After carrying out unsafe gas work, the self employed gas fitter has been jailed as he pretended to be Gas Safe registered. Marc Murrie on several occasions misled homeowners by giving these false claims.
Between October 2013 and September 2014, 2 properties in West Yorkshire were worked on by Mr Murrie whilst he was not a member of a class of persons approved by Health and Safety Executive. On each Gas installation a number of defects were found, including the use of an inappropriate gas fitting and defective flue joints, which posed safety risks for both homeowners. A Prohibition Notice was served to Mr Murrie, banning him from carrying out any further gas work, until he had completed the appropriate qualifications and registered with Gas Safe Register.
Marc Murrie of Moss Croft Lane. Hatfield, Doncaster, South Yorkshire pleaded guilty to the follwing;
- 5 charges/offences of Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- 3 charges/offences of Regulation 3(7) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- 1 charge/offence each of Regulation 6(3) and Regulation 26(5) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
- 1 charge/offence under Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
This was after an investigation led by the Health and Safety Executive, found that Mr Murrie, between April 2016 and July 2016 was carrying out further gas work in another 2 properties in South Yorkshire, after the homeowners complained to Gas Safety Register, it was found that there were defects once again found on the gas work.
As a result of this, Mr Murrie has been imprisoned for 12 months.
Jane Fox, a HSE inspector spoke after the hearing saying: ” Mr Murrie undertook gas work which he knew he was not registered to do. Some of that work was unsafe and it was fortunate that no one was harmed.”
”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”
”The public should always ask to see the gas engineer’s identification and check the registration number here (www.gassaferegister.co.uk) or ring the Gas Saf Register customer helpline 0800 408 5500”
