The recent gas explsion which killed a two year old child and seriously injured two others yet again reinforces the need to ensure that the person you hire to carry out any work is fully qualified to do so. A ‘property maintenance’ man has been arrested on a manslaughter charge and recently released on bail.

Now I am no way jumping the gun and stating that he’s guilty. He may be totally innocent. BUT, it reinforces the point that it is up to the householder to ensure that the Gas man is fully qualified (Gas-Safe Register formerly CORGI) Oil boilers and tank work (OFTEC Registered), Electrician (NAPIT, NICEIC or ELECSA Registered etc). In this country it is the tradesman who’s prosecuted if carrying out illegal work. In many cases the householder/landlord etc is always looking to save cash and this can be done by hiring ‘joe bloggs’ round the corner who has been at it for years. “There’s nothing he doesn’t know about gas boilers etc. He’s cheap too as he does it on a Saturday or evenings when not doing his other job.” Problem is he’s not got a qualification, liability insurance or any guarantee for the work. He’s also not registered on the Competent Person’s Schemes. Ultimate cost could be yours and your family’s life!!! think about it.

Competent Person’s Schemes along with the correct insurances in place can cost a tradesman or Company £1000’s per annum. That will be reflected in the price you pay. But for that little extra per hour you get a qualified tradesman, who is constantly updating the qualification, notifying works to local authority where applicable, fully insured for peace of mind and will offer some kind of guarantee on the work, normally at least 12 months.

Maybe it’s time for a change in the law. Making the householder/landlord responsible for ensuring that the person they employ are fully qualified. It’s done in Spain we believe and works very well. It’s one way to make sure your not having rogue traders or cowboy builders working on your property? SHAPE Contractor belong to Checkatrade. Try them when you require an honest trade to carry out work for you.