A recent prosecution has drawn attention to the dangers of illegal gas work and the strict responsibilities places on both engineers and consumers. An individual was sentenced to a suspended prison term and ordered to complete unpaid work after carrying out repeated gas works without the required professional registration. This case demonstrates how unregistered gas services pose serious risks to any commercial building occupants and why strict compliance with safety regulations is essential.
What Happened?
The investigation found that the offender had carried out boiler services in a home in Stockton-on-Tees on two occasions, in May 2021 and April 2022. Although he had previously been on the Gas Safe Register, he had allowed his membership and qualifications to lapse. A subsequent review of the boiler identified defects and was classed as a risk and a danger. The offender also carried out work at a house in Middlesbrough in September 2022 and October 2023. These works included disconnecting a gas hob and installing a new one, as well as disconnecting a gas fire. As he had done previously, he carried out this work while not registered to do so. He had also been subject to previous action taken by HSE, when carrying out illegal gas work in 2015.
Key Failings
- Lapsed professional registration – The individual had previously, been registered but allowed this to expire and continued to operate illegally.
- Repeated offences – Despite past enforcement action, further work was carried out unlawfully, showing disregard for regulatory requirements.
- Unsafe work- Faults were identified in serviced appliances, including a boiler later classed as unsafe.
- Failure to follow legal duties – The gas safety (installation and use) Regulations 1998 only require registered engineers to undertake gas work, which was ignored.
- Risk to the public – Carrying out unregistered work created potential for gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, fires or explosions.
- Consumer trust breached – Customers were misled into believing the work was competent and lawful.
Legal Requirements:
The offender pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1) and 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. He was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work at Court on 7 October 2025.
HSE Statement:
“All gas work must be carried out by registered Gas Safe engineers to ensure the highest standards are met and to prevent injury or loss of life. The public should always ask to see a gas engineer’s identification and check their registration number online.”
Preventive Measures
Preventing illegal and unsafe gas works begins with strict compliance with established regulations and vigilance from both professionals and the public. Every induvial undertaking gas installation or servicing must remain on the Gas Safe Register and keeping their qualifications up to date, as lapses create both legal and safety risks. Households and landlords should verify an engineer’s registration before allowing any work to take place, asking for the official ID card and checking credentials through the gas safe register website or helpline. Regular servicing of appliances is vital to identify issues early, while fitting carbon monoxide alarms adds an additional layer of protection against hidden hazards. Finally, suspected unlawful work should be reported immediately to the relevant authorities to prevent further risks.
