From today, it will be illegal for any person other than a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) to carry out work on an LPG domestic installation.

The Dáil Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (CER) Pat Rabbitte has signed a Commencement Order further extending the functions of the CER in regard to LPG safety, with effect from 27 June.

From that date, any person in breach of the law may be subject to fines of up to €15,000 and/or a prison term of up to three-years on conviction.

To become a RGI, persons must meet the requirements for registration as set out by the Register of Gas Installers Ireland (RGII) including holding gas safety certification and appropriate insurance, with RGIs are also subject to regular audit, inspection, and ongoing competency assessment by the RGII.

Speaking today, the Minister welcomed the extension of the existing safety registration scheme by the CER to include Liquid Petroleum Gas Works.

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"Bringing the regulation of LPG Works within the scope of CER's safety function is a positive move for both the LPG industry and for consumers," he said.

The RGI scheme aims to raise safety standards by ensuring only competent installers are allowed carry out certain categories of gas works.

Only a RGI can guarantee that gas works carried out meet the relevant Irish Standards and he/she must issue a Certificate to customers, which will provide assurance that the work is safe.

The Register of Gas Installers Ireland (RGII), on behalf of the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER), has operated a successful registration scheme for natural gas installers since June 2009.

From the 27th June 2011 the scheme will be extended to include LPG installers, service and repair engineers.

Registered Gas Installers must hold appropriate insurance and have the requisite qualifications to demonstrate competency. In addition RGIs work is inspected by the RGII to ensure that they are carrying out work in line with the relevant standards.

Under the Electricity Regulation Act 1999 (as amended) the CER has responsibility to regulate the activities of natural gas undertakings and natural gas and LPG installers with respect to safety.

The CER appointed the Register of Gas Installers Ireland (RGII) to carry out this function on its behalf. Any person wishing to carry out Gas Works is required by law to register as a Registered Gas Installer (RGI) with RGII.

LP (Gas Work) is defined as work, which is related to the installation, removal; repair or replacement of non portable LPG installations/appliances used or designed to be used by a domestic customer.

(BMcC)