Unregistered Gas Installer Sentenced After Dangerous Work At Two Homes

Brief Summary

An unregistered gas fitter removed and replaced boilers at two homes without the required registration or competence checks, leaving unsafe installations and causing material harm to occupants. The case resulted in criminal prosecution and a suspended prison sentence, underlining the need for stricter contractor verification and post installation checks by responsible parties.

What Was The Incident?

A gas fitter who was not registered to do gas work removed and installed boilers at two homes between 2021 and 2022. After installation, defects and non working parts were reported and an investigation found the installer had not been registered since 2016, having previously faced enforcement and having been removed from the regulator register for failure to demonstrate competence and rectify defects. One household, a single parent with a young child, was left without a working hot water appliance for an extended period, and another household faced costly repairs. A separate trading standards investigation also found fraudulent trading against multiple victims.

What Was The Outcome?

The installer pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(3) and Regulation 5(3) of the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998. The sentence was eighteen months imprisonment suspended for two years, a requirement to complete 180 hours of unpaid work, payment of 600 pounds compensation to each victim, and a victim surcharge. The individual is prohibited by the regulator from carrying out gas work unless properly registered and is subject to a Criminal Behaviour Order issued following the trading standards case.

Key Points To Consider

Confirm engineer registration and scope. Before work starts check the engineer is listed on the Gas Safe Register, ask to see their identity card and registration number, and verify that the registration covers the type of appliance and the date of registration and that they have not been struck off.

Verify installation safety and handover checks. Require documented commissioning and safety checks at completion, ensure appliances are tested and working, record any defects and remedial actions, and provide clients with clear written confirmation that appliances are safe to use.

Assess contractor history and contract protections. Check a contractor history for prior enforcement or complaints, require evidence of competence and insurance, include contractual rights to suspend or refuse work if concerns arise, and report suspected rogue trading to trading standards or the regulator.

HSE Prosecution Link