An unregistered gas fitter who carried out work illegally on properties across Nottinghamshire has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Paul Anthony Bailey, 54, of Bridgnorth Drive in Nottingham traded as P A Bailey Plumbing and Heating and falsely issued gas safety certificates during the course of his work as a gas fitter.

HSE investigators discovered that Mr Bailey had falsely claimed to be CORGI (Council of Registered Gas Installers) registered when he carried out gas fitting work between 1 October, 2008 and 31 January, 2009 at premises on Broadfield in Calverton, as well as at Radford Road in New Basford, Nottingham.

In addition, HSE inspectors found that Mr Bailey had issued gas safety certificates using a false CORGI number to premises on Radford Road in New Basford, Leander Close in Wilford and Long Hill Rise in Hucknall.

He also installed a gas boiler in industrial premises on Radford Road in New Basford without having the competence to do so.

The HSE said that two complaints had been received about Mr Bailey’s work – one following an industrial job where he had incorrectly installed a boiler in a garage, putting workers at risk; and the second related to the installation of a new boiler for a domestic heating system.

On Tuesday (13/04/10) at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court, Paul Anthony Bailey pleaded guilty to breaching three sections of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. He was given a 12-month community service order and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work and was ordered to pay £750 costs.

After the hearing, HSE Inspector David Butter said that while Mr Bailey had completed training as a gas fitter at night school and was qualified, he had not registered with CORGI – which has since been replaced by Gas Safe.

‘Mr Bailey was not qualified to carry out this work on both private and commercial properties and by doing so put other workers at risk.

‘In order to work legally in the UK, gas installers must be registered with the appropriate approved body.

‘It is essential that homes and businesses check this before having work carried out to ensure the job is completed to a high standard and – most of all – is safe,’ Mr Butter added.

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