Lapsed gas engineer terminated boiler flue in loft
A lapsed gas engineer who carried out gas work that was Immediately Dangerous has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Liverpool Magistrates’ Court heard that John Atherton, from Skelmersdale, Lancashire, had fitted a new gas boiler and central heating system at a domestic property in St Helens, Merseyside, in November 2018. He fitted the boiler and left the flue terminating in the loft, which meant that products of combustion could enter the property, and resulting in the boiler being left in an Immediately Dangerous condition.
The HSE investigation found that Mr Atherton implyed that he was Gas Safe registered but, in fact, his registration when working for a former employer had lapsed the previous month. Because his registration had lapsed, this meant he was working illegally.
John Atherton of Hallcroft, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(3) and 26(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 as amended. He was sentenced to 26 months in prison, suspended for one year, ordered to carry out 200 hours community service, and pay costs of £2,000.
