Gas Safe Register has launched a new online learning platform for registered engineers to help them understand and apply industry guidance around flues in voids.
It is the first of a series of online learning tools created by the Register to help engineers and other online, on-demand learning modules will also be launched this year.

The revised risk classification advice, provided in Technical Bulletin 008 (TB008), came into effect on 1 January. Now any concealed flue, which cannot be inspected, should be classified as 'at risk' (provided that no other evidence exists that indicates that the boiler is an immediate danger).

It means that registered engineers should advise their customers not to use the appliance and, with the customer's permission, leave it turned off and labelled correctly.

Gas Safe Register's new learning platform is made up of seven modules, all taken from the requirements of the TB008 bulletin. After each module, participants can take a short interactive quiz to test their knowledge. The programme does not need to be carried out all in one go, so learning can be spread out over a number of days.

Gas Safe Register's technical and registration manager, Mark Rolfe, said: 'There has been ongoing concern in the industry and among the public over the potential safety risks posed by concealed flues. We know that many properties have been built with boiler flues that cannot be inspected and this is a problem for engineers who are unable to check whether a flue is in a good condition, and therefore safe.'

He continued: 'We have received calls from both engineers and the public concerned about flues in voids, which is why we have created an easily digestible online learning platform for registered engineers. They can find out all they need to know to apply the correct industry guidance and best serve their customers.'

To access the online learning platform for engineers visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk/engineers