Fire department warns against uncertified workers

On the heels of a gas explosion in a condo tower leading to three injuries, the Fire Department has issued a warning about uncertified workers, who might save a dollar or two.

The authorities called on citizens to, at the time to make any electrical work in homes, hire trained and certified to perform such activity. According to the Carlos Rodriguez, National Director of Security, Fire Prevention and Investigation of the Department said Failure to do so results in unfortunate incidents. 

When work is done in homes” he said, "We have the habit of using people close to us or people who charge less..But we  never wonder if he really knows how to do the job or is accredited." Rodriguez said when a person is going to hire someone to do a job (either electrical or plumbing), the first thing to do is ask is  if he is accredited to do so. The person must show the license, he said. And finally, when the job  is completesd, the practitioner must submit a certification of work performed. 

 Rodriguez added that the company that makes installations (gas, electricity, alarm, among others) must be registered with the Directorate of Security.

Since 2010 there have been eight cases of failure to comply with the recommendations leading to a  toll of eight dead and at least 13 injured.