Plumber jailed for carrying out Gas work
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A self-employed gas fitter has been jailed after he carried out unsafe gas work while falsely pretending to be Gas Safe registered. Marc Murrie misled homeowners on several occasions by claiming to be Gas Safe Registered when he was not.
Sheffield Magistrates Court heard how, between October 2013 and September 2014, Mr Murrie carried out gas work in 2 properties in West Yorkshire while not a member of a class of persons approved by Health and Safety Executive (HSE), i.e. was not registered with Gas Safe Register. 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 Gas Safe Register.
An investigation by HSE found that he continued to work and between April 2016 and July 2016, carried out further gas work at 2 properties in South Yorkshire. Again, defects were subsequently found on the gas work after the homeowners complained to Gas Safe Register.
Marc Murrie of Moss Croft Lane, Hatfield, Doncaster, South Yorkshire pleaded guilty to:
- 5 charges/offences of Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- 3 charges/offences of Regulation 3(7) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- 1 charge/offence each of Regulation 6(3) and Regulation 26(5) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- 1 charge/offence under Section 33(1)(g) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
Mr Murrie has been imprisoned for 12 months.
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”.
