Plumber given community service for putting people's lives at risk

An Ipswich plumber who put lives at risk by illegally working on gas appliances has been awarded 100 hours of community service.

Andrew Davies, 44, of Tower Mill Road, Ipswich, admitted breaching safety regulations when he appeared at Ipswich Magistrates' Court.

A joint investigation by environmental health officers from Ipswich Borough Council and Gas Safe found Mr Davies carried out work on gas fittings and appliances at the Kwan Thai restaurant in Saint Nicholas Street, Ipswich in July 2010 without being registered to do so, a legal requirement for carrying out such work. Mr Davies falsely issued the restaurant owners with a safety record bearing an invalid registration number.

The piece of work carried out by Mr Davies at the restaurant was judged by a qualified engineer to be so dangerous it represented "an immediate danger to life or property."

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) served a Prohibition Notice on Mr Davies on 9 March 2011 which stopped him from carrying out any further gas work until such time as he obtained registration from GasSafe.

Mr Davies pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Regulation 3 (3) of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998. Along with 100 hours of community service, he was ordered to pay £3,527.50 costs.

HSE Inspector Ivan Brooke said:

"It is against the law for anyone who is not registered with Gas Safe to carry out work on a gas appliance. When unqualified workers try to bypass the law in this way they are not only putting themselves at risk of prosecution, and potentially a large fine or a spell in prison - they are also putting their customers' lives at risk.

"Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentially very dangerous. Only engineers who are qualified and registered should attempt it.

"HSE will not hesitate to prosecute those who break the law in this way."

Paul Johnston, Chief Executive of Gas Safe Register added:

"If you're employing an engineer to fit, fix or service gas appliances, you should always make sure that person is Gas Safe registered. If they say they are, don't just take their word for it. Check they are on the Gas Safe Register and check their ID card when they arrive at your door.

"You shouldn't take any risks, badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause fires, explosions, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning."

Article from HSE website