An unregistered plumbing and heating contractor has been fined for putting a number of homes at risk when he carried out illegal gas work
Truro Crown Court heard that, from January 2017 to October 2018, Darren Masters, trading as D Masters Plumbing and Heating Limited, undertook illegal gas work at four homes in Newquay, despite not being registered as a Gas Safe engineer.
HSE investigation
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Darren Masters falsely asserted he was Gas Safe Registered in the course of dealing with customers, including signing off documentation with false Gas Safe registered engineer numbers.
The investigation determined that Masters also misrepresented himself as sufficiently competent to carry out the services.
Darren Masters pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1), 3(3), 3(7) and 26(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, and consequently Section 33 (1) (c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
He was sentenced to 22 and a half months in prison, suspended for two years. He was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £11,902.00 in compensation and full costs of £9,068.50.
HSE inspector Paul Mannell, commented: “Darren Masters was in control of gas work despite not being Gas Safe registered. Shockingly, he misled residents about his credentials.
“All gas work must be done by a registered Gas Safe engineer to ensure the highest standards are met to prevent injury and loss of life.”
Gas Safe Register
Registration with Gas Safe Register ensures engineers are qualified for the work they intend to carry out, ensuring that gas work is carried out to an appropriate standard and the public are not put at risk of serious harm.
