Norwich is among the top 10 UK cities at risk from illegal gas work, according to new research.
Data from Gas Safe Register's Investigations Team has revealed that in Norwich two thirds of illegal gas work was found to be unsafe.
Their research found that in the last year, almost seven in every 10 appliances investigated were unsafe, up from two thirds the previous year.
Gas Safe Register, with support from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and charity Project SHOUT, is highlighting the dangers of using illegal gas fitters, as having unsafe gas appliances can result in carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, fires and explosions.
Jonathan Samuel, chief executive of Gas Safe Register, said: 'The findings from our investigations shows how dangerous illegal gas work can be. Don't cut corners and always check you are using a Gas Safe registered engineer so you're safe in the knowledge that they are legally qualified to work in your home. To check your engineer is on the Gas Safe Register, visit GasSafeRegister.co.uk, and always ask to see their Gas Safe ID card when they arrive on your doorstep.'
During 2017, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the national independent watchdog responsible for the prosecutions of unregistered gas engineers, has issued more than £800,000 in fines and prosecutions have resulted in a combined 5 years of jail time.
Zoe Hadley, campaign director of Project SHOUT, a national campaign raising awareness of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, said: 'Research shows that over 16 million households in the UK could be at risk from the effects of carbon monoxide poisoning.'
To keep you and your family safe, follow Gas Safe Register's top tips:
Know the symptoms of CO poisoning; headaches, nausea, breathlessness, collapse, dizziness and loss of consciousness.
If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, call the free 24-hour national gas emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999.
Never attempt to work on a gas appliance yourself, always seek the help of a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
To find out more visit www.StayGasSafe.co.uk, and to find a Gas Safe registered engineer call 0800 408 5500. On social media, search @GasSafeRegister and #DontCutCorners.
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