Health and Safety Failings – Pub Worker Fined For Gas Failings

Pub Worker Fined For Gas Failings

This is another case of gas work being carried out by unqualified workers. An HSE investigation was launched into the safety practices of a Torquay pub worker after gas failings were identified at a flat in Torquay. The homeowner requested commissioning documentation for the new gas boiler, but it was not provided, and so he alerted the HSE to his concerns.

The Case

The 59-year-old barman installed gas pipework and a gas boiler at a flat in Torquay, despite having never been registered with the Gas Safe Register.

The homeowner repeatedly asked the man for the commissioning documentation for the new gas boiler, but when it never materialised, the home owner alerted the HSE to his concerns.

During the subsequent HSE investigation, he admitted that he had not commissioned the boiler after carrying out the work, which would have included tests to ensure the boiler was working properly and not producing high levels of carbon monoxide. Not carrying out these tests put the homeowner at risk from deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.

The case was heard at Newton Abbott Magistrates; Court where the man pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(3) and 33(1)(c) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations. He was sentenced to 36 weeks imprisonment suspended for 2 years and ordered to pay £757 in costs.

What The HSE had to say

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Simon Jones said

‘Only engineers with the correct competencies and who are registered with Gas Safe can legally carry out gas work and it is fortunate no-one was harmed as a result of Mr Voss’s illegal work.