27/05/2010 - Firm fined over unsafe gas pipe
A loft conversion firm, which put a family in danger by installing an unsafe gas pipe, has been fined more than £4,000 along with its subcontractor.
J S Loft Conversions, based in Lydney, Gloucestershire, was hired by a the family from Stroud in March last year. Paul Anthony Joynes, from Cheltenham, was contracted by the company to do some of the work.
One task involved removing a chimney above a gas fire, which was replaced with a flexible gas flue pipe. However, the family were concerned about how safe the pipe was and called in a registered engineer to check it when it was completed.
He labelled the pipe "immediately dangerous" and reported the company to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which started a prosecution.
J S Loft Conversions Limited, of Bracken Close, Lydney, and Joynes, of Hazlewood Close, Warden Hill, Cheltenham, appeared at Stroud Magistrates Court. Both pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 8(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. JS Loft Conversions also pleased guilty to breaching regulation 8(3), while Joynes pleaded guility to breaching regulation 8(2).
The firm was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,103.10, and Joynes was fined £750 with £250 costs.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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