APHCI NEWS
A safer future for non-domestic gas
NEW REGULATIONS GOVERNING NON-DOMESTIC GAS WORK MARK AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT FOR GAS SAFETY IN IRELAND, BUT PUBLIC AWARENESS, INSTALLER COMPETENCE AND SUFFICIENT TRAINING CAPACITY WILL BE CRITICAL TO ITS SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION, SAYS APHCI CEO DAVID GILROY…
The introduction of new regulations governing non-domestic gas work marks an important development for gas safety in Ireland, and Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors of Ireland (APHCI) welcomes the direction of travel. From September 1, 2026, the regulatory framework has been extended so that regulated non-domestic gas works must be carried out by Registered Gas Installers (RGIs). The change is being implemented through Statutory Instrument No. 106/2026 and extends the RGI framework into the non-domestic sector. For APHCI, however, the most important point is not simply that the law has changed; it is why it has changed. Gas safety must always come first. Gas installation, servicing, maintenance and repair are skilled activities where poor workmanship or a lack of understanding can have serious consequences. The extension of the regulatory framework provides greater oversight of those carrying out this work and gives businesses a clearer mechanism for
ensuring that appropriately qualified and registered installers are engaged. That is something the plumbing and heating industry should welcome. A significant change for the industry The new requirements have implications for a wide range of businesses and premises where gas is used, including hotels, restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, offices, retail premises and other commercial and public buildings. For installers who have traditionally worked in the non-domestic sector, the change represents a significant development. Some will already be RGIs and will need to ensure that the appropriate non- domestic category has been added to their registration. Others may have considerable experience working with commercial gas systems but may not previously have been required to hold RGI registration for that work.
The new framework provides routes for installers to progress towards registration, including a Recognition of Prior Learning process for experienced non-domestic gas installers. That is an important recognition of the experience that already exists within the industry. But experience, registration and competence must ultimately come together. Regulation is only the beginning The introduction of legislation is one thing. Making sure that everyone affected understands what it means is another. APHCI’s concern is not with the principle of the legislation. Our concern is whether sufficient awareness, communication and training capacity are available to make the transition work effectively. There are installers who may not yet fully understand how the new requirements affect their businesses. There are employers who need to establish whether their employees are appropriately registered. And there are commercial customers who may
54 | PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE
FOLLOW US ON:
www.plumbingmag.com
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online