Illegal gas fitter prosecuted
A self-employed plumber has been prosecuted for continuing to carry out illegal work on gas boilers in Luton despite orders to stop.James Tennyson, 55, of Rutland Crescent, Luton, admitted breaching health and safety laws. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) had warned Mr Tennyson in 2003 about carrying out work on gas fittings when he was not registered to do so, a legal requirement for anyone carrying out such work.However, HSE earlier this year learned that Mr Tennyson had again worked illegally on gas appliances. Legitimate gas engineers told HSE the plumber had left gas boilers in dangerous conditions at two homes in the area – one in Polegate, Luton, and the other in Houghton Regis.Magistrates ordered Mr Tennyson to 180 hours of community service and ordered him to pay £250 costs. He had already received a formal notice prohibiting him from continuing with gas work until competent enough to do so.Paul Johnston, chief executive of Gas Safe Register added: "Dangerous gas work can deadly. Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. If you're having gas work done, no matter how big or small the job, only use a Gas Safe registered engineer. And always check the engineer's ID card to make sure they are qualified for the work you need doing. Just because an engineer can work on boilers doesn't mean he can automatically fit a gas fire."Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are registered to work safely and legally on gas appliances. By law, all gas engineers must be on the Gas Safe Register. To find an engineer go to http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ or call 0800 408 5500. Always check the engineer's Gas Safe Register ID card.
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