10 Installation of flued gas appliances in industrial and commercial premises

IGEM/UP/11 Gas installations in educational establishments

IGEM/UP/12 Application of burners and controls to gas fired process plant

IGEM/UP/16 Design for Natural Gas installations on industrial and commercial premises with respect to hazardous area classification and preparation of risk assessments

IGEM/UP/17 Shared chimney and flue systems for domestic gas appliances

IGEM/UP/18 Gas installations for vehicle repair and bodyshops (Replaced British Gas Technical Publication IM/28: 1993)

IGEM/UP/19 Design and application of interlock devices and associated systems used with gas appliance installations in commercial catering establishments

IGEM/GL/8 Reporting and investigation of gas related incidents

IGEM/GL/9 Guidance for large gas consumers in dealing with Natural Gas supply emergencies. Available free at: www.igem.org.uk/technicalservices/technical-gas-standards/ legislation/igem-gl-9/

IGEM/TD/4 Gas Services

IGEM/G/1 Defining the end of the Network, a meter installation and installation pipework

IGEM/G/4 Definitions in the Gas Industry

IGEM/G/5 Gas in multi-occupancy buildings

IGEM/G/6 Gas supplies to mobile dwellings

IGEM/G/11 The Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (GIUSP)

IGEM/G/11 Supplement 1 Responding to domestic CO alarm activations/reports of fumes after attendance by the emergency service provider or the Liquid Petroleum Gas supplier

IGEM/GM/4 Flow metering practice for pressures between 38 & 100bar IGEM/GM/5 Selection, installation & use of electronic gas meter volume conversion systems

IGEM/GM/6 Non-domestic meter installations – Standard designs

IGEM/GM/7A Electrical connections for gas metering equipment

IGEM/GM/7B Hazardous area classification for gas metering equipment

IGEM/GM/8 – Pt 1 Non-domestic meter installations. Flow rate exceeding 6m3/h-1 & inlet pressure not exceeding 38bar Design

IGEM/GM/8 – Pt 2 Non-domestic meter installations. Location, housings and compounds

IGEM/GM/8 – Pt 3 Non-domestic meter installations. Installation and commissioning

IGEM/GM/8 – Pt 4 Non-domestic meter installations. Operation and maintenance

IGEM/GM/8 – Pt 5 Non-domestic meter installations. Notices and labels

Liquid Gas UK Codes of Practice (CoP)

CoP 1 Part 1 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations – Design, installation & Operation of Vessels Located Above Ground

CoP 1 Part 2 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations – Small bulk installations for domestic purposes

CoP 1 Part 3 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed installations – Examination & Inspection

CoP 1 Part 4 Bulk LPG Storage at Fixed Installations – Buried/Mounded LPG Storage Vessels (Inc Amendment March 2013)

CoP 7 Storage of full & empty LPG cylinders & cartridges

CoP 17 Purging LPG vessels & systems

CoP 21 Guidelines for Safety Checks on LPG appliances in Caravans (Including Amendment Aug 2000)

CoP 22 Including Amd 1 Design Installation and Testing of LPG Piping Systems

CoP 24 Part 1 Use of LPG Cylinders – At residential & similar premises

CoP 24 Part 3 Use of LPG for Commercial Catering Events, Street Food and Mobile Catering

CoP 24 Part 5 Use of LPG Cylinders – Storage & use of LPG on construction sites

CoP 24 Part 6 Use of Propane in cylinders at commercial & industrial premises

CoP 25 LPG Central storage & distribution systems for multiple consumers (Including Amendment 1 2008)

CoP 32 Liquid Gas UK CoP 32 LPG systems in Leisure Accommodation Vehicles and Road Vehicles with Habitation – Post Delivery Inspection, Commissioning and Maintenance

GN 2 A guide to servicing cabinet heaters n

Stelrad extends radiator range

Stelrad has added new sizes to its premium K3 Henrad range and cast-iron column ranges.

The new additions are in the Stelrad Compact with Style range, in the Vita, Softline and Henrad Silhouette white and concept ranges; the Vita and Softline Deco and Henrad Everest, the Henrad Compact K3 and Stelrad and Henrad cast-iron column ranges. The additions meet the needs

of the increasing numbers of heat pumps systems being installed.

“As always we want to respond to our customers’ needs as quickly as we can,” says head of marketing Chris Harvey.

“All our flipbook brochures have been updated to show the wider ranges available and these are available at www.stelrad.com and www.henrad.co.uk.”

Smart service toolkit for Navien boilers

Navien’s new smart service toolkit makes servicing and maintenance easier. The diagnostic device monitors and diagnoses customers’ boilers based on live data. Navien’s technical engineers can view the data offsite and advise how to deal with any issues, according to the boiler’s status.

The smart service toolkit is compatible with the NCB700 ON, NCB500 ON and NCB300 gas boilers and LCB700 Blue Flame oil boilers and can also be used to check product information, error logs and service history, as well as customise settings according to the user’s needs.

The device is connected to the boiler via a supplied cable and links to a dedicated smartphone app via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Both data and firmware are transferred via the app, which connects with Navien’s servers to provide the

latest updates.

The smart service toolkit app displays a technical graph, enabling a visual assessment of the boiler’s status. The unit also allows each sensor to be checked and monitored.

National technical manager Sean Keleher says: “The Navien smart service toolkit now makes it even easier for installers to conduct boiler servicing and maintenance.”

www.navien.co.uk

Abingdon & Witney College offers a professional, workplace-like environment with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to our partnerships with leading manufacturers and technology companies.

Bicester Construction Skills Centre offers a professional, workplace-like environment with state-of-the-art equipment thanks to our partnerships with leading manufacturers and technology companies.

Interested? We have an exciting opportunity for a you!

Interested? We have an opportunity for a you!

Plumber Trainer Opportunity (up to £ 43K*)

We will support you on your journey to transfer your skills as a professional Plumber to professional Plumber Trainer in our friendly and supportive workplace environment. You choose whether you work on a permanent or fixed term contract on either full-time or part-time hours. Not only that, but here at Abingdon & Witney College we offer employee benefits such as:

Plumber Trainer Opportunity (up to £ 43K*) - Bicester We will support you on your journey to transfer your skills as a professional Plumber to professional Plumber Trainer in our friendly and supportive workplace environment. You choose whether you work on a permanent or fixed term contract on either full-time or part-time hours. Not only that, but here at Abingdon & Witney College we offer employee benefits such as:

• generous pension and holiday schemes (37 days paid annual leave, plus bank holidays and potential Christmas closure days)

• generous pension and holiday schemes (37 days paid annual leave, plus bank holidays and potential Christmas closure days)

• flexible working options

• flexible working options

• salary of up to £43k including Tech Allowance*

• salary of up to £43k including Tech Allowance*

• corporate gym membership, cycle/tech scheme and more.

• corporate gym membership, cycle/tech scheme and more.

Get in touch to arrange an informal chat about this exciting opportunity, or to arrange a visit to our Bicester site.

Contact: humanresources@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

Come along to our Recruitment Fair on the 21st January, 9:00am - 12:00pm, or get in touch to arrange an informal chat about this exciting opportunity. To arrange a visit to the site, contact: humanresources@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

Are you an experienced Plumber looking to pass on your skills to the next generation?

If so, we want to hear from you!

Competition

Perk up your loyalty points and win

If you haven’t joined the Worcester Bosch Excelerate scheme yet, maybe now’s the time to sit down with a nice cup of barista-style coffee and discover why it’s the loyalty scheme that really does put you in the driving seat.

Excelerate helps you reach the goals you have for your business. Progressing up the ‘loyalty ladder’ is a seamless journey, with one clear and open road to collect more and more benefits.

When you sign up and start registering your boiler installations, you’re instantly on the road to valuable rewards. You’ll earn points for every boiler you install that you can spend on the things that appeal most to you, whether that’s new power tools, shopping vouchers, Bosch white goods, training, digital support and much, much more.

As you accumulate points, you can re-tune your benefits to earn those that suit you best. The farther you go, the more the rewards and exclusive benefits add up.

As you move through the levels, you will unlock more points for every boiler you install. It’s all you need to excel.

Find out more and sign up at:

www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/Excelerate

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By entering this prize draw, you agree to these terms and conditions:

• Registered Gas Engineer and Worcester Bosch do not accept responsibility for lost, delayed, corrupted or invalid entries.

• The winner will be chosen at random from all correct answers submitted in accordance with these terms and conditions.

• The winners will be notified by email. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

• The prize cannot be substituted or upgraded.

• The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash alternative.

• Registered Gas Engineer and Worcester Bosch may disqualify you from winning if they have reasonable grounds to suspect that you are in breach of these terms and conditions or your participation is fraudulent or otherwise unlawful.

• This draw is not open to employees of Worcester Bosch, Gas Safe Register or Registered Gas Engineer or their direct family members or agents.

• Registered Gas Engineer and Worcester Bosch do not accept any responsibility for any network

Your chance to win

For your chance to win a fully automatic bean-to-cup EQ.300 machine, which makes amazing coffee at the touch of a button, just answer the following question correctly:

What is the name of the Worcester Bosch loyalty scheme?

a) Excelerate b) Exacerbate c) Exaggerate

Send your answer plus your name, address and registration number to: competition@ registeredgasengineer.co.uk

One winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries received by the closing date of Tuesday 31 January 2023.

connection, technical failure or other problem in any telephone line, network, system, provider or otherwise which results in any entry not being properly recorded or received.

• One entry per person.

• Your entry details will be provided to Worcester Bosch, which may use them for marketing purposes. By entering this competition, you agree that you may receive communications from Worcester Bosch. If you do not wish to be contacted, please add NO COMMUNICATIONS in your email entry.