The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is issuing a warning to the public to have any flued appliance carefully checked and serviced by qualified and competent persons. This follows a prosecution resulting from a report that the elderly occupant of a house in Canwell, Sutton Coldfield was suffering from symptoms similar to those of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. The investigation found incorrect installation work had been done.

The warning comes after Mr Angelo Buratti of Moseley, Birmingham, the director of JB Group of Companies Ltd pleaded guilty, by virtue of Sect 37(1), to a breach of section 3(1) the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £15,000 and ordered to pay costs of £3,750.82 by Burton Magistrates Court.

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The court heard that Mr Buratti, had, following a chimney fire, organised repair work to a solid fuel burning appliance, through two painters and decorators known as 'Select'. An incorrect flue liner had been used in the work and the installation was left with other faults.

Speaking after the case, HSE inspector Dr Janice Dale said:

"The dangers of incorrectly specified flue liners and incorrect installations are well known in trades associated with building and refurbishment. Such dangerous work as that seen here puts lives at risk from both carbon monoxide poisoning and fires in the home.

"This case should serve as a reminder to the general public that anyone they ask to undertake work on a gas-fired or solid fuel appliance should be a specialist in that particular field. This case should also be a warning to traders that they must only undertake work for which they are qualified and competent."

(JM)