NEBOSH courses news: Man prosecuted for second time over gas offences

Category: NEBOSH National General Certificate
Wednesday 24th of February 2010

A gas fitter has been prosecuted for the second time for installing appliances without being properly licensed.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reminded householders to ensure their appliances are fitted by a registered worker, a point NEBOSH courses students may agree with.

Royston Edward Godsell of Cheltenham pleaded guilty to illegally fitting a gas fire into a property without being listed on the Gas Safe Register.

The fire did not work and the appliance was isolated and reported by a registered engineer, which resulted in Mr Godsell being fined £450 plus costs by Cheltenham Magistrates Court.

A previous fine had been given to the 70-year-old in 2008 for carrying out work without being registered and leaving appliances in a dangerous state at several properties.

HSE inspector Stephan Axt-Simmonds warned: "Do not be tempted to use unregistered engineers or friends - you could literally be putting your life at risk."

According to statistics from the industry body, around 20 people die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by improperly installed, maintained or ventilated devices.

Posted by Lorna Shearer

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