Man Suspended After Illegal Boiler Replacement Created Carbon Monoxide Risk

Brief Summary

A man was sentenced to a suspended prison term after dangerous gas work carried out without Gas Safe registration. The case highlights the legal requirement for registered competence and the real risk of carbon monoxide leaking into homes.

What Was The Incident?

In February 2023, David McCallum trading as McCallum Plumbing and Heating attended a property in Bournemouth and relocated a gas boiler and flue. After the installation, the homeowners raised concerns. A further gas engineer inspected the work and found the boiler to be immediately dangerous because the flue was not sealed or correctly positioned, creating a risk of carbon monoxide leaking into the property.

What Was The Outcome?

McCallum pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(3), 27(1) and 27(5) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. He was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to pay the homeowner compensation of 3907 and costs of 7064 at Bristol Magistrates’ Court on 13 February 2026. He was also given a six month electronic monitoring order restricting his movements over weekends.

What Lessons Can Be Learnt?

Gas work must be done by registered personnel. Carrying out gas work without being Gas Safe registered is illegal and can place occupants at risk. Check registration before anyone works on a gas appliance or related flue system.

Dangerous installation faults can create immediate carbon monoxide risk. If a boiler flue is not properly sealed or correctly positioned, carbon monoxide can leak into the property. Competent checks should identify defects that make an installation immediately dangerous.

Competence and training are essential before any installation or relocation. The investigation found McCallum had no training in gas work. Organisations and individuals must ensure the right qualifications and demonstrated competence before taking on gas work.

Unregistered work is particularly risky when problems are reported. When homeowners had concerns, a second engineer inspected and identified the installation as immediately dangerous. This shows the importance of acting on safety concerns and getting specialist assessment.

Regulatory enforcement can include court orders and financial penalties. This case resulted in a suspended sentence, electronic monitoring, compensation to the homeowner and costs. Where gas work is carried out illegally or unsafely, enforcement action can be severe.

HSE Prosecution Link