Lack of maintenance led to danger at caravan site

A Coventry man has received a suspended prison sentence after failing to have gas appliances maintained at a static caravan site.

Nottingham Crown Court heard that concerns were raised in April 2016 by North East Derbyshire District Council relating to Felix Rooney, at Blackbridge Caravan site.

An investigation by the HSE found that Mr Rooney, who managed the site, had not had Landlord’s Gas Safety record checks carried out for the gas appliances in the caravans that were rented out, and they had not been maintained properly. Some installations were found to be Immediately Dangerous and had to be disconnected. In addition, the LPG cylinders not being used were stored unsafely presenting a risk of fire and explosion.

HSE arranged for all the caravans on the site to be inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure that the gas appliances and fittings were safe.

Felix Rooney of Brandon Lane, Coventry, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay full costs of £22,235.00.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Lindsay Bentley said: “This case highlights the importance of not only looking after your employees but members of the public too. Gas safety is so important and regular inspections of the gas fittings and equipment in the caravans, by a Gas Safe registered engineer, would have ensured that they did not deteriorate to a condition where they endangered lives.”