HEATING HELPLINE CHIEF WARNS HOMEOWNERS NOT TO ATTEMPT DIY GAS WORK IN THE HOME
According to research undertaken by the gas safety watchdog, the Gas Safe Register, 1 in 3 people say they would fit a gas appliance themselves to save money. The Chief Executive of HVCA, who run the consumer advice service the Heating Helpline, warns homeowners that apart from being illegal DIY gas work in the home can lead to leaks, fires, explosions and .
8 August 2011 – According to research undertaken by the gas safety watchdog, the Gas Safe Register, 1 in 3 people say they would fit a gas appliance themselves to save money. Alarmed by this astonishing statistic, Blane Judd, Chief Executive of the HVCA, who run the Heating Helpline consumer advice service, comments, “This is an extremely disconcerting research finding. DIY gas work may save money but at what potential cost – your family’s life?
“We strongly advise that homeowners never attempt any work on gas appliances in their home – never attempt to install, repair or move appliances such as a gas boiler or cooker. Unsafe gas work can lead to a gas leak, fire, explosion and exposure to carbon monoxide – the silent and lethal killer.
“It is a legal requirement that any work on gas appliances must be undertaken by a Gas Safe registered engineer and non-registered installers are breaking the law, so our advice to home owners is don’t put lives at risk – always use a Gas Safe Register engineer.
“All HVCA members who undertake domestic gas work are Gas Safe registered and they are also all members of TrustMark, the government-backed scheme that makes it easy for consumers to find reliable, reputable tradespeople”.
HVCA operates the Heating Helpline (http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk) to provide consumers with free, impartial advice on every aspect of home heating – including gas safety. It also has a search facility to find your local HVCA engineer or you can call the Heating Helpline on 0800 840 4069.
Ends
Issued on behalf of the HVCA by Next Step Marketing Ltd
Media enquiries to: Heather Lambert
Tel: 44(0)1256 472020
Fax: 44(0)1256 471010
E-mail: heather@nextstepmarketing.co.uk
Notes to Editors
Established in 1904, the HVCA is the premier organisation representing central heating contractors across the UK, and exists to promote fair dealing and the sound installation of heating systems. HVCA members all undergo third-party inspection and assessment of their technical competence and commercial capability every three years. This process is carried out by an independent certification body with an established industry reputation. HVCA members who undertake gas installations are registered with Gas Safe – the gas safety watchdog body – and are also members of TrustMark, the Government-endorsed scheme designed to direct customers towards reliable tradespeople. HVCA operates the Heating Helpline (http://www.heatinghelpline.org.uk) to provide consumers with free, impartial advice on every aspect of home heating.
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