In Court
Fireplace fitters sentenced for unregistered gas work
Two self-employed fireplace installers have been sentenced after carrying out unregistered gas work.
From August 2015 to February 2017, Karl Welsh and James Allen installed new gas fires in three North West domestic properties, despite not being Gas Safe registered.
The HSE’s investigation found that substandard – and in some cases dangerous – gas work was undertaken at the properties. Gas Safe inspectors attended all three properties, and found that two of the properties had installation defects that were immediately dangerous, one of which was spilling excessive carbon monoxide into the room.
Mr Karl Welsh, of Skelmersdale, Lancashire pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1), 3(3) and 5(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Mr Welsh was given a 10 months suspended sentence, 150 hours unpaid community work and ordered to pay £2,200 toward the costs.
Mr James Allen of Radcliffe, Bury, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1), 3(3) and 5(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was given a 10 months suspended sentence, 150 hours unpaid community work and ordered to pay £1,000 toward the costs.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Jennifer French said: “Karl Welsh and James Allen undertook gas work which they knew they were not registered to do. All gas work must be done by registered Gas Safe engineers to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life. HSE will not fail to take the appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
The Safety Conversation Podcast: Listen now!
The Safety Conversation with SHP (previously the Safety and Health Podcast) aims to bring you the latest news, insights and legislation updates in the form of interviews, discussions and panel debates from leading figures within the profession.
Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, subscribe and join the conversation today!
Fireplace fitters sentenced for unregistered gas work
The HSE’s investigation found that substandard – and in some cases dangerous – gas work was undertaken at the properties.
Alison Fava
SHP - Health and Safety News, Legislation, PPE, CPD and Resources Related Topics
Company fined £600k after prisoner dies due to legionella
Wood panelling firm fined £400k after injured worker loses leg
Company fined £1.6m following the death of 24-year-old