gas safety

Gas Safe Register: UK's Gas Engineer Registry

Gas Safe Register is the official list of qualified gas engineers in the UK. Learn what it is, why registration matters, how to check if an engineer is registered, and your legal obligations.

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Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are legally qualified to work on gas appliances, fittings, and flues in the UK. It replaced CORGI in 2009 and is the only official gas registration body recognized by law. Using an unregistered gas engineer is illegal, dangerous, and could invalidate your insurance.

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What is Gas Safe Register?

Gas Safe Register is the official registration body for gas engineers in Great Britain and the Isle of Man. It maintains a list of businesses and engineers who are qualified and legally permitted to work safely and legally on gas appliances.

Key facts:

  • Official status — The only gas registration scheme recognized by law in the UK
  • Legal requirement — By law, all gas work must be carried out by Gas Safe registered engineers
  • Public register — Anyone can check if an engineer is registered by searching online or calling
  • Regulatory oversight — Operated by Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Ltd under contract to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
Key Point

Gas Safe Register is not optional or one of several registration schemes - it's the only legal registration for gas work in the UK. Anyone working on gas who isn't Gas Safe registered is breaking the law.

Why Gas Safe Register exists

The register exists to protect the public from dangerous gas work by ensuring that only competent, qualified engineers work on gas appliances. Poor gas work can lead to:

  • Carbon monoxide poisoning — An invisible, odorless killer that claims around 50 lives per year in the UK
  • Gas explosions — Faulty installations or repairs can cause devastating explosions
  • Gas leaks — Improperly fitted appliances can leak gas, creating fire and explosion risks
  • Property damage — Poorly installed systems can damage property and belongings

Gas Safe registration gives the public confidence that an engineer has been assessed as competent and has the necessary qualifications to work safely on gas.

History: From CORGI to Gas Safe Register

The CORGI era (1991-2009)

Before Gas Safe Register, gas engineers were registered with CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers), a scheme that operated from 1991 to 2009.

Why the change?

  • CORGI was a private company with a monopoly on gas registration
  • The Health and Safety Executive wanted more regulatory control
  • A competitive tender process led to a new operator being selected
  • Gas Safe Register was chosen as the new name to better communicate its purpose

The transition (2009)

On 1st April 2009, Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI as the official gas registration body for Great Britain and the Isle of Man.

What changed:

  • New branding and name (Gas Safe Register instead of CORGI)
  • New ID cards for all engineers
  • Enhanced online checking system
  • Improved public awareness campaigns

What stayed the same:

  • Legal requirements for registration
  • Qualification standards
  • Engineer competency assessments
  • Types of gas work categories
Note:

Many people still refer to "CORGI registered" engineers, but CORGI has not been the official registration body since 2009. Always check for current Gas Safe registration, not outdated CORGI credentials.

Legal requirements for gas work

The law on gas safety

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, it is illegal for anyone to carry out work on gas fittings, appliances, or flues unless they are competent and on the Gas Safe Register.

"Gas work" includes:

  • Installing gas appliances (boilers, cookers, fires, heaters)
  • Servicing and maintaining gas appliances
  • Repairing gas appliances
  • Installing, modifying, or repairing gas pipework
  • Installing, modifying, or repairing flues and ventilation
  • Removing or disconnecting gas appliances
  • Safety checks and inspections

Who must be Gas Safe registered:

  • Self-employed gas engineers
  • Gas engineers employed by companies
  • Companies carrying out gas work (business registration)
  • Anyone working on LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) as well as mains gas

It's not just the engineer who breaks the law by working unregistered - property owners and landlords can also be prosecuted for allowing unregistered individuals to work on their gas appliances.

Penalties for illegal gas work

For unregistered engineers:

  • Unlimited fines
  • Up to 6 months imprisonment (summary conviction)
  • Up to 2 years imprisonment (conviction on indictment)
  • Confiscation of tools and equipment

For property owners/employers:

  • Fines up to £20,000 per offense
  • Potential imprisonment
  • Liability for injuries or deaths caused
  • Invalidated insurance claims

Additional consequences:

  • Civil liability for damages
  • Prohibition from operating a gas business
  • Compensation orders
  • Prosecution under Corporate Manslaughter Act (if deaths occur)

How to check if an engineer is Gas Safe registered

Before you hire an engineer

Online check (recommended):

  1. Visit GasSafeRegister.co.uk
  2. Click "Find an Engineer"
  3. Enter their Gas Safe registration number or business name
  4. Review their registration details:
    • Check the expiry date is current
    • Verify what types of gas work they're approved for
    • Confirm the business address matches
    • Note their registration number

By phone:

  • Call 0800 408 5500 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm)
  • Provide the engineer's name and business name
  • Ask for their registration status and approved categories
Key Point

Always check registration status BEFORE hiring an engineer or allowing work to begin. Registration can expire or be suspended, so checking historic CORGI credentials or old paperwork isn't sufficient.

When the engineer arrives

Ask to see their Gas Safe ID card:

Every registered engineer carries a Gas Safe ID card (similar to a credit card) with:

  • Front side: Photo, name, Gas Safe Register logo, registration number, employer/business name
  • Back side: Expiry date, signature, approved gas work categories with codes

Verification checklist:

  • Photo matches the person in front of you
  • Card is current (check expiry date on back)
  • Registration number matches your online check
  • The card lists the type of gas work you need (see categories below)
  • Card is authentic (holographic features, professional quality)
  • Engineer's signature matches the card
Warning:

If an engineer refuses to show ID, cannot produce a valid card, or the card doesn't match them or your online check, do not allow them to start work. Report this to Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500.

Understanding Gas Safe ID cards

What's on the ID card

Front of card:

  • Engineer's photograph
  • Gas Safe Register logo and branding
  • Full name
  • Gas Safe registration number (6 or 7 digits)
  • Employer or business trading name
  • "This card confirms competence to undertake gas work" statement

Back of card:

  • Expiry date (registration must be renewed annually)
  • Engineer's signature
  • List of approved gas work categories with alphanumeric codes
  • QR code for mobile verification (on newer cards)
  • Security features (hologram, UV printing)

Gas work categories explained

Not all Gas Safe engineers can work on all types of gas. The ID card lists specific categories they're approved for using alphanumeric codes.

Common category codes:

CCN1 — Core gas safety (assessment all engineers must pass)

Domestic gas work:

  • CKR1 — Cookers and space heaters
  • CENWAT — Central heating and hot water systems
  • HTR1 — Heaters and fires
  • WAT1 — Water heaters
  • DAH1 — Ducted air heaters

Commercial gas work:

  • COCN1 — Core commercial gas safety
  • CORT1 — Commercial catering appliances
  • ICPN1 — Industrial and commercial pipework

Specialist categories:

  • CIGA1 — Compressed natural gas installations
  • LAU1 — Laundry appliances
  • MET1 — Gas meters

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas):

  • CONGLP1 — Core LPG assessment
  • Various LPG codes — Specific to appliance types (similar to mains gas codes but for LPG)

Domestic vs Commercial Gas Registration

Domestic Gas Engineer

  • •Works on home gas appliances
  • •Typical categories: CENWAT, CKR1, HTR1
  • •Installs and services domestic boilers
  • •Can issue landlord gas safety certificates (CP12)
  • •Most common for homeowners and landlords

Commercial Gas Engineer

  • •Works on business/industrial gas systems
  • •Requires COCN1 plus specific commercial codes
  • •Larger, more complex systems
  • •Different certification requirements
  • •Needed for restaurants, hotels, factories

Bottom line: Always check the engineer's ID card lists the specific categories relevant to your job. A domestic engineer cannot legally work on commercial systems, and vice versa. Many engineers hold both domestic and commercial qualifications.

Verifying authenticity

Genuine Gas Safe ID cards have:

  • High-quality printing and materials
  • Holographic security features
  • Professional photograph
  • Clear, readable text and codes
  • Valid expiry date (registration renewed annually)
  • QR code for digital verification (newer cards)

Warning signs of fake cards:

  • Poor quality printing or lamination
  • Blurry or pixelated logos
  • No security features (hologram, UV elements)
  • Expired dates
  • Handwritten or altered information
  • Spelling errors or unprofessional appearance

Fake Gas Safe ID cards exist. If you have any doubts about a card's authenticity, verify the engineer's registration online or by phone before allowing any work. Never rely solely on the physical card.

Types of Gas Safe registration

Individual engineer registration

Individual engineers (self-employed or employed) must be personally registered. Each engineer:

  • Must pass the relevant assessments for their work categories
  • Receives their own unique registration number
  • Carries their own ID card
  • Must renew registration annually
  • Is personally responsible for their work quality and safety

Requirements:

  • Relevant qualifications (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent)
  • Pass Accredited Certification Scheme (ACS) assessments
  • Demonstrate competence in specific categories
  • Maintain ongoing professional development
  • Public liability insurance
  • Criminal record check (for certain work)

Business registration

Companies employing gas engineers must also register as a business with Gas Safe Register.

Business registration covers:

  • Company name and trading details
  • List of employed engineers
  • Business address and contact information
  • Types of gas work the business undertakes

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure all employed engineers are individually registered
  • Maintain appropriate insurance
  • Keep records of work carried out
  • Comply with gas safety regulations
  • Notify Gas Safe Register of changes
Key Point

Both the business AND the individual engineer must be registered. A legitimate company will have a business registration number, and every engineer they send will have their own individual registration and ID card.

Finding a Gas Safe registered engineer

Using the Gas Safe Register website

The "Find an Engineer" tool allows you to search by:

  • Location (postcode or town)
  • Type of work needed
  • Business name
  • Engineer name
  • Registration number

Search results show:

  • Business name and contact details
  • Address
  • Distance from your location
  • Types of gas work approved for
  • Registration expiry date
  • Customer reviews (if available)

What to ask when contacting engineers

Before hiring a Gas Safe engineer, ask:

  1. "What is your Gas Safe registration number?"

    • Check this online before they arrive

  2. "Are you qualified for [specific work type]?"

    • E.g., "Are you qualified for central heating and hot water (CENWAT)?"

  3. "Do you have public liability insurance?"

    • Minimum £2 million cover is standard

  4. "Can you provide a detailed written quote?"

    • Should break down labour, parts, and any additional costs

  5. "Will you issue a Gas Safety Certificate when done?"

    • Required by law for landlords, good practice for homeowners

  6. "Do you guarantee your work?"

    • Reputable engineers offer workmanship guarantees
Tip:

Get at least 3 quotes from different Gas Safe registered engineers. The cheapest isn't always the best value - consider experience, reviews, and professionalism. But be wary of quotes significantly higher than others without clear justification.

Red flags to avoid

Don't hire an engineer who:

  • Refuses to provide their Gas Safe registration number
  • Cannot show a valid ID card with photo
  • Offers to do the work "off the books" for cash
  • Charges significantly less than other quotes
  • Pressures you to hire them immediately
  • Cannot provide insurance details
  • Doesn't offer written quotes or contracts
  • Has no permanent business address or contact details
Warning(anonymised)

Unregistered 'engineer' causes gas explosion killing tenant

The Situation

A landlord hired an unregistered handyman claiming to be 'experienced with gas boilers' to service a rental property's boiler. The handyman charged half the price of registered engineers.

What Went Wrong
  • ✗Handyman was not Gas Safe registered
  • ✗Landlord didn't check credentials or ask for ID
  • ✗Boiler service was inadequate and created gas leak
  • ✗No Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) was issued
  • ✗Tenant reported smell of gas but landlord delayed action
  • ✗Gas explosion destroyed property and killed tenant
Outcome

The landlord was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 4 years in prison. The unregistered handyman received 6 years. The landlord was also ordered to pay £150,000 in compensation and banned from letting property for life. Insurance refused to pay out due to use of unregistered engineer.

Key Lesson

Using unregistered gas engineers isn't just illegal - it can kill. The 'savings' from cheap illegal work are nothing compared to the legal, financial, and moral consequences. Always verify Gas Safe registration.

What to do if work is done by an unregistered person

If you discover work was done illegally

If you realize gas work has been carried out by someone not Gas Safe registered:

  1. Stop using gas appliances immediately

    • The work may be dangerous
    • Turn off the gas supply at the meter if you can do so safely

  2. Get the system checked by a registered engineer

    • Arrange an inspection as soon as possible
    • Be honest about the previous work
    • Get a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) after repairs

  3. Report the illegal work

    • Call Gas Safe Register: 0800 408 5500
    • Provide details of the person who did the work
    • Keep any paperwork, correspondence, or evidence

  4. Check your insurance coverage

    • Inform your insurer about the illegal work
    • Understand any implications for your policy
    • Your cover may be affected or void

  5. If you're a landlord, inform your tenants

    • They need to know appliances may be unsafe
    • Provide alternative heating/cooking if needed
    • Keep records of all actions taken
Warning:

If you hired an unregistered person knowing they weren't registered, you may face prosecution yourself. However, still report it and get the work checked - protecting people from danger takes priority.

If you become aware of someone working illegally

If you know someone is carrying out gas work without being Gas Safe registered:

  • Report them to Gas Safe Register: 0800 408 5500
  • Report to Health and Safety Executive (HSE): Through their website or hotline
  • Provide as much detail as possible:
    • Name and business name
    • Address and contact details
    • Type of work they're doing
    • Evidence (adverts, business cards, websites)

Anonymous reporting is available if you have concerns about reporting openly.

Reporting illegal gas work

Why reporting is important

Every reported case of illegal gas work:

  • Helps protect other members of the public from danger
  • Enables enforcement action against dangerous individuals
  • Deters others from working illegally
  • Contributes to intelligence about gas safety risks

You're not just reporting a rule-break - you're potentially preventing carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions, and deaths.

What happens when you report

  1. Gas Safe Register investigates

    • Reviews the information provided
    • May gather additional evidence
    • Assesses the risk level

  2. Evidence gathering

    • May request more information from you
    • Could involve site visits
    • Documentation and photographic evidence collected

  3. Enforcement action (if appropriate)

    • Warning letters
    • Prohibition notices (stopping work immediately)
    • Referral to Health and Safety Executive for prosecution
    • Police involvement (if serious risk to life)

  4. Prosecution (in serious cases)

    • Criminal charges brought
    • Court proceedings
    • Penalties as outlined earlier (fines and imprisonment)

How to report

Gas Safe Register Illegal Gas Work Hotline:

  • Phone: 0800 408 5500
  • Online: Through the Gas Safe Register website
  • Email: [email protected]

Information to provide:

  • Your contact details (can be anonymous)
  • Name and business name of person working illegally
  • Address where work is being/has been carried out
  • Contact details for the illegal worker (if known)
  • Description of the work being done
  • Any advertising materials (flyers, business cards, website)
  • Photos or other evidence (if safe to obtain)
Note:

You can report anonymously through the Gas Safe Register's online form or by requesting anonymity when calling. However, providing contact details allows investigators to follow up for more information if needed.

UK regulatory context

Key legislation

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR)

  • Primary legislation governing gas safety in the UK
  • Requires all gas work to be done by competent persons
  • Mandates annual landlord gas safety checks
  • Sets out specific duties for gas engineers, landlords, and property owners

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

  • Overarching workplace health and safety law
  • Requires employers to ensure safety of employees and others affected by work
  • Applies to gas work in commercial and domestic settings
  • Employers must ensure workers are competent and properly trained

Gas Act 1986 (as amended)

  • Framework for gas supply and distribution
  • Establishes safety requirements for gas networks
  • Defines responsibilities of gas transporters
  • Enables regulations for gas safety

Regulatory bodies

Health and Safety Executive (HSE)

  • Overall responsibility for enforcing gas safety regulations
  • Contracts Gas Safe Register to maintain the engineer register
  • Investigates serious incidents and prosecutes offenders
  • Issues guidance and approved codes of practice

Gas Safe Register (Capita Gas Registration and Ancillary Services Ltd)

  • Operates the official registration scheme under contract to HSE
  • Assesses and registers gas engineers
  • Issues Gas Safe ID cards
  • Investigates complaints and illegal gas work
  • Provides public information and checking services

Local Authorities

  • Enforce landlord gas safety certificate requirements
  • Can issue financial penalties for non-compliance
  • Work with HSE on gas safety enforcement
  • Involved in housing standards and tenant protection

Gas Safe Registration Lifecycle

Training
Gain qualifications

Complete NVQ Level 3 in Gas Engineering or equivalent qualification

Assessment
Pass ACS tests

Pass Accredited Certification Scheme assessments for relevant categories

Registration
Join Gas Safe Register

Apply for registration, pay fee, receive Gas Safe ID card

Annually
Renew registration

Update qualifications, pay renewal fee, receive new ID card

Every 5 years
Re-assess core competence

Re-take CCN1 (core gas safety) assessment to prove ongoing competence

Industry standards and codes of practice

British Standards relevant to gas safety:

  • BS 6891 — Installation and maintenance of low-pressure gas pipework
  • BS 5440 — Flueing and ventilation for gas appliances
  • BS 7671 — Electrical requirements (where relevant to gas appliances)

Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure (IUSP)

  • Guides engineers on classifying and responding to unsafe situations
  • Immediately Dangerous (ID) — Immediate risk to life or property
  • At Risk (AR) — Could become dangerous
  • Not to Current Standards (NCS) — Advisory only

Engineers must follow these procedures when they identify safety issues during inspections.

Maintaining your Gas Safe registration (for engineers)

Annual renewal requirements

Gas Safe registration must be renewed every year. Engineers must:

  1. Pay the annual renewal fee (currently around £250-350)
  2. Update qualification certificates (if new categories added)
  3. Provide proof of public liability insurance
  4. Confirm business details are current
  5. Declare any prosecutions or enforcement actions

Ongoing competency assessments

Every 5 years, engineers must:

  • Re-take CCN1 (Core Gas Safety) assessment
  • Update any category-specific assessments that have expired
  • Demonstrate continued professional development

Annual requirement:

  • Keep up to date with industry changes
  • Maintain knowledge of current standards
  • Participate in training and development
Note:

Gas Safe Register can audit engineers at any time. This includes inspecting work on site, checking records, and reviewing competency. Engineers who fail audits may have their registration suspended or revoked.

Suspension or removal from register

Registration can be suspended or revoked if:

  • Annual renewal is not completed
  • Unsafe work is identified
  • Competency audits are failed
  • Complaints about work standards
  • Criminal convictions relevant to gas safety
  • Serious breaches of regulations

Engineers can appeal suspensions, but must not work on gas during any suspension period.

Frequently asked questions

CORGI (Council for Registered Gas Installers) was replaced by Gas Safe Register on 1st April 2009. Gas Safe Register is now the only official gas registration body recognized by law in Great Britain and the Isle of Man. Engineers registered under CORGI had to re-register with Gas Safe. If someone says they're 'CORGI registered', they're using outdated terminology - check they have current Gas Safe registration.

No. It's illegal for anyone to work on gas appliances, pipes, or flues unless they're Gas Safe registered, regardless of skill or knowledge. Even if you're a professional in another trade, you cannot legally work on gas without Gas Safe registration. The only exception is replacing certain minor parts like thermostatic radiator valves, which don't require registration.

Gas Safe registration confirms an engineer has passed competency assessments and is legally qualified to work on gas. However, it doesn't guarantee the quality of work or customer service. Check reviews, get multiple quotes, and use the Gas Safe Register complaints process if you're unhappy with registered work.

The full path to Gas Safe registration typically costs £3,000-£8,000 including qualifications (NVQ Level 3), ACS assessments, registration fees, insurance, and tools. Annual renewal costs around £250-350 plus ongoing assessment costs every 5 years. This is why legitimate registered engineers charge appropriately for their services.

Gas engineers qualified in other countries must register with Gas Safe Register to work legally in the UK. International qualifications must be assessed for equivalence, and engineers must pass UK-specific ACS assessments. Having a gas qualification from another country doesn't automatically allow work in the UK.

First, raise the issue with the engineer or their company. If unresolved, contact Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500 to make a formal complaint. Gas Safe can investigate and take enforcement action if work doesn't meet standards. You may also have civil law remedies to claim compensation for poor work.

Yes. It's illegal for landlords (or anyone) to allow unregistered persons to work on gas appliances. Landlords must use Gas Safe registered engineers for all gas work, including annual safety checks. The engineer must be registered for the specific categories of work being done.

Gas Safe Register can confirm current registration status, but historic checks are more limited. If work was done years ago under CORGI, those records may not be easily accessible. If you need to verify old work, contact Gas Safe Register directly - they may be able to help with historic queries on a case-by-case basis.

The engineer must stop gas work immediately if their registration expires. They cannot legally continue until their registration is renewed. Check the expiry date on their ID card before work begins. If an engineer's registration lapses during a job, get their renewal confirmed before allowing them to continue.

Gas Safe Register covers England, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man. Northern Ireland has a separate system operated by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI). If you're in Northern Ireland, engineers must be on the 'Register of Gas Installers (Northern Ireland)' instead.

Next steps

Want to understand what a Gas Safe engineer actually checks?

Gas Safety Certificate Explained →

Need to arrange your annual gas safety check?

How to Find a Gas Safe Engineer →

Understand your responsibilities as a landlord:

Landlord Gas Safety Duties →

Need to find a Gas Safe registered engineer for your property? Use the official Gas Safe Register search tool at GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500 to find qualified engineers in your area.

Speak to a professional

Related articles:

Useful tools:

Important contacts:

  • Gas Safe Register: 0800 408 5500
  • Gas Emergency Service: 0800 111 999
  • HSE Gas Safety: Through HSE website