_{”Green Gas Cowboys”}

According to Trading Standards, 19 out of 20 cars converted to gas by independent Installers (not Manufacturers) leak gas. Last year they converted 70,000 cars.

See our views on Competence.

(source, Daily Record 17th July 2002)

Good

The primary trade association is the L.P. Gas Association (www.lpga.co.uk)

The LPGA is a non profit making Association which was founded in 1969. It has approximately 140 Full Members and 40 Affiliate Members. It represents all the major LP gas companies in the UK and the sales from member companies cover  over 98% of the total LP gas sales in the UK.

The Association's objectives are:

1. Setting the technical and safety standards for the industry.

2. Promoting the benefits and safe use of LP gas to the general  public.

3. Representing the industry to the relevant Government departments including  the Health and Safety Executive, Department of Energy, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, HM Customs and Excise and the Home Office. The Association is also represented on numerous  bodies such as the BSI, CBI, CORGI, IP etc.

4. Representing the UK industry in Europe to ensure that our views are known when EC Directives are being formulated.

5. Promoting responsible legislation which safeguards the industry.

6. Ensuring that adequate training is available and, where applicable, setting the syllabuses for the courses.

7. Publishing Codes of Practice.

8. Gathering statistical information on LP gas sales for use by  members.

9. Publishing general information sheets, safety posters and any relevant  safety alerts.

10. Keeping the membership informed on what is happening in the industry and how it may affect them.

BAD

The approval system operated by the LPGA is, “being operated in good faith to try and maintain good standards of workmanship and safety. However, neither the DTLR nor the LP Gas Association accepts any liability for any work undertaken by approved companies.”

(quotations taken from LPGA web site ( www.lpga.co.uk) 15th May 2002.

OBSERVATION

If a common plumber commits a breach of working practice, or is negligent / incompetent, CORGI can take away his CORGI card required by law; And the card can remain withdrawn until he proves himself competent again. During this time it is illegal to work on gas until the card is reinstated.

The LPGA member does not have a card, is not legally obliged to carry one or even qualify for one. The Government has exempted these people and to make matters worse the LPGA who has no direct or indirect punitive powers with the exception of expulsion from the membership, “operates in good faith” and,”accepts no liability for any work undertaken by approved companies.”

The consumer is left to fight the matter through the civil courts.