Gloucestershire man fined for carrying out illegal gas work

Council resident’s lives were being put at risk by a Gloucestershire man who has today been fined for carrying out illegal gas works.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) successfully prosecuted self-employed Stanley John Burrage who was trading as JB Compete Home Services in Stroud.

In July 2008, Mr Burrage supplied and fitted a kitchen that included a gas hob, electric oven and extractor fan for a council-owned property, despite not being CORGI registered (now the Gas Safe Register).

A routine council inspection of the house in November 2008, found the work had left residents in serious danger as Mr Burrage had removed the sealed boiler casing.

Mr Burrage pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3 and Regulation 8(2) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was fined £1,200 and ordered to pay costs of £1,200.

HSE Inspector, Andy Shaw, said: “The residents living at this council property were at serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, because the gas-fitter they thought was properly registered, was operating illegally.

“Gas appliances which are not properly installed and adequately maintained by a competent registered installer pose a serious danger – you could literally be putting your life at risk.

“We strongly advise that everyone gets their gas appliances checked regularly by a registered gas fitter. Double check the fitter’s credentials – don’t just take their word that they are registered.”