Risk, Health and Safety Information

Illegal gas worker jailed after Dunstable home was left at risk for months

A builder has been jailed for 12 months for illegally carrying out sub-standard gas work at a lone pensioner’s home in Bedfordshire.

Luton Crown Court heard that between 21 January and 30 June 2010, Patrick Regan carried out internal building work, including gas work and other building works affecting gas appliances, at a 65 year-old woman’s house on Luton Road, Dunstable despite not being registered with Gas Safe.

Mr Regan, of Loud Water, High Wycombe, was sentenced today after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified serious safety failings.

During the building work he removed a chimney breast in the lounge but left the still connected and unstable gas fire flue liner lying across the floor and routed into a floor void.

The gas meter had also been disturbed when the wall it was fixed to was removed, which caused a gas leak; and gas fitting work in the kitchen included the installation of a five-metre length of gas supply pipework running directly across a doorway with only one clip supporting it.

The house was left with appliances in an ‘immediately dangerous’ condition, but they weren’t disconnected until 5 October (2010) when a Gas Safe engineer visited the property. This was more than three months after Mr Regan had finished.

The householder, who does not wish to be named, was left with an estimated repair bill for heating and plumbing in the region of £5,000.

Patrick Regan, of Abbey Barn Lane, Loudwater, High Wycombe, sentenced to 12 months in prison after being found guilty of single breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was also ordered to pay £2,500 in costs.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Stephen Manley said:

"Patrick Regan’s handiwork left a lot to be desired. He operated illegally and left a vulnerable pensioner at risk.

"This case highlights the need for householders to exercise caution when they select people to work in their home. They should always check credentials and obtain references for similar works done, and never feel awkward about asking questions.

"You should only use a Gas Safe registered engineer for gas fitting works.
"Even small scale works such as extensions, car ports and conservatories must be planned properly to identify where work may affect gas fittings, so that appropriate controls can be incorporated."