ATAG Heating Technology is calling on MPs to enforce tighter restrictions on who can purchase gas boilers.
A nationwide survey of certified gas installers, conducted by ATAG, found that more than 82% are forced to rectify unsafe installations by unregistered fitters at least once every quarter, with almost half warning that the faulty work poses a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
One in five installers said illegal gas work is directly harming their business, from lost contracts and reputational damage to time and money spent rectifying botched jobs.
61% of respondents believe the most effective way to prevent this dangerous practice is to prohibit boiler sales to anyone who is not Gas Safe registered.
Kevin Treanor, Director of ATAG Heating Technology UK, said: “Illegal gas work poses a serious threat to our profession, but more than that, it endangers the lives of UK residents.
“Every year, around 250,000 gas jobs are carried out by unqualified individuals, and we need to work to bring that number to zero.
“According to the Gas Safe Register, two-thirds of work is unsafe, and our engineers routinely uncover dangerously installed systems that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or even explosions. Government data also shows that dozens of people lose their lives annually to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty appliances.
“The fact that over half of installers are never asked to show ID when attending a job shows just how vulnerable the current system is. We urgently need tougher safeguards to protect the public and uphold professional standards.”
ATAG is inviting fellow installers and concerned members of the public to write to their MP in support of new legislation to restrict access to gas-critical products and reduce the volume of illegal installations.
