HSE warns over illegal gas fitters
November 30th 18:49 Health and Safety
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a warning regarding unregistered gas workers after prosecuting a joiner who illegally worked on gas boilers without the proper certification.
Jim Price of Ravenscroft Road, Beckenham, Kent, pleaded guilty to dealing with gas appliances while not registered when he appeared in court at Bury St Edmunds last week.
He was fined £250 for breaching health and safety regulations and ordered to pay costs of over £1,000 to the householder who had been affected.
"Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentially dangerous. Only qualified and registered engineers should attempt it," remarked Andrew Saunders of the HSE, a warning that those involved with facilities management may wish to heed.
He added that unqualified workers are putting both themselves and their customers at risk.
The HSE also raised the issue earlier this month as part of Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, noting that 28 people were prosecuted for breaching gas legislation in 2008-09.
