Thousands of unsafe gas jobs go unchecked as unqualified installers sidestep scrutiny

Widespread risk from unregistered gas installations

ATAG has reported that more than 80% of certified UK gas engineers are regularly called out to correct dangerous installations carried out by unregistered individuals.

The findings, based on a national survey conducted by ATAG Heating Technology, indicate a consistent issue, with nearly half of respondents saying the faulty work they encounter creates a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

The company said one in five engineers reported direct business losses due to these illegal jobs, including reputational damage and lost contracts.

According to the company, the problem stems from limited control over boiler sales and widespread use of social media by unregistered installers to promote their services.

ATAG stated that 61% of surveyed installers believe boiler sales should be restricted to Gas Safe registered engineers to reduce the number of unsafe installations.

Industry calls for tighter product sales restrictions

ATAG has called for legal limits on who can buy and install gas-critical equipment, urging policymakers to take action.

The company said it enforces a strict policy of selling only to certified professionals and is now encouraging others in the sector to adopt the same approach.

Kevin Treanor, Director of ATAG Heating Technology UK, said: “Illegal gas work poses a serious threat to our profession, but more than that, it endangers the lives of UK residents.”

Treanor added: “Every year, around 250,000 gas jobs are carried out by unqualified individuals, and we need to work to bring that number to zero.”

He continued: “According to the Gas Safe Register, two-thirds of work is unsafe, and our engineers routinely uncover dangerously installed systems that could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or even explosions.

“Government data also shows that dozens of people lose their lives annually to carbon monoxide poisoning caused by faulty appliances.”

Survey findings highlight scale of problem

The survey found that 45% of illegal gas work is advertised on social media platforms, allowing unqualified individuals to access a broad audience without regulatory oversight.

ATAG said a third of engineers estimated that homeowners spend over £400 to fix these faulty installations, increasing financial risk alongside safety concerns.

Treanor said: “The fact that over half of installers are never asked to show ID when attending a job shows just how vulnerable the current system is. We urgently need tougher safeguards to protect the public and uphold professional standards.”

ATAG has launched a campaign to encourage tradespeople and the public to support legislative change, including a template letter to MPs available on its website.

Gas Safe Register and government data underline safety concerns

Treanor cited data from the Gas Safe Register showing that two-thirds of inspected jobs carried out by non-registered workers are deemed unsafe.

He also referenced UK government figures which show dozens of annual deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning, often linked to faulty gas appliances.

ATAG said that the profession cannot rely solely on customer vigilance and is asking for stronger structural protections to be implemented across the sector.

It stated that sales restrictions, improved verification checks, and public awareness campaigns are necessary to reduce harm.

Industry-wide appeal for legislative support

ATAG is asking the wider industry to join its push for reform by contacting MPs directly.

It is also encouraging members of the public to do the same through its website.

The company stated that legal restrictions on product sales would reduce the number of installations by unregistered individuals and help restore confidence in the profession.

ATAG continues to maintain its policy of working only with Gas Safe registered engineers and said that broader enforcement would benefit both safety and the trade.

Illegal gas work prompts new gas safety legislation call: Summary

ATAG Heating Technology has conducted a national survey of certified gas installers in the UK.

More than 82% of respondents said they fix illegal installations at least once per quarter.

Almost 50% said the work poses serious safety risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning.

One in five said illegal work causes them business harm.

The survey found that 45% of illegal work is advertised on social media.

ATAG reported that a third of engineers said customers pay over £400 to fix faulty jobs.

61% of respondents want boiler sales limited to Gas Safe engineers.

Kevin Treanor of ATAG said 250,000 gas jobs are done by unqualified individuals each year.

He cited Gas Safe Register data showing two-thirds of such work is unsafe.

UK government data shows dozens die each year from carbon monoxide linked to faulty appliances.

ATAG is calling on MPs to pass laws restricting boiler sales to registered professionals.

Installers and the public can write to MPs via the ATAG website.