Illegal gas work costs lives warns HSE

COI/W/373/09 30 July 2009

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning anyone working on gas appliances and systems without having their competence assessed that they are acting illegally and dangerously.

The warning comes as Peter Tongue, a gas fitter from Brecon, was jailed for three years for each manslaughter charge, to run concurrently, after being found guilty by a jury at Cardiff Crown Court of two charges of manslaughter and six charges under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Margaret Powell of Brecon, and Thomas Morgan of Port Talbot died from carbon monoxide poisoning from a warm air central heating system that Tongue had worked on at Mrs Powell's home in December 2006.

HSE Inspector Hugh Emment said:

"This tragic case demonstrates why it is essential that gas engineers only work on appliances where their competence has been assessed and that they are on the Gas Safe Register.

"Peter Tongue worked on Mrs Powell's gas central heating system but his accreditation to work on that particular system had lapsed three years previously. As a result, his knowledge of the system was not up to date.

"This sends out a stark message to gas engineers that working outside their assessed competence can costs them their liberty but more importantly can cost lives. This also serves as a warning to those who are doing gas work who are not on the Gas Safe Register. "

All gas engineers must be Gas Safe registered and carry a card detailing the appliances they are permitted to work on. Householders should always check these details before allowing work to be carried out as properly registered engineers will be more than happy to prove their competence.

Carbon monoxide has no smell or taste and it can kill quickly without warning. Gas appliances should be properly maintained, and should always have an annual safety check. HSE also recommends the use of carbon monoxide detectors in homes as a precaution.

Notes to editors

1. Gas Safe Register replaced CORGI gas registration in Great Britain on April 1st 2009. More information on the Gas Safe Register can be found at www.gassaferegister.co.uk
2. More information on gas safety can be found on HSE's website at www.hse.gov.uk/gas

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Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR Wales.