HSE picks Capita as gas scheme provider

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today announced Capita as its preferred bidder to provide a new gas installer registration scheme.

The new scheme starts on April 1, 2009 and will replace the existing scheme operated by CORGI.

Having rejected CORGI's bid in favour of Capita's, the HSE will hold detailed discussions with the business process outsourcing company during the next few months to firm up a contractual agreement, which is scheduled to be signed this autumn.

During 2006 a HSE review of the domestic gas safety regime and discussions with stakeholders in and outside the industry identified a case for change. Research by the University College London, found that of those interviewed in a survey of 597 homes, 45% had little understanding of the risks associated with gas and carbon monoxide.

The HSE admitted that criticisms by stakeholders of the existing gas installer registration scheme run by CORGI, "had some foundation".

A spokesman for the HSE said "Even though the official statistics were showing an improving picture, it was felt that more should be done to raise public awareness of gas and CO risks".

The HSE issued 'Invitation to tender' documents to short-listed companies in January 2008 and CORGI and Capita emerged as the two strongest bidders.

A spokesman for the HSE said "What made Capita the preferred bidder was Capita's ideas for promoting gas safety and delivering the new brand. They introduced certain new ideas to the scheme".

Capita will have incentives to continuously improve gas safety and services to gas consumers and installers. But there will also be financial implications should they not meet the agreed key performance indicators.

One KPI sets out targets for establishing a new gas safety brand with gas consumers during the first two and half years of the new scheme. Another KPI focuses on reducing "the proportion of justified consumer complaints about gas installation work where safety defects are confirmed in inspection".

CORGI was appointed to run the scheme in 1991. The Capita contract is valued at around £14m annually. Around 250 CORGI employees are expected to transfer to the new scheme.

CORGI's chief executive Mike Thompson said " CORGI is naturally disappointed with the decision but will now work closely with the HSE and Capita to ensure a smooth transition process between scheme providers in the interests of gas safety.

“Beyond April 2009, the CORGI Group of companies will continue to provide a range of commercial services under the CORGI brand to financially support the CORGI Trust.

“Our focus now is to work with the HSE and Capita to maintain the profile of gas safety for installers and consumers, and to also provide guidance and support to the 300 or so current CORGI employees”.

If you are an existing CORGI Registered Gas Installer then you can go to the following web site to register.

Go to the new web site:  www.gassaferegister.co.uk

IMPORTANT NEWS

If you are CORGI Registered gas operative you can now take your ACS Gas Ticket up to six months prior to the renewal date without the loss of the six months on your ticket time.

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning

In November 2008, HSE supported the third CO Awareness Week organised by CO-Awareness. The aim of the week is to reduce incidents, fatalities and ill health due to carbon monoxide poisoning by raising awareness amongst consumers.

CO is a colourless and odourless gas caused by faulty or badly installed gas appliances. Symptoms include drowsiness, headaches, nausea and breathlessness[1]. There are a number of simple steps that gas consumers can take to keep themselves safe[2] from these risks.

Lord McKenzie of Luton, Department for Work and Pensions Minister with responsibility for health and safety, addressed the launch event at the House of Lords on Monday 17th November and the closing event at Liverpool Town hall on Friday 21st November.  Amongst other matters, Lord McKenzie spoke about the new gas registration scheme[3] and what it will mean for consumers, gas engineers and other gas industry stakeholders.

By law

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 place duties on gas consumers, engineers, suppliers and landlords. Ventilation and flues are covered by The Building Regulations. By law, anyone carrying out work on gas appliances or fittings as part of their business must be competent and a registered gas fitter[4].

CO alarms

HSE strongly recommends the use of audible CO alarms as a useful back-up precaution, but they must not be regarded as a substitute for proper installation and maintenance of gas appliances by a registered gas engineer. CO alarms should comply with European standard EN 50291 and should be installed, checked and serviced in line with the manufacturer's instructions.

Further information

HSE have produce a range of free leaflets and information sheets for further advice[5] or see the gas webpages on the HSE website and the DH public information leaflet on the risks of CO poisoning which has recently been updated provides useful advice.

CTS Consultants

Training package for New entrants to the Gas Industry.

We train nationally across England, Scotland and Wales.  We commence with their on job training and deliver one on one training of the theory whilst we are training the practical in real life situations, on real gas, in real properties covering all of the essential elements.

We then take the candidates into the centre, (we have a broad number of national centres we use for this) where we re-do their theory and practical in the centre environment. We feel this essential because passing their ACS does not make them a Safe, Confident Engineer in the field, and vice versa.

Our training then includes all aspects of the job from commissioning, servicing, repairs, etc.. then finally results in their real life Assessments at a different Centre, with a different Assessor. 

All field and centre training is carried out by qualified and approved trainers.
We are the work placement and we build the portfolio of evidence including the job sheets, photographs, and supporting written evidence from the engineer.

Once the engineer has successfully completed their Initial Gas, Boiler Repairs, Service, Commission, and Service Training, and essentially identifying and actioning Unsafe Situations Training, they are Assessed by a third Party to prove they can work Solo.
The trainee then undergoes their ACS Core and Appliance Elements, before completing their training whilst waiting for their Certificates.
Once certified the engineers all have the opportunity to spend 3 to 6 months on our register whilst building up their business client base with our help.

This means they can transfer their training into a real income before we have completed their training!

We include 6 months post support. Ours is a complete training and business support package.
Tel: 0870 879 0900   - Call Centre - National