Gas Safe Register now has more than 121,000 registrations for engineers and 56,500 for businesses – exceeding expectations for the first year in a matter of months.
The strong response from those wishing to work legally on gas means the Gas Safe Register has also reached not only those registered with the previous organisation but also those who may have left the industry for a period or have been working illegally.
Peter Eldridge, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said: “It is a strong vote of confidence in the Gas Safe Register and suggests that engineers and businesses recognise the importance of being registered. We have been very clear that we would operate a robust and clear system and that enforcement and investigation would play a major part.
“The message appears to be getting through and two recent high-profile prosecutions should help to convince people still working illegally that they will get caught. Ensuring that all gas work is undertaken by competent and registered engineers will help us in our ultimate aim of making Great Britain and the Isle of Man safer places to use gas appliances.”
Initial results from research undertaken at recent consumer roadshows indicates around half of respondents are already aware of the change.
“These initial results are positive and give us a good foundation to build upon but leave us in no doubt about the amount of work still to be done.
“Gas Safe Registered engineers and businesses also have a role to play in speaking to their own customers, ensuring their advertising and signage carries the new branding and making sure everyone knows how important it is to keep Gas Safe. The brand essentially belongs to the industry and we all have a responsibility to promote it” added Peter.