Illegal boiler engineer 'put lives at risk'

Article date : 03/03/2010

A self-employed boiler engineer has been fined after it was revealed he had been carrying out jobs in a way which put people's lives at risk.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reports that Stanley John Barrage - trading as JB Complete Home Services - of Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth, Stroud, has been successfully prosecuted for his actions.

It notes the illegal gas and boiler engineer pleaded guilty to the charges and was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay costs of £1,200.

Gloucester Magistrates Court heard how on one occasion, Burrage had fitted a cupboard around a property's hot water and central heating boiler, during which time he removed a sealed boiler casing.

This, among other areas, was found to present a serious risk to the safety of the property's residents.

HSE inspector Andy Shaw said: "The residents living at this council property were at serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, because the gas-fitter they thought was properly registered, was operating illegally."

When arranging to have any gas work carried out - such as a new boiler installed or a central heating systems service - Britons should ensure their fitter is a member of the Gas Safe Register.

Written by Jasper Cullen

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