An Exeter plumber left a gas meter and gas pipe in a dangerous state
in a customer’s home after he had undertaken unregistered gas work.
Colin Jones, aged 59, moved a gas meter at the property in The Mede
in Exeter and then connected a new gas boiler to it. Shortly after this
work the homeowners smelt gas and called Wales and West Utilities who
found two gas leaks, one on the gas meter supply pipe and one on the gas
pipe from the meter to the boiler. They classed the situation as
‘immediately dangerous’ as had the leaking gas ignited there was a real
risk of an explosion.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), investigated the incident and
prosecuted Colin Jones at a hearing before Exeter Magistrates on 17
February 2016.
The court heard that Colin Jones had moved the gas meter as part of
refurbishment works at the property. He then connected the gas meter to
aa new gas boiler that had been fitted by a properly registered gas
engineer.
Colin Jones, of Linda Close, Exeter, pleaded guilty to breaching
Regulation 3(3) and 26(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use)
Regulations 1998 and was given a 32 week prison sentence, suspended for 2
years and was also fined a total of £2,000 and ordered to pay £692 in
costs.
HSE Inspector Simon Jones, speaking after the hearing, said: “Colin
Jones put his customers’ lives at risk by carrying out work on gas pipes
and a gas meter which he was not legally entitled to do.
A gas meter and a gas pipe that he installed were found to be leaking
gas which is an incredibly dangerous situation and it is only by sheer
good fortune that the escaping gas did not ignite
“All domestic gas work must be done by registered Gas Safe engineers
to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of
life.”
Further information on domestic gas safety issues can be found on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/
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