JARVIS STRESSES GAS SAFETY AWARENESS

CONCERNS are growing that some gas work users and service providers could be left in the dark about the changeover from well-known Corgi to the new Gas Safe Register.

From April 1st anyone carrying out any kind of gas work and services should have changed their registration from Corgi to the lesser-known scheme.

Corgi, which has been responsible for national gas safety since 1991, has been replaced by the Gas Safe Register, run by the government’s Health and Safety Executive, an idea which was mooted about two years ago. The new scheme kicks off officially on April 1st.

The Jarvis Group, based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, believes the lack of notification could cause potentially dangerous situations for those looking to start providing gas works and related services.

Roy Littleford, Director of the company’s M&E division, said: “We have now been officially registered since March 23rd, and are therefore confident to be able to provide the highest levels of safety for all the services which feature gas work, in our commercial, residential, education and healthcare areas.”

He added that as Jarvis was previously registered with Corgi, he had been aware of the looming changeover, but acknowledged that anyone not in a similar position could potentially be left in the dark.

“Because there is officially no grace period for this change, or any ‘dual running’ programme, it could be possible that some people may not be legally registered,” he said.

Mr Littleford continued that, as Corgi is still officially offering a technical help line and provides services for electrical, plumbing and installation as a commercial business under its well-known logo, this could create even more confusion for businesses and the public in general.

According to the Association of Registered Gas Installers, the aims and objectives of the new scheme include raising public awareness of all aspects of gas safety and of the Gas Safe Register, managing inspection and enforcement, and providing technical support and standards updates to registered engineers, as well as providing facilities for the reporting of notifiable gas work. Mr Littleford welcomed the new services being offered but emphasised that a lack of public awareness was an issue.

END

For further information please contact:

Jeffrey Hollis, Director of Marketing

Jarvis Group Ltd N° 1 Waterside, Station Road, Harpenden, Herts AL5 4US

Tel: 01582 711788 Email: jhollis@jarvisgroupltd.co.uk  Web:  www.jarvisgroupltd.co.uk                     Issued: 30/03/09