Gas Safe Register has launched a new online learning platform to help registered engineers understand new industry guidance around flues in voids legislation.

Since 1 January, 2013, the revised risk classification advice provided in Technical Bulletin 008 (TB008) will come into effect. From this date any concealed flue, which cannot be inspected, should be classified as 'At Risk' (provided no other evidence exists that the boiler is an immediate danger). This 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 online 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.

Mark Rolfe, Gas Safe Register's technical and registration manager, 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. 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.

"This is the first time Gas Safe Register has created an online learning platform for engineers, but it won't be the last. The flues in voids module will be followed by other online on-demand learning modules that we will be creating throughout 2013. Gas Safe Register wants to help engineers stay up-to-date on key areas in gas safety in a way that is easy and convenient for them, which these online modules will do."

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