Unregistered boiler engineer fined

Article date : 04/02/2010

A fine has been imposed on a self-employed boiler engineer who was not a member of the Gas Safe Register, despite conducting numerous boiler services.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Jaime Loxston, of Norton Canon, Herefordshire for breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998.

Loxston had been employed installing gas appliances, connecting and disconnecting pipes and carrying out safety inspections at some 200 caravans in Brierley, near Leominster in Herefordshire, used by migrant workers.

However, a later random inspection by members of CORGI uncovered gas leaks and carbon monoxide spillage from some of the appliances, which put the safety of inhabitants at significant risk.

Loxston was fined £1,250 and ordered to pay costs of £550.

HSE inspector Luke Messenger said: "Badly fitted gas appliances can be highly dangerous, if not fatal. There is the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning from the fumes, as well as the potential for fire and explosion."

He added it wad "extremely fortunate" no lives were lost as a result of the defendant's work.

Britons are advised to have at least one boiler service a year and that it should always be carried out by a member of the Gas Safe Register.

Written by Tony Harrison

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