HSE prosecution puts gas fitter in jail
An illegal gas fitter has been given an immediate four month custodial sentence after the gas boilers he installed at homes in Warrington were found to be ‘immediately dangerous’ and ‘at risk’.
Peter Janjic of Greater Manchester fitted boilers and carried out associated gas work at two domestic properties in Warrington between January 2013 and October 2014, despite not being registered with Gas Safe Register, the official list of qualified and legal gas engineers.
Peter Janjic was prosecuted by the Health & Safety Executive following a report by Gas Safe Register detailing that the defective gas work carried out at both properties was far below the industry recognised standards. The Gas Safe inspector subsequently disconnected both appliances.
Trafford Magistrates Court heard that Peter Janjic had been warned by HSE on six separate occasions between 2011 and 2014, and had been served with a prohibition notice in August 2013 prohibiting him from carrying out gas work until he became Gas Safe registered, and could demonstrate he was competent to carry out gas work in a safe manner.
Peter Janjic, of Green Lane, Eccles, Greater Manchester, pleaded guilty to four charges relating to two gas installations, including unregistered work, breaching a prohibition notice and putting members of the public at risk.
He was sentenced to two months in prison for breaching Reg 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and two months for breaching Section 3(2) and S33 (1)(g) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was taken into custody after the hearing.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Jackie Worrall said: “Peter Janjic had failed to comply with a prohibition notice and he had failed to become registered with Gas Safe despite knowing the requirements to be registered.
“He claimed that he was registered with Gas Safe to customers, thus confirming that he knew he should be registered, and he exposed customers to serious risk of death. Mr Janjic has shown a reckless and flagrant disregard for health and safety requirements.”
If you are concerned about work you’ve had done, visit http://gassaferegister.co.uk/help/report_an_illegal_gas_engineer.aspx or call 0800 408 5500.
