Get safety-conscious in the kitchen

It is estimated that each year in the UK, some 100,000 gas kitchen appliances such as cookers and hobs are fitted by people who lack the legal qualifications required to carry out such work.

Gas Safe Register has warned that such "cowboy gas fitters" could be putting households at risk as incorrectly fitted gas appliances could leave people at risk of a fire, explosion or a carbon monoxide leak.

Furthermore, such engineers are more likely to fit gas appliances without the correct qualifications in the kitchen, than they are to fit items such as a boiler.

Phill Brewster, Gas Safe Register's national investigations manager, said: "With our research showing that many cowboy gas fitters are most likely to work gas cookers, hobs and gas pipework, it is worrying to think how many people don't realise that this type of work can only be done by a registered gas engineer."

In light of this, people looking for property to rent in Wandsworth or another borough of London may wish to check with their landlord that such work has been carried out by a registered professional.

They may also wish to keep in mind that it is a legal requirement their landlord has the boiler serviced at least once a year.

Written by Andy Britten

Published 27th October, 2009

© 2009 Estates IT Limited