Man Sentenced After Illegal Gas Work Caused Dangerous Leaks

Brief Summary

A man was prosecuted after carrying out unqualified gas work at a family home, resulting in three gas leaks and the shut off of the gas supply for six weeks. The case highlights the legal requirement for gas work to be done by a competent Gas Safe registered engineer and the serious consequences of ignoring that requirement.

What Was The Incident?

In February 2024, Lee Lancaster installed a gas combi boiler and gas pipework at a family home in Ulverston. After the work was completed, an occupier smelled gas near the meter box. Cadent identified three different gas leaks and shut off the gas supply for six weeks, leaving the family of four without heating or hot water.

What Was The Outcome?

Lancaster was sentenced to a 12 month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay costs of £2,000. He pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1) and 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

What Lessons Can Be Learnt?

Use Gas Safe registered engineers for all gas work. Gas work must be carried out by someone who is registered with Gas Safe and holds the relevant qualifications needed to demonstrate competence.

Do not rely on claims of competence. HSE found Lancaster had no qualifications for gas work and was not on the Gas Safe Register, even though he carried out installation work.

Understand the real risk of gas leaks. Uncontrolled gas leaks can have fatal consequences and can also result in the gas supply being shut off, affecting heating and hot water.

Check credentials before work starts. Members of the public can verify whether an engineer is registered by checking the Gas Safe Register before any gas work is undertaken.

HSE will take enforcement action against illegal work. Where gas work is carried out without being competent or properly registered, the matter can lead to prosecution and significant penalties.

HSE Prosecution Link