BG STRIKES END – 19.12.2005

No cold cuddly toys this Christmas as British Gas employers cut a deal with the GMB to give British Gas Engineers what they actually already had before industrial action started – story at BBC – see also BG/GMB statement

BG STRIKES LAUNCHED – 12.12.2005

Not less than 90% of British Gas Engineers voted in response to the ballot for industrial action and 80% of the voters resolved to take action. That figure took some by surprise - more

GMB ISSUE CALL NOTICE – 10.12.2005

The first of the BG 24 hour strikes appears set to commence from 07.00 on Monday, to coincide with planned demonstrations in Wales, Scotland and England. Gas-News hopes to attend a photo call. Full details available from the GMB.

BG STRIKES LOOM – 29.11.2005

British Gas Engineers are set to strike forthwith. Dates listed as 12, 19 and 21/12/05 then 6 and 9/1/06. There will also be reduced out-of-hours cover on dates this side of Christmas as well as in the new year. Pensions are once again the focus of attention - more

BG STRIKE THREAT – 25.11.2005

The GMB Union reports that British Gas Engineers have voted 4:1 for a walkabout over their pensions - more

OIL HEATING FORUM – 25.11.2005

Gas-News is pleased to host an Oil Heating Forum, with Richard Gamble taking the reins as Editor.

APHC v GWN – 20.11.2005

Before anyone gets too carried away or disheartened by the recent failure of the APHC to overturn GWN, look closely at available facts; This is APHC anti-GWN (in its present form), not APHC anti-CORGI more

PHEX MANCHESTER – 19.11.2005

Following the recent hugely successful Chelsea PHEX show, the Manchester PHEX is set to launch soon. The ultimate Gas, Plumbing and Heating show in the annual Industry calendar embraces all subjects and is a must-see for new-entrants and professionals alike. Please note the revised times for Manchester, due to changes in football fixtures which affect the venue:

PHEX Manchester – Tuesday November 29 – 10.00am to 5.00pm

PHEX Manchester – Wednesday November 30 – 9.00am to 2.00pm

For further information or extra tickets contact Claire Tilbury, Events Manager on 020 8680 4200.

PRODUCT FOCUS 8 – 03.11.2005

The inevitable follow-on from the now well known Magnaclean® is the Magnaclean® Powerflushing Filter, for use during Powerflushing of heating systems. Equivalent to four Magnaclean® Professional household filters fitted in series, the Powerflushing Filter copes with proprietary chemicals and grabs all oxide particles on the first pass; This must represent a huge saving in water used to Powerflush heating systems - more

INSTITUTE OF POWERFLUSHING – 27.10.2005

Launched by Giles Hanford, through Energy Efficient Technology Ltd, the Institute of Powerflushing is set to promote the benefits of Powerflushing to both Consumers and Installers. Giles, a leading figure in the industry, has said the main objective is to increase efficiency of heating systems and help reduce the number of components that require replacement. Acting as an information centre, the Institute will remain completely independent. A steering group of experienced heating engineers will monitor information provided, with the aim of promoting standards of service – IOPF Website

PHEX CHELSEA – 25.10.2005

Held to a draw by the intrepid Everton, Chelsea is now ready to draw the crowds to the not-to-be-missed PHEX 2005 show on 16.11.2005. New or old, Installers from the UK and Eire will no doubt be gathered in their thousands.  We hope to catch up on news across the industry. Details of hugely extended boiler warranty will be explored. You can register online for your free tickets, which as always include the renowned PHEX hospitality.

Energy Efficiency Certificate – 21.09.2005

A news release from the Energy Saving Trust suggests that subsidized funding of the City & Guilds Certificate in Energy Efficiency for Domestic Heating [6084] may end soon. Currently set at around £65, they claim the cost could double after October 14 2005 – more

PHEX Shows – 22.08.2005

The revised show dates are now in the Events section [above]. You can register online. Not to bemissed.

Energy Saving Trust – 14.07.2005

A news release from the Energy Saving Trust confirms their endorsement of high efficiency boilers will be limited to sedbuk A rated boilers from August 1 2005. This does not change the law in any way but as we always say, all standards are minimum standards; The EST invariably aim higher - more

Scotland the brave – 13.07.2005

Once again Scotland appear set to grasp the nettle and tackle the issue of rogue landlords, according to a BBC report. Gas registration is mandatory, Landlord Gas Safety Checks are mandatory, but Landlord registration is not mandatory; Time for a change ?

Lies, damned lies, statistics and Installer Live – 12.06.2005

To complete the set, Editorial 71 ponders Installer-Live.

Interbuild – 10.06.2005

Scheduled for April 2006, Interbuild are now accepting pre-registrations at www.interbuild.com. They’ve started an idea called ‘new product alert’, which essentially is an email. The information does not appear to be available from the website but we’ll forward the email to everyone on our Trade Information Mailing List (see home page) in 24 hours or so.

Of particular interest, Burley have produced an hole-in-the-wall flueless gas fire. Which reminds me. The Hearth and Home Exhibition starts on Sunday for three days only.

Installer Live Pre Show Spin – 08.06.2005

Before the history to Installer Live (2/5 June 2005) is lost, a sample of the promotional spin is set out for the record. This should serve as a warning to prospective exhibitors and visitors in the future - more

Installer Live – 06.06.2005

Installer Live falls well below expectations, is how our correspondent headlined his review of the first ever show inspired by Corgi. Not without merit, the event suffered from the inevitable propensity for Corgi to exaggerate. We have yet to review the build-up which cannot be as kind - more

Building Regulations and GWN et al – 26.05.2005

Deep sea exploration at ODPM and elsewhere has revealed some potentially disturbing information which we are continuing to investigate. Comment 62 highlights the pros and cons.

Home Information Pack – 24.05.2005

There has been a lot of talk about the subject of Home Information Packs which are expected to become mandatory in 2007. Comment 61 takes a look at the proposals, which should be of benefit to the wider population.

Gas Work Notification confusion reigns – 22.05.2005

Gas-News takes a look at what is being said in print media about Gas Work Notification (GWN).   Some good stuff but clearly the confusion that has hampered the debate reigns on. Editorial 70 emphasises once again that GWN has no official identity at all. Government has not asked for it and it has no connection whatsoever with Building Regulations changes.

BUSINESS AS USUAL – 30.04.2005

We can’t help feeling the noose is tightening and Editorial 69 asks if anyone else in the industry has the backbone to rally behind the APHC. It really is now or never – read more

APHC RALLY BEHIND INSTALLERS – 29.04.2005

A forum posting prompted Gas-News to contact the APHC about their plans to pro-actively engage with the Gas Work Notification issue.  Previously referred to at the APHC website, as no more than a concern, matters have now clearly   progressed – read more

GAS-NEWS HIT STORM – 07.04.2005

Concerned or curious, we don’t know but we do know demand for the Approved Document L pdf files has been phenomenal. Our previous most popular download is the HSE pdf on Positive Pressure Boilers, which routinely exceeds 1000 each month. We are already a long way past that figure on Part L.

NO TO CONDENSING.GOV – 02.04.2005

Gas-News condemns the Government’s latest hypocritical publication aimed at consumers purchasing new boilers – read more

APPROVED DOCUMENT L 2005 ARRIVES – 31.03.2005

Slipped in through the back door at ODPM since 17.30 today, Approved Document L 2005 and related stuff has finally arrived, in what can only be described as disgraceful Government – read more

CORGI APPLIANCE INSTALLATION LEVY – 31.03.2005

Consumers need to be aware that from April 1 2005, there will be a cost added to gas appliance installations – read more

CORGI SEMINARS – 30.03.2005

More dates for your diary (Registered Gas Installers only), in May and June at football stadia, dotted around England and Northern Ireland – read more

CORGI GO LIVE TOMORROW – 23.03.2005

Apologies for the short notice but we've only just been notified by web-chats of a live web-chat that is rolling out tomorrow, at a safe time while Installers are all working. More info later. Not really live as it is pre-moderated. Tony Lush DIY expert and Brian Adams from Corgi join www.webchats.tv for a live web-chat on 24th March between 14.00 and 15.00. Click here to ask Tony or Brian a question:

Join the chat at www.webchats.tv Find out more at www.corgi-gas-safety.com * * * * * *

Still no sign of Approved Document L, that will no doubt be relied on and ODPM continue to ignore requests for information. Maladministration or Freedom of Information Act ? Take your pick.

HOME INFORMATION PACKS – 15.03.2005

Details of an ODPM report have now been published at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. The report (195KB pdf) is now online and the original page can be seen at ODPM.

HSE ATTACKER JAILED – 28.02.2005

A builder has been jailed for attacking an HSE inspector who was trying to make the world safe for the public. That kind of threat exists for many employees of thug builders. We have said before that employers and managers of Registered Gas Installers should be required to undertake a qualification, to reduce the risk of pressure on employees. Sourced by our Ind-Rep.

THE FIRST NO L ? – 28.02.2005

Yes we know Christmas has gone but we’re on about Approved Document L, due to kick-off April 1 2005. It should by now be on thousands of desks and dog-eared. Our Building Control source tells us they have received zero information from the Government. Nothing at lastminute.com either on the subject. We’ve emailed today for answers.

MORE EVENTS – 28.02.2005

The H & V Exhibition starts on Wednesday at the NEC. A new event on our list and one we’ve not attended yet.

EVENTS – 23.02.2005

More dates for your diary in EVENTS, with the Domestic Heating and Plumbing Trade Event running onto the pitch at Bristol City FC in March.

CORGI INSTALLER EVENTS – 23.02.2005

Dates are now available for the annual round of regional seminars held by CORGI. Particularly noteworthy on the agenda is GWN and Self Certification, including exemptions more

Product Focus 7 – 22.02.2005

Gas-News is proud to present the MagnaClean®, an innovative step in favour of heating system longevity and efficiency. Designed by an Installer for Installers (and consumers), cleaning is simplicity itself. But what matters is that it really works. No moving parts, no filters, no electricity, no controls. Like all the best ideas it is simple.

WARRANTY INSURANCE – 08.02.2005

I have an original copy of “On the track of unknown animals”. Written by the distinguished Dr Bernard Heuvelmans and classified as non-fiction paranormal. Researching warranty insurance today I was immediately reminded of that title more

BOILERS, SPARES, BG et al – 05.02.2005

More poignant stuff at GU on a familiar thread in a well researched article, again sourced by our Industrial Rep.

ONE FOR THE PRICE OF TWO – 05.02.2005

Sent under the subject line of the same name by our Industrial Rep, Home Service (aka Home Hotline et al) are featured unflatteringly in an article by the Guardian Unlimited. More cowboy entrepreneurial tactics designed to con ordinary decent folk our of their hard-earned.

BOGUS HSE MAILSHOTS – 04.02.2005

The HSE has published a warning about a bogus mailshot that is doing the rounds. It concerns another commercial parasite. Please clip and paste the following URL on other message boards:

Events – 20.01.2005

Three new residents are now featured in the Events section of the website: Scotbuild – Irish Building Exhibition – London Fireplace Show. All have shows late 2005.

Negligent Boss Jailed – 15.01.2005

A report at the HSE highlights the continuing risks to ordinary people trying to earn a living.

Asbestos – 12.01.2005

Stiff sentencing in the USA for two people who put many decent folk at risk for pecuniary interest. Sourced by our indefatigable industrial rep, this should give a crumb of comfort to devotees of justice. When you visit read the plea for clemency by one defendant and dialogue with the judge.

Freedom of Information – 12.01.2005

The HSE has launched a new Freedom of Information website, for use where online searches do not provide information required. We will ultimately be asking for details of carbon monoxide fatalities. Not personal details obviously but information that will enable us, as voters, to make judgments about whether Government responses are properly targeted, to help reduce fatalities.

Corgi Registrations – 09.01.2005

We look at the latest Corgi Registration figures in Comment 60. Numbers are inching up but not as fast as needed, though the numbers of dual registrations – employees registering as businesses – is showing strong growth which is healthy.

TACMA Guide – 08.01.2005

The well known TACMA guide has been one of our most popular downloads for a long time (thousands) but it will soon be out of date, with all imminent changes. A note has been produced to advise people downloading, until the guide is updated.

Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) – 08.01.2004

An update on Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000, can be seen at Belfast based oilfiredup.com. There are proposals for change but still only proposals, though seen as inevitable. Too early for us to produce a feature on the subject, which we have shamefully neglected in the past.  Anyone wishing to study further, the current processes in Northern Ireland, should visit the NI Assembly home page. If you are using our old bookmark in Feature 8, please note that the hyphen has now been dropped from the NI Assembly URL.

Feature 16 – 07.01.2005

Building Regulations Part P is hung, drawn and quartered in Feature 16. Researching the saga has highlighted the pandemonium that exists in the industry (electrical). Government arrogance bulldozes provisions prematurely once again. This should be of interest to consumers and installers in England and Wales.

Feature 15 – 05.01.2005

As promised we have produced Feature 15 [Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004], to compliment the proposed Part L 2005 changes in Feature 14. Interesting stuff.

Part P – 04.01.2005

New rules for electrical safety in the home. Part P of the Building Regulations now kicks-in (January 1 2005) and concerns everyone, including Installers of all flavours. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has produced a general consumer information leaflet. The leaflet is installed in downloads for future reference.

Feature 14 – 04.01.2005

We discuss the forthcoming Building Regulation changes which are still only proposed, although imminent more