Consumer
We will send out an acknowledgment to you, our complaints team will look into the complaint and arrange for an inspector to visit you to carry out an investigation. If there are safety issues highlighted following our investigation report we will follow through the complaint to a satisfactory conclusion and will inform you of the outcome.
We can provide you with the names and numbers of installers in your area who can help.
Find an installer.It depends on the availability of the inspector in the area, but we aim to visit you within 10 working days from receipt of the complaint.
CORGI
1 Elmwood,
Chineham Park,
Crockford Lane, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8WG.
If you would like to make a complaint and feel there are gas safety issues relating to the installation,
please contact us. We will send our inspector out to carry out an investigation. He will check to make sure the work is safe, but cannot rectify any problems. The inspector can instruct the installer to correct any gas safety issues provided he is registered.
We do actively investigate all reported cases of illegal gas work as far as we are able within our remit & we then forward this information to the HSE who will take any further action.
We have no control over what installers charge and do not hold any information relating to changes, our remit does not cover financial issues. We suggest you always get quotes from three different installers.
The Customer Services Department can re-order a certificate at a cost of £15. Please contact us on 0870 401 2300.
If you would like to register a complaint with us, we will contact your neighbour to ask if they will give us permission to carry out an investigation. We do not have any powers of entry and can only investigate once we have been invited into the property.
Complain
1.Certificate of compliance.
2.The bench mark book is supplied by the manufacturer.
Technical
British Standard BS 5871-1 - Specification for the installation and maintenance of gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers and decorative fuel effect gas appliances. Gas fires, convector heaters, fire/back boilers and heating stoves (2nd and 3rd family gases) explains that the correct adhesive tape required to seal a gas fire closure plate, is one which has been specially designed for the purpose, will withstand a temperature of at least 100oC and has the necessary adhesive strength and flexibility to secure the closure plate along uneven surfaces such as rough stone fireplaces. BS 5871-1 does not specify a product standard that closure plate tapes should apply to. However, product suppliers/merchants will often supply propriety tapes manufactured to a British Gas specification (PRS 10 issue 2), which are generally agreed within industry as being suitable for purpose.
It is good practice to fill out this document, as failure to do so may invalidate the warranty. The logbook has been introduced to encourage the correct installation, commissioning and servicing of domestic central heating systems. By recording all the details that are required in the log book, you can leave the customer with a written record that the central heating system has been installed and commissioned in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
The methods of jointing depend on when the boat’s keel was first laid. If the keel was laid before March 2001, the requirements of PD 5482-3 - Code of practice for domestic butane and propane gas-burning installations should be followed. If the keel was laid before March 2001, the requirements of EN ISO 10239 - Small craft - Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems should be followed.
- Generally the jointing requirements for both standards are similar:
· Compression fittings should be made of copper or copper alloy to BS EN 1254-2 with annealed olives, in the case of stainless steel pipework, stainless steel olives should be used. The fittings should be galvanically compatible with the pipework.
· Where cutting rings are used on copper tube, a brass insert sleeve should be used.
· Where braised connections are used, they should be in accordance with BS 1723, using filler metals to BS EN 1044, with a melting point of not less than 450oC. Note: Soft soldered joints are not acceptable.
In the case of jointing materials:
· Washers and gaskets should be suitable for LPG (where appropriate). Note: Fibre washers and hemp should not be used.
· PTFE tape should conform to BS EN 751-3 - Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact with 1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases and hot water. Unsintered PTFE tapes. PTFE tape to BS 7786 should not be used.
Jointing compounds should comply with BS EN 751-2 - Sealing materials for metallic threaded joints in contact with 1st, 2nd and 3rd family gases and hot water. Non-hardening jointing compounds. These meters read the consumption in cubic metres (m3), not in cubic feet (ft3) and therefore you would gas rate an appliance connected to this type of meter using the same procedure as for an electronic E6 meter. The figures on the meter display move significantly quicker than those on the U6 meter type and update the gas-flow measurement every two seconds. To compensate, the gas flow volume should be timed over two minutes. Guidance on reading such a meter index is given in Essential Gas Safety (GID1) from the CORGI Gas Installer Manual Series, which is available by using the following link www.corgi-direct.com The pipe needs to be buried at a minimum depth of 750mm and at a maximum depth of not more than 1.35m
Yes, however, where it is impractical to run a discharge pipe to ground level, the termination point needs to face downwards and back to the wall to prevent any scalding water from harming persons or property below the termination.
Fixed cooker hobs may be installed using a flexible hose, providing this is approved by the appliance manufacturer. The hob should be installed in accordance with appliance manufacturer's installation instructions and BS 6172 - Specification for Installation of domestic gas cooking appliances (2nd and 3rd family gases). The flexible hose for a natural gas supply should be manufactured to BS 669 -1 Flexible hoses, end fittings and sockets for gas burning appliances. Specification for strip-wound metallic flexible hoses, covers, end fittings and sockets for domestic appliances burning 1st and 2nd family gases. Similarly, LPG flexible hoses should also be manufactured to BS 669-1(LPG versions may be identified with either a red band or a stripe). The hose itself should not be subjected to temperatures in excess of 70ºC and should be located such that it will not suffer mechanical damage such as abrasion caused by surrounding kitchen furniture, which may be moved during use, such as a cupboard drawer or door. Guidance on the installation requirements of domestic gas cooking appliances is given in Gas Cookers and Ranges - Domestic (GID2) from the CORGI Gas Installer Manual Series, which is available by using the following link www.corgi-direct.com British Standard BS 6172 - Specification for Installation of domestic gas cooking appliances (2nd and 3rd family gases) advises that siting cookers adjacent to doors or openable windows should be avoided because of the effects of draughts. Additionally, locations that restrict the use of doors, kitchen furniture or utensils should be avoided, together with locations close to combustible furnishings, such as curtains. Guidance on the installation requirements of domestic gas cooking appliances is given in Gas Cookers and Ranges - Domestic (GID2) from the CORGI Gas Installer Manual Series, which is available by using the following link www.corgi-direct.com All domestic gas installations need to have main equipotential bonding in accordance with British Standard BS 7671- IEE Wiring Regulations.
Provided that the positioning of the main equipotential bonding still complies with the requirements of British Standard BS 6891 - Installation of low pressure gas pipework of up to 35 mm (R1¼) in domestic premises (2nd family gas), it would not be necessary to reposition it. However, if there is any doubt as to whether the main equipotential bond connection is correct, you need to inform the responsible person that they should have the installation checked by an electrically competent person, or their electricity supply company.
Guidance on the requirements of main equipotential bonding is given in Essential Gas Safety (GID1) from the CORGI Gas Installer Manual Series, which is available by using the following link www.corgi-direct.com Approved document H - Drainage and waste disposal
Landlords
The requirements of Regulation 36 Duties of Landlords of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR) are split into two separate duties; one is for maintenance of relevant gas appliances and flues and the other is for annual gas safety checks. It is important that Landlords appreciate that an annual gas safety check should not be considered as maintenance/service of a gas appliance unless it is specifically requested of the CORGI registered gas installer that an appliance service is undertaken at the same time as annual safety check. Landlords are also responsible for maintenance of the gas installation pipework and this duty can be demonstrated by requesting that the gas operative also carries out a gas tightness test at the time of the annual gas safety check.
No.
Before allowing anyone on to your property, ask to see their CORGI identification (ID) card. The card tells you all you need to know about the installer (and their employees) you are going to use. The front shows the operative's photograph, name, trading title, CORGI registration number and card expiry date. The reverse lists the areas of gas work the holder is competent to carry out, with certificate expiry dates next to each entry if they expire before the card does. If you wish to check the validity of the card, call the number on it (0870 401 2300) or use our on-line validation service.
This has become more of a common problem, which can lead to a landlord possibly contravening the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations (GSIUR). In this situation, a landlord would need to demonstrate that he/she has made all efforts to discharge their responsibilities under Regulation 36 of the GSIUR. This can be achieved by keeping detailed records of attempts to gain access - such as using recorded delivery of letters and personal visits to the property. These efforts to gain access should not include forced entry into property.
The maintenance and safety check requirements generally apply to any gas fittings or flue installed in the "relevant premises" except: Any appliance owned by the tenant Flues/chimneys solely connected to an appliance owned by the tenant.
Any gas appliances (such as gas fires provided for customers in non-residential areas of public houses) that are exclusively used in a part of the premises occupied for non-residential purposes.
Please note that any appliances and flues serving "relevant premises" (such as heating boilers not installed in tenants' accommodation but used to heat a number of premises) are covered. The duty to maintain and arrange safety checks also applies to portable appliances such as LPG cabinet heaters.
If the property is a new build then the appliances will have been fitted and tested and have the relevant gas safety certificates. The landlords gas safety check must then take place twelve months after the installation.
The safety check record will contain details of any defect identified and any remedial action taken at that time. You should ensure you use a CORGI Registered Installer to rectify the defects. It is an offence to use, or allow the use of a gas appliance you know to be unsafe. Do not reconnect an appliance that you have been told is unsafe, or which has either been isolated or disconnected for safety reasons.
Failure to ensure gas appliances are maintained could result in loss of life. Recent high profile prosecutions of landlords who have breached the gas safety laws have highlighted the issue of tenant safety. Prosecution could result in you facing a maximum penalty of £5,000 for each offence. If the case is referred to the Crown Court, the maximum penalty may be an unlimited fine or even imprisonment.
Press
All requests for interviews should be directed through the press office in the first instance. Please call 0870 401 2254. We have a dual band ISDN line in our Basingstoke office on which we can offer radio interviews. We are also happy to accommodate filming at the head office by prior arrangement.
For enquiries to the Public Relations Department please call:
0870 401 2200 and ask for the department specifically.
For all media enquiries please call the CORGI Press Office on:
0870 401 2254.
Our qualified spokespeople are always available for interview. CORGI is the UK’s gas safety watchdog, and as such, is the leading independent authority on gas safety.
We have experts that can comment on topics ranging from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and gas explosions to what gas safety laws and regulations exist. We may not be able to comment on individual cases if legal action is being taken, but we can offer general comment on most gas related situations.
CORGI’s head office is in Basingstoke, but we have CORGI Inspectors based across the UK.
Our main spokespeople are our Chief Executive and Directors. If you are looking for something more specific, we employ a whole host of experts who will be happy to talk about relevant subjects. If you are interested in speaking to somebody from CORGI, please contact the press office and we will find you the right person for your subject matter.
As well as providing spokespeople for interviews, our experts can inspect gas installations and offer comments on any unsafe work. If you are working on a regional story, we may be able to provide an Inspector in that area to supply a local comment. We regularly work with Carbon Monoxide poisoning victims and their families so could put you in touch with those who are willing to be interviewed. We also have around 55,000 businesses on our register, so could provide details of fully qualified, media-friendly gas engineers. If your story is about any part of the gas, heating or plumbing industry, CORGI could help – and if we can’t, we will endeavour to pass you the details of someone who can.