Increase in "dangerous" DIY could spell tragedy warns new gas safety body

The credit crunch could result in an increase in fatalities linked to unsafe gas and electrical installations, with over 4 in 10 people (41%) admitting they are more likely to tinker with their electrics or fit a new gas appliance in the current economic climate. Only 15% of respondents said they would always use a professional tradesman.

The research, carried out for Gas Safe Register, which on 1 April replaces the CORGI gas registration scheme as Great Britain’s gas safety body, highlighted a worrying discrepancy between people’s perception of danger and their willingness to risk their family’s safety.

While 82% of those questioned considered it dangerous to fit a gas fire themselves, 1 in 10 were still prepared to do so.

Incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained gas appliances are a major cause of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. They can also lead to gas leaks and explosions. Tragically, on average 25 people a year die from CO poisoning, and many more suffer health problems from CO exposure directly related to gas. In addition, some 40 people a year are killed or injured in gas explosions.

Ann Robinson, Gas Safe Register’s director of public awareness, said: “If anyone thinks DIY gas work can save them money, they should think again. For the sake of a few pounds, they risk endangering the life of anyone who lives in that property – a life that is priceless.”

Worryingly, the research for Gas Safe Register found that regular servicing of gas appliances is not a priority in far too many households. Almost a fifth (19%) of households with a gas boiler had not had it serviced for at least three years and an alarming 13% of households had never had their boiler serviced or would only do so if there was a problem.

The figures for maintaining gas fires were even worse. Almost 1 in 3 (29%) never serviced their gas fire, or last had it serviced or maintained over three years ago.

By law, from 1 April, only Gas Safe registered engineers should be employed to carry out work on gas installations or appliances – CORGI gas registration will not be valid. The 120 000 engineers currently verified under the CORGI scheme are now registering with Gas Safe Register so they can continue to work legally from April.

Gas Safe Register is the brand used by Capita Group who is behind the new safety scheme.