The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging people to only use competent, registered gas fitters when having their boilers and heating systems serviced.

This follows a joint investigation by the HSE and Kent County Council's Trading Standards (KTS) into dangerous work carried out on gas appliances in the homes of elderly people in Kent. At Margate Magistrates' Court, defendant Tommy Smith pleaded guilty and was fined £13,998 breaching gas safety legislation.

HSE Inspector Mike Walters said: "We are pleased that justice has been done today. It is illegal to carry out gas safety work if you are not registered to do so. Mr Smith took advantage of these vulnerable, elderly residents and as a result, not only broke the law, but caused them deep distress, and potentially put their lives at risk.


"It is essential that individuals and companies who carry out work on chimneys adhere to the guidance given, including the Gas Safety Installation and Use Regulations 1998, to stop instances like this from happening again."

Mr Smith undertook building work in Thanet in January 2007, targeting elderly and vulnerable homeowners. The HSE and KTS described how Mr Smith reduced the height of two chimneys, which contained gas boiler flues, giving rise to a risk of the build up of carbon monoxide in the properties affected. Fortunately, no one was harmed.

HSE charged Mr Smith with breaching two counts of Regulation 8(1) of the Gas Safety Regulations 1998 involving undertaking work on chimneys which resulted in a risk of carbon monoxide build up in the two properties involved. The Court imposed a fine of £13,998 and costs of £12,212.90.

(CD/JM)