Nottingham builder spared jail after gas explosion injures worker

A Nottingham builder has been given a suspended prison sentence after his failures resulted in a gas explosion. The explosion in 2022 left a worker with burns so serious that he has been unable to work since.
Nottingham Magistrates’ Court heard that sole trader Barry Newman of Foster Brother Builders, from Nottingham, had contracted a man to carry out refurbishment on a property in Bulwell. As part of those works, Mr Newman had placed a faulty portable space heater connected to a propane gas cylinder in the property’s cellar to dry out damp.
On 22 November 2022, a gas leak from the heater resulted in a violent explosion, causing the 51-year-old worker severe burn injuries to his hands, legs, face and scalp. Footage taken by a member of the public in the immediate aftermath shows the extent of the damage caused to the property, with explosion debris being propelled on to the pavement and residential road, also putting members of the public at risk.
HSE’s investigation found that Mr Newman had not carried out a risk assessment. Nor had he provided suitable and adequately maintained equipment for the work being undertaken.
The manufacturer’s instructions for the type of heater used clearly state that it is only for use in well-ventilated areas and that LPG cylinders should not be kept below ground. This is because LPG is heavier than air and will collect at low levels if there is a leak.
Barry Newman of The Quay, Beeston Marina, Nottingham pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(3) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. He was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, ordered to complete 240 hours of unpaid work in the community, and required to pay costs of £2,000.
HSE Inspector Roy Poulter said: “This gas explosion has left one man unable to work due to the seriousness of the injuries sustained and it could have easily resulted in someone losing their life.
“This case should serve as a strong reminder to those in the building trade of the dangers of working with gas and the need to assess the risk, and just how serious both HSE and the courts take failures like this.”