Brits urged to take the Gas Safety Challenge

Nine in 10 homeowners reckon they could spot the signs and symptoms of unsafe gas in their homes. And almost all (98 per cent) say that their home would be up to the challenge if a gas engineer were to knock on their door and carry out a gas safety spot check.

But when Gas Safe Register put 2,000 homeowners through a nine-question Gas Safety Challenge, just four (0.2 per cent) got all the questions right.

The Register’s national survey quizzed people on the key things they should know, including how flames on gas hobs should look, flue blockages, boiler error codes and smells, and the sounds and sights around the home that signal something could be wrong.

Against a backdrop of stretched household budgets, one-third of homeowners say they may skip their annual gas safety check. And as well as encouraging them to get their appliances checked, the Register wants them to get more clued up on the signs and symptoms of unsafe gas appliances and the simple, free ways they can make sure their home is safe.

Its Gas Safety Challenge is a

You could save £22 with direct debit

You can now set up a direct debit to renew your registration right up until your registration expiry date. When you set up a direct debit, you’ll be able to:

• Set up the direct debit to pay once a year or in interestfree monthly payments

• Save £22 if you choose the one-off payment option because you’ll pay the online fee

• Choose either the 1st or the 18th of the month to pay your direct debit to the Customer Service team on 0800 408 5577 during opening hours. You can also use 24-hour telephone system. You’ll need your telephone PIN, which is included on your renewal invitation.

• Amend your direct debit instruction at any time. It is covered by the Direct Debit Guarantee. You may find it quicker and easier (and cheaper) to set up a direct debit using your online account rather than by phone.

Valid qualifications?

You must have a valid core qualification – CCN1 or COCN1 – to renew your registration. Make sure all your qualifications are valid before you renew and that you have up-to-date qualifications for the categories of work you carry out.

Changing your trading title

If you’re going to change your trading title, you must request this with Gas Safe Register before you renew. The Register has to carry out additional checks, so please allow enough time for this to be completed before your renewal date.

This is so your ID card(s) and registration certificate will have your new company name, if the change can take place. Your business cannot trade under the new name until you receive confirmation of the change from Gas Safe Register.

It’s free to change your trading title, just go online to complete the request or email: Register@ GasSafeRegister.co.uk

Don’t forget

If you don’t renew your registration before your renewal date and you wish to remain registered, you will have to re-apply for Gas Safe registration and you will lose your existing registration number.