Cost-cutting builder jailed for dangerous gas and
electrical work
A builder who attempted to cut costs by installing his own gas
and electrical systems has been jailed for four months.
Bradford-based John Howe pleaded guilty before Bradford
Magistrates Court to five breaches of health and safety legislation
and Gas Safety Regulations during the work on a granny flat he had
been paid £28,000 to build at a house in the town.
Despite not being a Gas Safe registered engineer, Mr Howe
installed a gas boiler in the loft and gas hob in the kitchen of
the premises and left them connected to the mains supply. He also
embarked on electrical work in the flat, which belonged to Khalid
Rehman, but left it in an unfinished and unsafe condition.
When the work had not been completed in more than a year, Mr
Rehman called in another builder, who notified Bradford Council and
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). They subsequently carried
out tests that showed that both the boiler and the electrical
system could have been a danger to life or property if
operated.
Following the case, HSE inspector Andy Denison, said Mr Howe was
extremely selfish in his actions, and it was only through luck that
it did not end in tragedy.
"We uncovered a classic example of a builder trying to cut
corners on a project and putting profit before safety," he said.
"Mr Howe should have called in the registered professionals to
ensure the necessary work was done safely."