Landlords 'must use Corgi-registered workers'

News Category: Management

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned landlords to always check that anyone carrying out work on gas appliances or fittings in their properties is genuinely Corgi-registered.

HSE gave the advice after a rogue plumber from Kent was found to have lied about his Corgi registration and carried out work for a number of landlords in the region.

Edward Hadaway was sentenced to 240 hours of community service after pleading guilty to a charge of breaching health and safety regulations about working with gas appliances.

Despite being fined by the HSE in 2003, Mr Hadaway continued to carry out work in rental properties without obtaining a Corgi registration.

"By law, anyone carrying out work on appliances or fittings as part of their business must be competent and Corgi-registered," explained HSE inspector Caroline Fullman.

"Thankfully no-one has been harmed as a result of Mr Hadaway's work, however the potential hazards of having a non-Corgi registered gas fitter working on someone's home can be fatal.

"Work that is poorly carried out can lead to a gas leak and result in a serious explosion or residents can be exposed to potentially fatal carbon monoxide (CO) fumes."

Ms Fullman added that 30 people die every year as a result of CO poisoning in their home or place of work.

Earlier this month, the HSE warned landlords to ensure all gas applications in rental properties are safe after a leak injured ten tenants in London.