An unregistered gas fitter put lives at risk because of his poor work illegally fitting boilers.
Arash Raeisinezhadian, 30, illegally carried out gas work at four properties in Swindon between November 30, 2013, and February 22, 2014.
Mr Raeisinezhadian’s activities were investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which prosecuted him at Swindon Magistrates.
The court heard that Mr Raeisinezhadian was paid by a letting agency to remove an old boiler and install a new one at a domestic property in Kopernik Road, Haydon End. He was also contracted to install boilers at homes in Belle Vue Road, Pennycress Close and Abbey View Road.
When the work was checked by a registered gas engineer, the installation at Kopernik Road was classed as
“immediately dangerous” because a gas leak was detected and the flue was not installed to the manufacturer’s instructions. Faults, including a gas leak, were also found with the work at Belle Vue Road.
Mr Raeisinezhadian pleaded guilty to four breaches of health and safety legislation and was fined a total of £2,150 and ordered to pay £831 in costs.
HSE inspector, Paul Newton, said:
“Only engineers registered with Gas Safe can legally carry out gas work. This case shows the risks of using illegal gas workers and it was fortunate no one was seriously hurt.
“If gas appliances, such as ovens, cookers and boilers are not properly installed there is a risk of fire, explosion, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.”
Russell Kramer, of Gas Safe Register, said:
“Illegal gas work is dangerous and puts lives and property at risk. With one in five illegal gas jobs found to be immediately dangerous, it’s vital that people only use Gas Safe registered engineers to carry out gas work.”