Unregistered fitter jailed for dangerous gas work

An unregistered gas fitter from Staffordshire has been jailed for carrying out dangerous gas work at a domestic property.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard how, in September 2016, Colin Christopher Batchelor of Tean, Stoke-on-Trent, carried out gas work that included removing an old boiler, installing a new boiler, reinstalling a gas meter, and connecting pipework.

An investigation by the HSE found Mr Batchelor had falsely claimed to be a member of Gas Safe Register. He was not competent to carry out work in relation to gas fittings, he had no relevant qualifications, and he failed to carry out any test or examination to verify that the installation was gas tight following his work. This left the installation in a dangerous condition and put the occupants at risk.

Mr Batchelor pleaded guilty to five breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. He was sentenced to eight months’ immediate imprisonment for each offence, to be served concurrently.

HSE inspector Dr Riley Roberts said: “The Gas Safe Register exists to protect the public from people such as Colin Christopher Batchelor, who are prepared to work illegally, falsify records and carry out potentially dangerous gas work. Performing gas work without being competent to do so can be highly dangerous and lead to a loss of life. All gas work must be done by a registered Gas Safe engineer to ensure the highest standards are met.”