A self-employed gas fitter has been jailed for carrying out unsafe gas work and pretending to be Gas Safe registered.
Sheffield Magistrates Court heard how Marc Murrie misled homeowners on numerous occasions by claiming to be Gas Safe registered when he wasn't. Between October 2013 and September 2014 he carried out gas work in two properties in West Yorkshire while not a member of a class of person approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Several defects were found on each gas installation, including the use of inappropriate gas fittings and defective flue joints, all of which posed safety risks for the homeowners. Mr Murrie was subsequently served with a Prohibition Notice, banning him from carrying out any further gas work unless he completed appropriate qualifications and registered with the Gas Safe Register.
A HSE investigation discovered that he continued to work between April 2016 and July 2016, where again defects were found on the gas work he carried out after the homeowners complained to the Gas Safe Register.
Mr Murrie was sentenced to 12 months in prison, after pleading guilty to 10 offences under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations SI 1998/2451 and one offence under the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Jane Fox commented: "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".
