We all know that when we're having any kind of gas work done in our homes we should use a Corgi registered engineer. Well, since 1st April 2009, this rule has changed and a new gas safety system has been installed in its place. The Gas Safe register is a new register that all qualified gas engineers must now sign up to so that you, the consumer, can more easily check up on your chosen engineer's qualifications. So what does this new Gas Safe system mean for us consumers?

Before hiring a plumber or engineer to carry out any sort of gas related work, you should check the new Gas Safe website to see, first of all, if they are registered with them, and secondly, if they are fully qualified to do the work that you want them to do. The types of gas work that are covered include: any work on a heat producing appliance, for example radiators or your hot water system, if it is connected to either a Natural Gas or LPG (liquid petroleum gas) supply, installing, repairing or servicing a gas boiler, installing or repairing a gas fire, gas cooker or hob. Some engineers may not be qualified to do all types of gas work so check their credentials carefully before allowing them to start work.

Whether you are living in privately rented, local government or housing association accommodation, in a bedsit, bungalow or even in holiday accommodation, your landlord has the legal obligation to ensure that you are safe from the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning or a potentially explosive gas leak.

If you think that your landlord is using unqualified workmen, or is not carrying out all the necessary work, then do something about it, as it is for your own safety that these laws are in place. If you suspect anything, and have yet to see a real gas safety certificate, then get in touch with the Health and Safety Executive. They will contact your landlord and if he or she fails to comply they could face a warning, fine or prosecution.

Landlords - If you are a landlord, then legally you have several obligations when it comes to gas safety, including having annual boiler checks in all your rented properties where a gas safety certificate must be obtained and presented to the current tenants by a Gas Safe registered engineer. For details of all of your legal requirements, see the government's official Gas Safe website.