Huge penalties for those not undertaking correct gas training!
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We all know health and safety holds great importance within the construction industry. We have previously spoken about all the injuries and fatalities that have occurred in such sector and it's no wonder as to why we see the law clamping down on any work deemed unsafe and life threatening due to poor gas training.
In an effort to remove all sub-standard work, we saw one UK based company fined a huge £466.660 for unsafe gas installations.
St. Alban's Crown Crown Court handled the case put against them as they were accused of breaching Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work act 1974, which also resulted in an order for £11,548.68 to be paid in costs on top of the hefty fine.
The company being penalised had been sub-contracted to carry out all gas, plumbing and above ground drainage work at a college from December 2010 to September 2011. What lead to the fine was the multiple gas leaks found across the college which put hundreds of students living on campus at massive risk.
Now, this means that just the smallest flame or spark in the area could have lead to a huge explosion, leaving the amount of damage up to your imagination!
How many is multiple?
Well an investigation was carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which found 50 incorrect fittings. More precisely, cheaper water fittings were being used instead of actual gas fittings.! YES 50! We may not all be Gas Safe Registered Engineers but I think we can all agree on the danger exposed here to our loved ones studying!
The HSE classified the installation as 'immediately dangerous' under the gas safe classification scheme. The investigation also revealed that not a single employee of the company hired, was registered on the Gas Safe Engineer!
As they pleaded guilty to the charges of sub standard work, we must ask ourselves 'should the college have done more research on the company before letting them begin work?'
A tip for those seeking Gas Engineers!
YOU MUST ASK TO SEE THEIR GAS SAFE ID CARD BEFORE THEY BEGIN! This is something EVERYONE has the right to ask for as it proves they are competent enough to undergo any gas related work.
Also, don't be afraid to ask about the qualifications and experience they hold. Here are some gas courses they may have enrolled on as they consist of essential Gas Training for working with Gas:
Don't forget to Quiz them on their ACS Exams and ask them where they completed their work portfolio placement too!... For more information, feel free to refer to our previous article on how to become a Gas Safe Registered Engineer too!
Speaking after the case, HSE inspector Graham Tompkins stated:
“Unregistered gas work puts people and property at real risk. Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentially very dangerous, so it is vital that this is only undertaken by trained and competent engineers who are registered with Gas Safe.
HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate action against rogue gas fitters who disregard the new law and place lives at risk. All gas work must be done by registered Gas Safe engineers to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life.”
Gas Engineers remain a massively important job especially in today's shortage in the construction industry. If you are thinking of switching careers, please let this article be a reminder to ensure correct gas training has been undertaken.
If you would like more information on any Gas Courses we provide, please give us a call on 01322 280 202 or pop in in-person!