Builder exposed public to carbon monoxide

A Builder’s public liability insurance has been called into question after exposing two people to carbon monoxide fumes, which could have led to their death.

Vikas Patel was the director of Rushi Construction (UK) Limited who was building an extension to a home.

Part of the extension was built around the flue outlet of a gas boiler. An inspection by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that there was no Gas Safe registered engineer involved in the gas fitting work.

It was found that Mr Patel had tried to use a sewage pipe and a washing machine vent hose, to extend the flue outlet across the new room and out of a window, to which he was unsuccessful. As a result, harmful carbon monoxide gases were being released in the house, exposing the homeowners to potentially deadly fumes.

The customers had asked Mr Patel to leave the job and after complaints to National Grid, the supply of gas to the property was disconnected shortly afterwards.

At Aylesbury Magistrates' Court, both Rushi Construction (UK) Ltd and Vikas Patel pleaded guilty to breaching section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and regulations 4 and 8 of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

The company was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,000 and the director was issued a fine of £3,000 and ordered to pay £731 in costs.

HSE Inspector Stephen Manley said:

“Everybody involved in construction work, must think about the effect it may have on the safe operation of existing services such as gas appliances and flues.”

“HSE will always take action when we see examples of such blatant disregard or ignorance, of regulations, guidance, and common sense.”

Related articles:

Better Gas Safe than sorry

How do I carry out a risk assessment