An unregistered gas fitter from Chelmsford has been fined for illegally stating that he was a registered gas engineer on adverts and paperwork.
Clive Farrant from Chelmsford used a false CORGI registration number in adverts and paperwork when trading as Essex Plumbing Connection. He also committed offences as a director of Secret Heat Ltd.
Investigations by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Mr Farrant had carried out gas work at several properties and left them all in a dangerous condition. The incidents happened around Chelmsford in Essex, between July 2006 and June 2009, when CORGI registration was vital to ensure the safety of consumers prior to the scheme being replaced by the Gas Safe Register in 2009.
Mr Farrant, 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.
After the sentencing, HSE inspector Samantha Thomson, said: 'There is no excuse for illegally carrying out work on gas appliances - and to falsify documentation in order to defraud customers is not only a terrible thing to do but also a very serious offence. It is illegal for any unregistered person to carry out such work. When unqualified workers try to bypass the law in this way they are not only putting themselves at risk of prosecution, a large fine and a lengthy time in prison - they are also putting their customers' lives at risk.
'Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentially very dangerous. Only qualified and registered engineers should attempt it. HSE will not hesitate to prosecute those who break the law in this way.'
Paul Johnston, chief executive of Gas Safe Register added: 'People employing an engineer to fit, fix or service gas appliances, should always make sure that person is Gas Safe registered. Don't just take their word for it. Check they are on the Gas Safe Register and check their ID card when they arrive at your door.
'People shouldn't take any risks. Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause fires, explosions, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.'
