Due to the inherent risks to human health and safety involved, it is imperative that any gas fitting and maintenance work is carried out by a suitably qualified professional. The potential dangers of neglecting this were highlighted in a recent incident in the UK.
An unregistered gas fitter in Essex, England, was slapped with a prison sentence and ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service after illegally conducting work on two properties. In the UK, all professionals involved in gas maintenance are obliged by law to be a member of the Gas Safety Register – a requirement the worker in question failed to fulfil.
He was eventually caught out when the occupant of one of the properties, where a gas boiler was being installed, notified the Gas Safety Register and informed the organisation that he had left his work incomplete. Further investigation from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the flue of one of the boilers the worker fitted was not sealed properly, thus deeming it “At Risk”.
According to the HSE, even a small movement of the faulty flue could have led to combustion products – including potentially lethal carbon monoxide gas – leaking into the homes and posing a hazard to its residents.
“[The worker] has shown a clear disregard for the law and put his customers’ lives at risk,” said HSE Inspector Vicky Fletcher.
“Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentially very dangerous. It is therefore vital that only registered gas engineers, who are trained and competent, work on gas appliances and fittings.”
Similar laws exist in Australia, where gas fitters, plumbers, electricians and those in similar trades are required to register with the local state authority.
In addition to making sure you are legally qualified to carry out work, it is essential you have the right tools for the job. Sophisticated gas measuring equipment such as the testo 310 flue gas set with printer can help you ensure you aren’t putting your clients at risk.
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