An unregistered gas engineer has found himself in serious trouble after fitting a gas boiler without the relevant safety authorisation to do so.
Boiling Point
Self-employed electrician, Robert Parker, from Burnley had carried out gas work throughout the spring and summer of 2017; however, it was his work on a boiler in October that brought his alarming practice to the attention of authorities.
Following a gas boiler installation at a home in Rossendale, the occupiers noticed installation defects which became a cause for concern. Gas Safe inspectors investigated the issue and not only found the work to be below current standards but also deemed the boiler to be “immediately dangerous”.
Gas Safe Register
The Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers who are qualified to legally work on gas appliances. Anyone employed to work on gas appliances in domestic premises is required by law to be on the Gas Safe Register.
Unfortunately for Mr Parker, his name was not on the list of officially authorised engineers cleared to work with gas. As a result of such a dangerous oversight, the Burnley man paid a hefty price for his gross negligence.
Breaching Regulations
The case ultimately made its way to Manchester magistrates court, where the court heard the details of the incident. Mr Parker went on to plead guilty to breaching Regulation 3(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
As a result of the hearing, the electrician was given a 26-week suspended prison sentence, 150 hours community service and levied with a charge of just under £2300.
The case of Mr Parker not only highlights the importance of being fully competent on the job but also reinforces the importance of safety when dealing with gas. Ignorance in this field could lead to devastating consequences that could very well prove fatal.
At Access Training UK, we offer a number of gas courses that are specifically designed to provide you with the educationary tools and necessary know-how needed to complete gas work effectively, efficiently and, most importantly, safely.
Check out our relevant courses below to find out what we can offer you in terms of gas training options:
Ideal for beginners, the Essential Gas Course is a great introduction to the fundamentals of safe, efficient gas work.
With no prior experience required, this course is perfect for those looking to make a career as a gas engineer.
Combining the basics of electrical work with comprehensive gas training, this bespoke programme covers everything you need to know about gas/electrical work.
Completing the ACS assessment will provide you with a CCN1 qualification and allow you to join the Gas Safe Register.
ACS certificates require periodical renewal to retain Gas Safe status. Get your reassessment here at Access Training UK.
Our intensive course is designed to help experienced natural gas workers make the transition to working with LPG (Liquid Petroleum Gas).
For more information on the gas training courses available at Access Training UK, why not drop us a line today? Call now on 0800 345 7492 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.
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