A Gloucestershire loft conversion company and its subcontractor have today been fined for carrying out dangerous gas works which left a family at serious risk.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) successfully prosecuted J S Loft Conversions Limited, of Bracken Close, Lydney, and its subcontractor Paul Anthony Joynes, of Hazlewood Close, Warden Hill, Cheltenham, at Stroud Magistrates Court.

The Court heard how the company and Mr Joynes were hired by a family in Marling Crescent, Stroud, in March 2009 to install a loft conversion. As part of this project, a chimney serving a gas fire was removed because it obstructed the new living area. The chimney was replaced with a flexible gas flue pipe.


Following installation of this gas flue, the family asked a registered gas engineer to check the work prior to use because they had concerns about the safety of the new flue pipe. Upon inspection in December that year, the gas engineer found the installation was 'immediately dangerous' and reported it to HSE.

JS Loft Conversions Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 8(1) and 8 (3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. It was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay costs of £1,103.10.

Paul Joynes pleaded guilty to breaching 8 (1) and 8 (2) of the same Regulations. He was fined £750 and ordered to pay costs of £250.

Following the hearing, HSE inspector, Dominic Goacher, said: "This family was at serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, because the alterations made to their home were simply not safe. They expected a professional job to be carried out and instead were left with a new gas flue pipe which might have proved fatal. This is totally unacceptable.

"Gas appliances which are badly fitted and poorly serviced pose a serious danger. HSE strongly advises everyone to get their gas appliances checked regularly by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Householders also need to check the fitter's credentials - don't just take their word that they are Gas Safe registered."

(CD/GK)