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Housing association fined for using unregistered gas fitter (5 May 2015)

Date: 05/05/2015
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, Housing association fined for using unregistered gas fitter

The Shepherd’s Bush Housing Group has been fined for unsafe gas work carried out at the home of a pregnant mother with two children.

Social housing publisher 24Dash.com reports that an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that in May 2014, a handyman not registered with the Gas Safe Register was sent by the housing association to cut a gas pipe considered a hazard for trips and falls, which was situated in the living room of Danielle Gough’s Fulham home in southwest London.

The court heard that housing association staff did not believe the gas pipe was connected to the mains gas supply.

However, when Ms Gough topped up her prepayment meter the same evening, gas was released into her home – causing a serious risk of fire and explosion.

No injuries occurred as a result, however – and there was no damage to the property.

At Westminster Magistrates' Court, the Shepherd’s Bush Housing Group pleaded guilty to breaching its responsibilities as an employer under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

The court fined the housing association £2,500 – taking into account the “not for profit” status of the organisation and its previous record.

The Shepherd Bush Housing Group was also ordered to pay £1,000 in costs.

In a statement the housing association said:

“The safety of our residents is our first priority and we deeply regret this incident. We are greatly relieved there was no injury.

“We have apologised to Ms Gough and are very sorry for the concern and worry this must have caused.

“The judge and HSE acknowledged the incident was a result of human error and not a failure in our systems.

“The judge also acknowledged that we had already reviewed and changed our processes to eliminate the possibility of such a human error occurring again – and carried out an independent review to ensure that no stone was left unturned.

“Until now our record has been exemplary with no cases in our almost 50 year history.

“We have 5,000 homes and carry out 12,000 repairs a year.”

After the hearing, HSE inspector Zameer Bhunnoo said:

“It is essential that landlords have adequate procedures in place to ensure that an appropriately competent tradesperson is assigned for any repairs required.

“In this case, a Gas Safe registered engineer should have been used.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise social housing tenants and private sector rental tenants on a wide range of housing law, including issues relating to disrepair of rented property and Landlord’s obligations under the tenancy agreement.

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• Housing possession
• Landlord & Tenant disputes
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• Section 146 Notices (notice to quit)
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For expert legal advice on housing law, contact Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.


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