New figures show almost one in 10 gas appliances worked on by cowboy gas fitters are unsafe and, in some parts of our region, that proportion rises to 17%.
These figures are not some convenient marketing ploy, designed to scare, but have been released by the Gas Safe Register, which lists all licensed gas engineers. The Register is warning of the dangers of using illegal gas fitters and is launching a new website in the very near future encouraging households to ensure that they are safe.
Carbon monoxide poisoning – which as you know by now can be fatal – is one of the biggest dangers, but unsafe appliances can also lead to equally tragic consequences – they can explode! Gas Safe registered engineers, such as Your Plumber in Hull, AA Gas Services, undergo regular and rigorous testing to ensure that the service they supply is of the highest quality and guarantees to the client that all work carried out is both efficient and, above all, completely safe!
A Gas Safe Register spokesperson said: “There have been a number of high profile gas incidents in the North in the last year – placing consumers at unacceptable risk from dangerous gas appliances. These incidents are almost exclusively due to work being carried out by unqualified and unregistered personnel!”
We, at AA Gas Services, take no pleasure in informing you of the dangers faced by consumers in our region, but would be neglecting our duty of care to you should we fail to raise awareness and help to reduce the numbers of tragic “accidents” all too often prevalent in our area. We are also acutely aware of the current extremely high cost of gas and wish to point out that, by having your gas appliances fitted and regularly checked by a registered engineer, you are also ensuring that these appliances operate at maximum efficiency and, therefore, not only guarantee your safety but save you money!
In our region alone, the Register tested more than 8000 gas appliances over the past year and found that, of those worked on by illegal fitters, 8% were unsafe. That does not sound like such a huge figure? It is if yours is included! That figure, by the way, rose to 15%, and even 17%, in some areas.
Between 2009 and 2012, more than 200 cowboy gas fitters were investigated in the region and fined a total approaching £100,000. One illegal fitter was also jailed (his “work” could have resulted in appalling loss of life). Surely it is a “no-brainer”, therefore, to pick up the phone and ring Your Plumber in Hull to ensure peace of mind and a guarantee of efficiency?
Winter is coming. Please don’t place your home, your family and your future at risk by saving a few pounds! Contact AA Gas Services for service you can rely on and prices to make you smile!
