An unregistered gas fitter has been fined £23,000 for misleading customers into believing he was a legally registered gas engineer and then carried out work that put lives at risk.
Overview
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) reported that Clive Farrant, 57, from Chelmsford, used a false CORGI registration number in adverts and paperwork when trading as Essex Plumbing Connection.
Investigations by the HSE found Mr Farrant had carried out gas work at several properties and left them all in a dangerous condition.
He worked at a number of homes in and around Chelmsford, Essex, between July 2006 and June 2009. During the same period, he also instructed another unregistered engineer to carry out work at properties in Tadley, Hampshire and in and around Chelmsford.
He also committed offences as a director of Secret Heat Ltd. Both companies were registered to his home address.
Outcome
It is a legal requirement for any gas engineering business or self-employed gas engineer carrying out domestic or commercial gas work to be registered under the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998.
The HSE prosecuted Mr Farrant of Hawthorne Walk, South Woodham Ferrers. He admitted ten out of 11 charges relating to the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and Gas Safety Regulations 1998 when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court. He was fined £23,000 with £5,000 costs.
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Source: Health & Safety Executive
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