Suspended sentence for unregistered gas fitter who put lives at risk (4 July 2016)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted an unlicensed gas fitter who put the lives of householders at risk by carrying out gas work he was not competent to undertake.

Christopher Dignam – trading at Blue Flame Plumbing and Heating Services – had never been on the Gas Safe register, which ensures those who carry out gas work are competent.

Dignam fitted central heating boilers at two houses in Greater Manchester – but admitted to HSE inspectors that he did not have the required safety registration to do the work.

An investigation by Gas Safe found that one of the two boilers fitted by him in November and December 2014 was “at risk” – meaning that faults were present which could constitute a danger to life or property.

The court heard that advertisements for Blue Flame Plumbing and Heating in two local publications showed a Gas Safe Register logo and a registration number which did not belong to Dignam – confirming that he knew he should be Gas Safe registered.

Dignam of Kenyon Lane in Middleton, Manchester pleaded guilty to two breaches of Regulations 3(3), and for breaching 3(7) and 26(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

He was sentenced to 12 months’ in jail, suspended for two years – and was also ordered to pay £460 and £400 in compensation to the two homeowners and £3,000 costs.

After sentencing, HSE inspector Caroline Shorrock said:

“Dignam showed a reckless and flagrant disregard for health and safety requirements.

“He knew he should be registered with Gas Safe – and he exposed customers to a risk of serious injury or death.”

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