A self employed gas fitter has been jailed for 18 months after carrying out illegal gas work which was deemed by Gas Safe Register as immediately dangerous to life and property.

During the summer of 2017 and between the 14-15 November 2015, Paul Golding undertook illegal gas work at an address in Scarborough.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Mr Golding was not Gas Safe registered or competent to undertake the work.

Mr Golding was fully aware that he should not have been undertaking gas work following a HSE Prohibition Notice served on him in 2015.

Paul Golding of Queen Margaret’s Road, Scarborough was found guilty at York Magistrates Court of breaching:

• Section 3 (2) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• Section 33 (1) (g) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• Regulation 3 (1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998
• Regulation 3 (3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Mr Golding was jailed for 18 months.

HSE Inspector, Darian Dundas, commented after the hearing:

“Paul Golding undertook gas work which he knew he was not registered to do. HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate action against rogue gas fitters who disregard the law and place lives at risk.

“Working with domestic 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.”