Is your gas fitter Gas Safe registered and in date?

By Stanley Gibbs, SMAS Worksafe Assessor

The HSE has recently sentenced a gas fitter for carrying out gas work after his registration with Gas Safe register had lapsed.

The HSE has reported:

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard that, during September and October 2016, Adam Mansbridge replaced the gas central heating boilers at two different addresses in Mansfield and Worksop without being registered with Gas Safe Register. Following concerns, Gas Safe Register attended the properties and identified various defects with the installations, including defects identified as being ‘immediately dangerous’ and ‘at risk’.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Mr. Mansbridge’s registration with Gas Safe Register had not been renewed at the time the gas work involving replacing the gas central heating boilers was carried out.

Adam Mansbridge pleaded guilty to a breach of Regulation 3 (3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998). He was given a curfew order for 12 weeks, ordered to pay costs of £2,500 and to pay £500 compensation to one of the customers.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Lee Greatorex said:

“All gas work must be carried out by registered Gas Safe engineers to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life. Appropriate enforcement action will be taken by HSE against those that fall below the required standards.”

Before you utilise a gas fitter/company to undertake your gas works, SMAS Worksafe recommends checking the Gas Safe register where you can find the individual’s registration, as well as the business’s registration.