The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has published its proposals in relation to achieving the highest possible standards for safety, with respect to natural gas installers.

Following the signing of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2006 into law, the CER has increased responsibility for the regulation of safety in the natural gas industry.

In order to regulate natural gas installers, the CER proposes to establish an independent Gas Safety Supervisory Body, which will oversee the actions of installers on a day-to-day basis.

This body will work to ensure best practice amongst installers so that natural gas customers can be confident of the safety of the installations and appliances in their homes or premises.

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In future, installers will be required to register with this body and fulfil conditions of registration, which include holding appropriate commercial insurance and qualifications. It will be illegal for individuals to carry out gas work if they are not registered and a person found to be operating illegally may be subject to a fine or conviction under the Act.

Once registered, natural gas installers will be subject to regular inspections and will be required to complete an assessment of their competence every five years to ensure they are maintaining their knowledge of Irish standards in relation to the installation and maintenance of gas fittings.

In introducing these measures, the CER aims to increase public awareness of the safety aspects of natural gas usage and also the importance of choosing a competent person to carry our work in their homes.

A full publicity campaign will be included as part of the establishment of the new regime. The CER aims to have its proposals in place by 1st January 2009.

(LC/SP)