If you are looking for a plumber or engineer to carry out any sort of gas related work, the best place to look is on the government's new Gas Safe website. As well as telling you all about the Gas Safe scheme, it also features a comprehensive database of legally registered Gas Safe engineers that you can rely on.

The types of gas work that are covered by the new scheme include: installing or repairing a gas fire, gas cooker or hob, any work on a heat producing appliance, for example radiators or your hot water system, if it is connected to either a Natural Gas or LPG (liquid petroleum gas) supply, and installing, repairing or servicing a gas boiler. Some engineers may not be qualified to do all of these things so check their credentials carefully before allowing them to start work. You can check their Gas Safe License number, printed on the back of their photographic identification, against the website if you need further clarification.

If you are a landlord, then you have several legally binding obligations when it comes to gas safety, including having annual boiler checks in all your rented properties where a gas safety certificate must be obtained and presented to the current tenants by a Gas Safe registered engineer. For details of all of your legal requirements, see the government's official Gas Safe website.

Whether you are living in privately rented, local government or housing association accommodation, in a bedsit, bungalow or even in holiday accommodation, your landlord has the legal obligation to ensure that you are safe from the dangers of carbon monoxide and explosion that gas can present. Gas appliances should be serviced annually by a properly qualified Gas Safe registered engineer and you should be given evidence of these checks.

If you think that your landlord is using unqualified workmen, or is not carrying out the necessary work, then do something about it, as it is for your own safety that these laws are in place. If you suspect anything, and have yet to see a real gas safety certificate, then get in touch with the Health and Safety Executive. They will contact your landlord and if he or she fails to comply they could face a warning, fine or prosecution.