By Craig Smith

They say there is a first time for everything and here we are commenting on a big issue made aware by a TV soap!

There is a storyline currently running where one of the residents in Coronation Street has suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning thanks to a dodgy boiler repair. This doesn’t just make good viewing but also raises the awareness of having someone competent to do the right job.

Competent Worker

The boiler had been repaired by a friend with some mechanical knowledge as a goodwill gesture. OK, this is soap land but these kinds of things could happen in your street. What starts as a helpful neighbour could turn into something disastrous if not done properly.

By law, anyone working on a gas appliance such as a boiler or gas fire needs to be Gas Safe registered and hold the necessary skills to carry out any works. Carbon monoxide has no odour and in many cases can kill or seriously harm someone without them having any idea there is a leak.

Work in Other Areas

The same principles apply to other times of work such as electrical installations & repairs and day to day maintenance. Electricians must hold the correct certifications in order to install or replace any fittings or appliance and in general day to day repairs, you wouldn’t ask a roofer to put up some shelves, would you?!

The Consequences

The results of a bodged repair can not only affect the people in a property but also the person who was responsible for the work. With regards to gas safety, the person responsible could not only be fined but could also face a jail term as punishment.

Always Check

This is the reason you should always check who is coming to work on your home. This is important not only if you are an owner occupier but more so if you are a Landlord. If you instruct someone who is not suitably qualified to carry out the relevant works, you could be putting the lives of your tenants at risk and could also be held responsible!

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