Following the recent prosecution of builder and roofer David Johnson, UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning consumers to be vigilant of gas safety when having any type of building work done, as flues and ventilation can easily become blocked if the builder isn't aware of gas appliances.
 
Mr Johnson was found to be guilty of Gross Negligence Manslaughter following the death of a resident after he had worked on a house chimney. He was also found to be guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974. The chimney was found to be structurally unsafe, and the flue within the chimney was found to be blocked, resulting in carbon monoxide fumes being released into the house, killing the occupant.
 
Paul Hoskins, an inspector with the HSE, said: “Robert Schenker's tragic and wasteful death could and should have been avoided by Mr Johnson taking straightforward safety precautions.” HSE’s advice is to ensure that gas appliances and flue are checked by a CORGI registered installer, reveals the entity’s press release.

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