Fitter prosecuted for illegal gas work

Bolton Crown Court heard how Anthony Lord, trading as Lord HBA, carried out work on gas fittings at two premises in Bolton, Gilnow Chippy and Hamzah Sweets & Bakers, between 1 and 28 March 2017. A Gas Safe inspector visited Gilnow Chippy on 7 July 2017 and detected a gas escape which he identified as immediately dangerous as well as numerous faults on ventilation and extraction systems that were deemed “at risk.”

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Anthony Lord’s gas safe registration had ended approximately 12 months prior to carrying out the work. The registration was not renewed resulting in him illegally carrying out the gas work. He had also continued to use his previous employer’s registration details on gas inspection paperwork, which he was not entitled to use.

Mr Anthony Lord of Sevenoaks Drive, Bolton pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(3), 3(7) and 5(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. He was sentenced to a 10-month custodial sentence suspended for two years, 210 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Ian Betley said: “Anthony Lord undertook gas work which he knew he was not registered to do and pretended to be Gas Safe registered.  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.

“HSE will not fail to take the appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”