An unregistered gas fitter who carried out work on boilers and exposed residents to serious risk has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Between February 2000 and February 2008, plumber Anthony Grove – of McDivitt Walk, Leigh-on-Sea in Essex – was employed by different companies as a gas fitter, without being CORGI registered.

Mr Grove was originally contracted to carry out plumbing work at two houses in Rayleigh, Essex and at Lovelace Gardens in Southend between May and September 2009. He replaced old gas boilers at the properties after giving the owners false CORGI registration details.

Both homeowners subsequently complained about his work to Gas Safe (formerly CORGI), who alerted the HSE. Inspectors found that the work had been carried out incorrectly and that in one case the new installation posed an immediate danger.

As soon as the HSE began its investigation, Mr Grove was served a Prohibition Notice to stop carrying out further gas work until he could prove he was registered.

On Monday (24/05/10) at Southend Magistrates’ Court, Anthony Grove admitted breaching Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998 and Section 3(2) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was fined £850 and ordered to pay £500 costs.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Steve Hook said:

‘It is illegal for an unregistered person to carry out work on a gas appliance. When unqualified workers try to bypass the law in this way they are not only putting themselves at risk of prosecution and a large fine, 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.’

Chief Executive of Gas Safe Register, Paul Johnston, added:

‘If you're employing an engineer to fit, fix or service gas appliances, you should always make sure that person is Gas Safe registered.

‘If they say they are, 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.

‘You shouldn't take any risks,’ he warned.

‘Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances can cause fires, explosions, gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.’

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