Blog Post

Gas Safe engineers and electrical safety – new rules

David Lambert • Feb 13, 2020

When it comes to Gas Safe engineers and electrical safety, the rules are changing – from July you will need to prove your electrical competence and knowledge

Gas Safe engineers and electrical safety – new rules Gas Training & Assessment basildon gas courses Essex
The subject of Gas Safe engineers and electrical safety has been a hot topic for many years. Modern gas appliances and equipment are almost always powered by electricity, which inevitably means increased risk to the gas engineer when installing, servicing and repairing said appliances. 

Therefore, it is not surprising that after years of talks, the gas industry has decided that gas engineers need to make sure that they and their customers remain safe during any works to their home or premises. This will be done by the Gas Safe engineer undertaking safe electrical isolation. 

Gas Safe engineers and electrical safety – the new procedure

Starting from July 2020 (planned to be consolidated by July 2025), a Gas Safe engineer working on a gas appliance or installation with a 230 Volt electrical supply will need to undertake appropriate checks before commencing any work or leaving the installation operational. These checks should include ensuring that the appliance is:
  • safe to touch 
  • and/or safe isolation 
  • and/or electrically dead
This is in line with completing GSIUR Regulation 26(9) checks.

This will be done by changing the Gas Safe requirement process. Anyone who enters or renews their Gas Safe registration via ACS or a GCS (Group Competence Scheme) will be legally required to show that they have the knowledge and competence to safely isolate the electrical supply to a gas appliance.

How will this happen?

Gas engineers will need to prove their competence through self-validation when going through the ACS assessment or reassessment process.  

If they don’t feel confident enough to self-validate, they will need to gain the necessary knowledge through self-learning, external or in-house learning. 

If you are in a Group Competence Scheme, you will still be expected to undergo competence training from July 2020, as well as technical knowledge checks.

The five year ACS cycle will have been completed by 2025, which means that all Gas Safe registered engineers will have undergone the required checks to ensure they can safely isolate the electrical supply to a gas appliance. 

After 2025

There is a possibility that the Standard Setting Body (SSB) will include electrical isolation as part of the practical competence assessment; this is to be determined after consultations with the gas industry. 

GTA – ensuring Gas Safe engineers and electrical safety go hand in hand

Gas Training & Assessment has been delivering first class gas training courses for decades. These include IGQ New Entrants courses, LPG courses, refresher training, appliance training and electrical safety. We run certified courses in Electrical Safe Isolation, which are a proof of competency. These courses take place over either a half or full day, dependent on the course chosen.

We are dedicated to making sure that gas engineers gain the knowledge, skills and qualifications to work on gas professionally and safely. 

Please call Gas Training & Assessment on 01268 727797 you would like to find out more. 

We hope you found our article ‘Gas Safe engineers and electrical safety – new rules’ of interest. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or want to know about Gas Training & Assessment’s range of courses. 
Vic Knight instructor at Gas Training & Assessment - gas courses in Basildon, Essex
David Lambert - Author

If you have a question about this or any of our blogs, or training courses then please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

We will always try and answer your question quickly and professionally. 
Get In Touch
Mastering LPG: Your Guide to Gas Training & Assessment's LPG Courses
by David Lambert 08 Apr, 2024
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): Your guide to gain hands-on experience with Gas Training & Assessment's expert-led LPG Training Courses
Combined Oil Boiler Maintenance Course: Exclusive April & June Courses Offer!
by David Lambert 22 Mar, 2024
Combined Oil Boiler Maintenance Courses: Sign up for April & June courses at just £799.20. Best value & quality training in London & South East!
Exciting News: Gas Training & Assessment Launched New Oil Training Area!
by David Lambert 12 Mar, 2024
Exciting News: Gas Training & Assessment’s grand opening of their brand new oil training area at their Gas Training Centre in Basildon, Essex.
A person is looking at a boiler fault finding course.
by David Lambert 11 Mar, 2024
GTA's Boiler Fault Finding Courses offer a wealth of benefits for Heating Engineers seeking to expand their expertise and advance their careers.
Affordable Air Source Heat Pump Courses at £98.40!
by David Lambert 12 Feb, 2024
Gas Training & Assessment is offering a limited-time opportunity: Air Source Heat Pump Courses at an unbeatable price of £98.40! Ends April 2024.
Air Source Heat Pump Course: An Investment in Your Future
by David Lambert 12 Jan, 2024
Engineers wanting to explore courses in Air Source Heat Pump (ASHP) qualifications isn't just an educational pursuit. It's an investment with the potential for significant returns, both financially and in terms of career growth. ASHP course at the moment will only cost you £98.40. Learn more:
Gas Engineers - In Demand and Pros of Pursuing this Career Path
by David Lambert 06 Dec, 2023
The profession offers a range of benefits, including job security, competitive salaries, and diverse work environments for continuous learning and growth.
Unlocking the Power of Air Source Heat Pumps: The Benefits of ASHP Training
by David Lambert 09 Nov, 2023
By investing in Air Source Heat Pump training, you'll not only future-proof your career but contribute to the global shift towards sustainable living.
How Long Does the ACS Gas Qualification Last For?
by David Lambert 25 Oct, 2023
The ACS Gas qualification lasts for five years after which reassessment is necessary for continued practice within the Gas Industry. Learn more...
Is it worth becoming a Gas Engineer?
by David Lambert 15 Sept, 2023
Is it worth becoming a Gas Engineer? The UK is in need of Gas Engineers; the demand will only grow as half of the current engineers are nearing retirement. Now is a prime opportunity to join this profession, ensuring a prosperous long-term career.
More posts
Share by: