Self-employed gas fitter Marc Murrie has been jailed, after he carried out unsafe gas work, whilst misleading homeowners on multiple occasions, by falsely pretending to be Gas Safe registered when he was not.
Sheffield Crown Court heard that, Mr Murrie was not a member of a class of persons approved by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) or registered with Gas Safe Register however, despite this, he carried out gas work in 2 properties in West Yorkshire. A further investigation carried out by HSE found that Mr Murrie continued carry out further gas work at 2 properties in South Yorkshire.
Several defects were found on every gas installation carried out, after the homeowners complained to Gas Safe Register, which included the use of defective flue joints and inappropriate gas fittings. The use of inappropriate and defective parts posed safety risks for all of the homeowners. Mr Murrie was therefore, served with a Prohibition Notice. Ultimately, he would have to complete appropriate qualifications and become registered with the Gas Safe Register to lift his ban on carrying out further gas work.
Marc Murrie of Moss Croft Lane, Hatfield, Doncaster, South Yorkshire pleaded guilty to:
1 charge/offence under Section 33(1) (g) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
5 charges/offences of Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
3 charges/offences of Regulation 3(7) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
1 charge/offence each of Regulation 6(3) and Regulation 26(5) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
Subsequently, Mr Murrie has been imprisoned for 12 months.
Following the hearing, Health and Safety Executive Inspector Jane Fox stated, “Mr Murrie undertook gas work which he knew he was not registered to do. Some of that work was unsafe and it was fortunate that no one was harmed.”
“All gas work must be done by registered Gas Safe engineers to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life.”
“The public should always ask to see the gas engineer’s identification and check the registration number here (www.gassaferegister.co.uk) or ring the Gas Safe Register customer helpline 0800 408 5500”.
You may also benefit from reading our blog on how to ensure contractors are Gas Safe Registered. If you need help with further Health and Safety support including Fire Risk Assessments, Risk Assessments or Audits please get in touch on 01924 827869.
Reference:
https://press.hse.gov.uk/2019/05/30/gas-fitter-jailed-carrying-out-unsafe-gas-work/
