What does Gas Safe registration cover?
Gas Safe registration covers the design, installation, servicing and repair of gas appliances and gas pipework in the UK, and is the only legal register for gas work in Scotland since 2009.
A Gas Safe engineer has an ID card with a photo, licence number, expiry date and a list of the specific gas competencies they hold — cookers, boilers, meters, LPG. Ask to see the physical card and cross-check the licence number at gassaferegister.co.uk before any gas work starts.
What is SELECT and why does Scotland use it?
SELECT is the trade association of electrical contractors in Scotland, and its registered members are automatically recognised by Scottish Building Standards for the self-certification of electrical work under the Building (Scotland) Regulations.
Self-certification means the SELECT-registered electrician can sign off their own electrical work without a separate Building Standards inspection, which saves time and cost. NICEIC offers the equivalent UK-wide scheme, also accepted by Glasgow City Council.
Do all kitchen electrical works need certification in Glasgow?
Not all kitchen electrical works need formal certification, but any new circuit, consumer unit change, or work in a specified location such as within 3m of a sink requires SELECT or NICEIC self-certification under Scottish Building Standards.
Replacing a like-for-like socket usually does not require certification. Adding a new cooker circuit, an under-cabinet lighting circuit or a hardwired extractor does. When in doubt, a SELECT-registered electrician will tell you before quoting.
Are trade body memberships like KBSA and FMB worth checking?
Trade body memberships such as KBSA and FMB are worth checking as a positive signal because they add deposit protection and Insurance-Backed Guarantee options, but they do not replace legal certifications.
KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialists Association) and FMB (Federation of Master Builders) both vet members on financial stability, workmanship standards and complaints history. A KBSA member with Gas Safe, SELECT and £2m public liability is a strong candidate; membership alone is not enough.
Certifications by kitchen work type
| Work | Certification required | Verify at |
|---|---|---|
| Gas hob or oven connection | Gas Safe registered engineer | gassaferegister.co.uk |
| Boiler move or replacement | Gas Safe registered engineer | gassaferegister.co.uk |
| New electrical circuit | SELECT or NICEIC registered | select.org.uk / niceic.com |
| Consumer unit change | SELECT or NICEIC registered | select.org.uk / niceic.com |
| Extractor / new lighting | SELECT or NICEIC registered | select.org.uk / niceic.com |
| Mains water connection | WRAS-approved fittings, competent plumber | wras.co.uk |
| Cabinetry & worktop fit | No formal certification required | Portfolio and reviews |