Unregistered boiler engineer prosecuted

Article date : 05/08/2010

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced that it has prosecuted a boiler engineer who was not registered with the UK's official gas safety body.

Michael Huggins, of Warmley, Bristol, was found to have potentially put lives at risk after fitting a gas fire, despite not being signed up to the Gas Safe Register or its predecessor CORGI.

He pleaded guilty while appearing before North Avon magistrates and was fined £800 and ordered to pay £200 costs.

Huggins fitted the heating appliance in 2008 and the device was later found to be defective.

HSE inspector Nigel Long said: "Members of the public should check that gas fitters are members of the Gas Safe Register before any work is started."

Mr Long added that Britons should never be tempted to contact an unregistered boiler engineer or ask one of their friends or family members to carry out the job.

Faulty appliances or unsafe work carried out on central heating systems and other gas appliances can see homeowners left at risk.

Indeed, a faulty boiler could pose the threat of fire, explosion or carbon monoxide leak.

Written by Jasper Cullen

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