Menu
21/07/2011
Plumber 'Jailed' Over Explosion
A Wolverhampton plumber has been given a ten-month suspended jail sentence for causing a gas explosion and fire in which a pensioner sustained 21 per cent burns rescuing his nine-year-old granddaughter.
Peter Naylor, of Wednesfield, removed the gas meter at the property in Arnhem Road to reach a leaking water stopcock he was repairing in December last year.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard about 15 minutes after he had left the bungalow to buy a replacement stopcock fitting, the gas exploded, causing a fire which spread through the building.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), prosecuting, told the court that householder John Davies, 66, had to rescue his nine-year-old granddaughter from a back bedroom. She was unhurt in the incident, but badly shaken.
However, Mr Davies suffered 21 per cent burns to his face, neck and hands in the blaze. He spent six nights in hospital and required a skin graft to his left arm and hand. His home has since been demolished as a result of the damage caused by the fire.
HSE's investigation found Mr Naylor was not registered with the Gas Safe Register to work on gas appliances and had not isolated the gas system correctly.
Peter Willliam Naylor, of Frost Street, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was given a ten-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to carry out 150 hours' unpaid work. The court also ordered Mr Naylor to pay £2,000 costs.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Pamela Folsom said: "This case is a warning to unregistered individuals that they should never undertake gas work under any circumstances.
"Anybody who carries out work on meters, boilers, hobs, ovens, fires or any other gas appliances without being on the Gas Safe Register is breaking the law.
"Mr Naylor believed he had sufficient basic knowledge to work with gas but he was not authorised to do this and did not follow proper safety precautions.
"His incompetence caused an explosion that could easily have been fatal, and the resulting fire left Mr Davies with serious burns and a home so badly damaged that it had to be demolished."
(CD)
Peter Naylor, of Wednesfield, removed the gas meter at the property in Arnhem Road to reach a leaking water stopcock he was repairing in December last year.
Wolverhampton Crown Court heard about 15 minutes after he had left the bungalow to buy a replacement stopcock fitting, the gas exploded, causing a fire which spread through the building.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), prosecuting, told the court that householder John Davies, 66, had to rescue his nine-year-old granddaughter from a back bedroom. She was unhurt in the incident, but badly shaken.
However, Mr Davies suffered 21 per cent burns to his face, neck and hands in the blaze. He spent six nights in hospital and required a skin graft to his left arm and hand. His home has since been demolished as a result of the damage caused by the fire.
HSE's investigation found Mr Naylor was not registered with the Gas Safe Register to work on gas appliances and had not isolated the gas system correctly.
Peter Willliam Naylor, of Frost Street, pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 and was given a ten-month suspended prison sentence and ordered to carry out 150 hours' unpaid work. The court also ordered Mr Naylor to pay £2,000 costs.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Pamela Folsom said: "This case is a warning to unregistered individuals that they should never undertake gas work under any circumstances.
"Anybody who carries out work on meters, boilers, hobs, ovens, fires or any other gas appliances without being on the Gas Safe Register is breaking the law.
"Mr Naylor believed he had sufficient basic knowledge to work with gas but he was not authorised to do this and did not follow proper safety precautions.
"His incompetence caused an explosion that could easily have been fatal, and the resulting fire left Mr Davies with serious burns and a home so badly damaged that it had to be demolished."
(CD)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 October 2010
Illegal Gas Fitter Sentenced
A man who falsely claimed to be a registered gas engineer has been sentenced for illegally installing gas appliances at addresses in York. Bennett Morley of Cherry Paddock, Haxby, York, was prosecuted by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for five offences under Gas Safety legislation after complaints by householders.
Illegal Gas Fitter Sentenced
A man who falsely claimed to be a registered gas engineer has been sentenced for illegally installing gas appliances at addresses in York. Bennett Morley of Cherry Paddock, Haxby, York, was prosecuted by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for five offences under Gas Safety legislation after complaints by householders.
18 November 2014
Man And Daughter Survive Suspected Gas Explosion
A 36-year-old man and his 4-year-old daughter have survived a suspected gas explosion at their home in Southampton. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the end-of-terrace house in Howards Grove, in the Shirley area, was destroyed in an explosion at about 01:30 on Tuesday morning.
Man And Daughter Survive Suspected Gas Explosion
A 36-year-old man and his 4-year-old daughter have survived a suspected gas explosion at their home in Southampton. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said the end-of-terrace house in Howards Grove, in the Shirley area, was destroyed in an explosion at about 01:30 on Tuesday morning.
26 August 2014
200 Homes Still Without Gas After Water Leak
Around 200 homes in Wales are still without gas after a burst water pipe flooded gas lines last Thursday. Wales and West Utilities have said that some 150,000 litres of water has been pumped from gas pipes since last Thursday, with 540 of the 755 homes affected by the leak, now reconnected.
200 Homes Still Without Gas After Water Leak
Around 200 homes in Wales are still without gas after a burst water pipe flooded gas lines last Thursday. Wales and West Utilities have said that some 150,000 litres of water has been pumped from gas pipes since last Thursday, with 540 of the 755 homes affected by the leak, now reconnected.
31 July 2008
Centrica Posts £1 Million In Profits - To Consumers Anger
British Gas owner Centrica has posted half-year profits of almost £1 billion - much to the anger of consumer groups. Centrica maintain that it has been "absolutely necessary" to raise household gas prices as profits were down 20% in the first six months of this year to £992 million - down from £1.23 billion in 2007.
Centrica Posts £1 Million In Profits - To Consumers Anger
British Gas owner Centrica has posted half-year profits of almost £1 billion - much to the anger of consumer groups. Centrica maintain that it has been "absolutely necessary" to raise household gas prices as profits were down 20% in the first six months of this year to £992 million - down from £1.23 billion in 2007.
08 May 2009
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
Heroic Tyne Firemen Honoured
Two Tyne and Wear firefighters are to be recognised for their bravery at a special ceremony today. Andrew Nelson and Allan Richardson will be presented with the Chief Fire Officer's Commendations for brave and meritorious conduct after saving a man's life. The men took part in a dramatic rescue in the early hours of 4 February.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
