Company and director sentenced after carrying out unregistered gas work

A Chelmsford-based company and its director have been fined after conducting gas work at a domestic property in Mount Pleasant, Maldon without being Gas Safe registered.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how N Murray and Sons had been contracted to install two boilers at two domestic properties in Essex, in May 2014. Following the boilers being fitted, complaints were made to Gas Safe Register.

Gas Safe Register inspectors confirmed subsequently that the gas appliances, installed by an employee of N Murray and Sons, were considered to be “at risk” and required immediate work to ensure the safety of the occupiers of the properties.

An investigation by the HSE found that Nigel Murray, director of N Murray and Sons, had subcontracted gas installation work to his son, Grant Murray, who he knew was not Gas Safe Registered.

N Murray and Sons of Chelmsford pleaded guilty to breaching two charges of Regulation 3 (2) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

The company has been fined £6,000.

Nigel Murray pleaded guilty to breaching two charges of Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He has been sentenced to a six-month community order and a 7pm – 5am curfew for four months.

Grant Murray pleaded guilty to breaching two charges of Regulation 3 (1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and has been sentenced to a 12-month community order and a 7pm – 5am curfew for six months.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Edward Crick said: “Gas Safe registered engineers are regulated and have to ensure they can prove they are competent. This safeguard is removed when people choose not to register, which is highlighted in this case, where the individual placed people at risk of harm in their homes.

“It is important that anybody who has gas work carried out checks their engineer is carrying a valid gas safe registered identification card. They should also check online or call Gas Safe Register to confirm they are competent to carry out the work.”