A recent ruling against a motor mechanics workshop has brought out the hazards of using gas heaters into the news. The Health and Safety Executive filed charges against the Garage Bow Street Ltd for using a heater without proper safety checks and regular maintenance.
The garage, located in Staffordshire, had already been warned by a HSE inspector against using its Powrmatic gas heater. The inspector had found several potential risks in continued use of the gas heater when he visited the garage in December 2009. He had issued a Prohibition Notice detailing the problems he had identified at the site. The inspector stated that the electrical system was inadequate and the exhaust pipe of the gas heater led back into the premises. This was extremely risky as, in case of a leak, the deadly carbon monoxide effluents would enter the premises of the garage and endanger the workers. Such a leak would also pose serious health hazards for those living nearby.
During a subsequent visit about a month later, the inspector found the heater running. He was told by one of the directors of the company that the heater was on temporarily to dry the floor. However, given the seriousness of the situation the inspector decided to escalate the issue by filing charges against the company for violating the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974.
During the hearing at Stafford Magistrates Court, the owners of the garage pleaded guilty to breaching Section 33(1)(g) of the Health and Safety Act. However, a conditional discharge was accorded because the garage has now stopped trading. A £500 amount was ordered to be paid towards costs.
Speaking about the case, Andrew Bowker, HSE Inspector said that about 20 people die every year from carbon monoxide poisoning from gas heater leaks. This can be prevented only if gas heaters are installed properly and checked periodically by qualified gas technicians, he stated.
The NEBOSH Fire Certificate is for those who are responsible for fire risk management within their organisation. The course has been designed for non-specialists in fire safety to enable them to contribute to the conduct and review of fire risk assessments and fire preventive and protective measures within most workplaces.




