CESA: Goodbye, CORGI
Pubs that use gas for cooking should be familiar with CORGI, the UK's gas safety watchdog, and will know how important it is to use CORGI-registered engineers for service and maintenance.
Important changes are coming and publicans need to be aware that, from April 1 2009, CORGI is being replaced by the Gas Safe Register as the official stamp for gas safety in Great Britain.
The new register is overseen by the Health and Safety Executive responsible for regulating gas safety in Great Britain and the change is designed to promote a better understanding of gas safety risks and the importance of using only registered engineers.
It will be a legal requirement for any operative planning to undertake work in Great Britain after April 1 to be registered with the Gas Safe Register, and all existing CORGI registered businesses must have transferred their registration to the Gas Safe Register by that date.
So what does it mean? The major differences to publicans is that the CORGI name will disappear and, if a gas appliance needs service or attention, they need to ensure that the engineer doing the work is accredited to the new scheme.
Promotion of the Gas Safe Register is being ramped up over the next few months as it aims to make sure all publicans are aware of the change. More information is available more from the website, Gas Safe Register .
If in doubt, talk to your equipment supplier. The Catering Equipment Suppliers Association (CESA) represents over 130 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment. For more information on CESA visit CESA
