• Public urged to check Gas Safe Register as new HSE figures released show seventeen people convicted for illegal gas work in the past 18 months alone
• They include a fraudster who faked the Gas Safe logo to exploit a new homeowner, and a rogue trader whose faulty gas work put a 90-year-old man in danger
• HSE expert issues Gas Safety Week warning to public of the fatal risks from unsafe gas work

Families, homeowners and businesses have been warned not to gamble with their safety by using unregistered gas fitters, as new figures reveal a sharp rise in prosecutions for illegal gas work.

To mark Gas Safety Week (14 to 20 September 2026), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revealed that since the beginning of 2025, seventeen people have been convicted for carrying out gas work illegally. By comparison, there were three convictions in the year 2022/23 and four in 2023/24.

Over the past five years, HSE has successfully investigated and prosecuted dozens of defendants for breaching gas safety laws by working on gas appliances without being registered with Gas Safe Register.

Unqualified gas work can have fatal consequences. Poorly installed or serviced boilers, cookers and fires can cause gas leaks, explosions, fires and carbon monoxide poisoning — a silent killer that claims lives every year.

Gas Safety Week, now in its fourteenth year, is a national campaign bringing together the gas industry, local authorities and landlords to raise awareness of the importance of gas safety.

It takes just seconds to verify an engineer’s credentials at www.gassaferegister.co.uk  or by calling 0800 408 5500, or you can ask to see a gas engineer’s Gas Safe ID card.

HSE’s Principal Inspector of Gas Safety, Steve Critchlow, said;

“Gas Safety Week is the right time to remind people just how serious the risks of illegal gas work can be – and the rising number of convictions of rogue traders carrying out unregistered gas work should be a warning to everyone.

“Temperatures are going down and bills are going up, but cutting corners when it comes to getting your gas appliances properly serviced by a registered professional could be a fatal mistake.

“Uncontrolled gas leaks can cause fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning; and even though the gas industry has an excellent safety record, every tragic incident is one too many.

“As people start thinking about their heating ahead of winter, it’s exactly the right time to say: check your engineer is on the Gas Safe Register before you let them anywhere near your gas appliances. If they’re not on the register, don’t let them through the door.

“If you think you’ve been the victim of a rogue gas trader, report it straight away; HSE can investigate and prosecute unregistered gas fitters who put the public in harm’s way”.

CASE STUDIES: RECENT HSE PROSECUTIONS

Fraudster faked Gas Safe logo to trade illegally across five homes

Alexander Robson advertised his services on social media and with flyers faking the Gas Safe logo, despite not being on the Gas Safe Register. He was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for a period of two years.

Robson traded under names including GasnHeat Plumberz and North East Renocationz and undertook gas work on boilers and gas fires at five homes in Blyth, Ryton, Hexham, Winlaton and Newcastle. Not only was the work he carried out illegal, it was also sub-standard and endangered the lives of those living in the properties.

Robson had previously been on the Gas Safe Register aligned to various businesses up until 1 February 2024, but continued carrying out work for several months after that was no longer the case.

One of his victims, 25-year-old Megan Oliver, spoke out about the dangers posed by the likes of Robson, telling people to do their research before hiring people to carry out work.

“I’d only just bought my flat and as a first-time home owner, I’d never had to deal with things like gas work,” she said.

“My mum had put a post on Facebook asking for someone to come and cap off a gas cooker. He replied saying it was something he could do.

“He demanded half of the money up front but I began to get suspicious as he’d always come to the house late at night to carry out the work.

“I remember him saying there were only certain people who are Gas Safe, but it was actually something I’d never even heard of.

“I remember him rambling on a lot and me not being able to get a word in.

“It was only when another company came to fit my new boiler did I find the work he’d done was so poor and that he wasn’t even on the Gas Safe Register.

“When I refused to pay him the rest of his money, he became aggressive and abusive and made threats against both me and my parents.

“I would tell anyone to do their own research on a person before you hire them and make sure they’re a trusted trader and not just from how they appear on Facebook.

“It looked it was such a legitimate company – but it clearly wasn’t.”

Fraudster jailed for endangering elderly homeowner

Israel Jackson, 56, of Sandbach Place, London, was jailed for 12 months at Croydon Crown Court on 4 February 2026 after his dangerous work put the life of a 90-year-old homeowner at risk.

Jackson was sent by a contracted company to install a new boiler at the elderly man’s home in Croydon in May 2022 after lying about being qualified. He had never been registered with Gas Safe Register — and this was not his first offence, having been prosecuted by HSE for illegal gas work in 2015.

Jackson installed the boiler and issued a fraudulent gas safety certificate. When relatives noticed the hot water wasn’t working and smelled gas, a British Gas engineer attended and issued an ‘immediately dangerous’ notice. Jackson returned the following day, ignored the notice, and put the boiler back into use — even demanding his taxi fare be paid. It took over a year before another engineer fully replaced the dangerous installation.

Jackson pleaded guilty to contravening Regulations 3(3) and 3(7) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Family left without heating after illegal work caused three gas leaks

Lee Lancaster, 38, of New Market Street, Ulverston, was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £2,000 costs at Barrow-in-Furness Magistrates’ Court on 23 January 2026.

In February 2024, Lancaster installed a gas combi boiler and pipework at a family home in Ulverston. Shortly after, one of the occupiers smelled gas. Cadent identified three separate gas leaks, and the gas supply was shut off for six weeks — leaving the family of four without heating or hot water.

Gas Safe inspectors classified the work as ‘Immediately Dangerous’. HSE’s investigation found Lancaster held no gas qualifications whatsoever and was not registered with Gas Safe Register.

Lancaster pleaded guilty to breaching Regulations 3(1) and 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

About Steve Critchlow

Steve Critchlow, HSE’s Principal Inspector Gas Safety, or, has more than 30 years of experience at HSE and is one of the foremost experts in gas safety in the country. As a specialist gas inspector based at HSE’s science centre in Buxton, he is often among the first on scene in the aftermath of explosions and deaths caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, and gives evidence during Coronial proceedings and in prosecution cases. He provides expert technical advice to HSE inspectors and the wider gas industry. This Gas Safety Week, Steve will be speaking at events in the UK and Scottish Parliaments.

Further information:

1. HSE is the national regulator responsible for enforcing gas safety legislation in Great Britain. It is also responsible for the Gas Safe Register itself.
2. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 make it illegal for anyone to carry out gas work unless they are registered with Gas Safe Register or working under appropriate supervision.
3. Gas Safe Register is the official list of gas engineers legally allowed to work on gas appliances in the UK.
4. Since 2020/21, HSE has successfully prosecuted 34 defendants for breaches of Regulation 3(1) or 3(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. Since the beginning of 2025, 17 people have been sentenced, compared with 3 in 2022/23 and 4 in 2023/24.
5. Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ because it is colourless and odourless. Symptoms of poisoning include headaches, dizziness, nausea and confusion.
6. Gas Safety Week 2026 runs from 14 to 20 September.

• Maintenance engineer suffered catastrophic, life-changing injuries after his arm was pulled into an unguarded conveyor
• Working alone, he waved at a CCTV camera for help after becoming trapped in the machinery
• Factory Services UK Limited fined £160,000 after pleading guilty to health and safety breaches

A Merseyside animal‑feed manufacturer has been sentenced after a maintenance engineer suffered severe, life‑changing injuries when his arm was drawn into an unguarded conveyor.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Factory Services UK Limited allowed workers access to dangerous parts of machinery for many years at its site on Moorgate Road, Deacon Park, Knowsley Industrial Park, L33 7RX.

On 18 March 2025, maintenance engineer Daniel Slinger was working a nightshift when he was asked to look at an issue on a conveyor. While the conveyor was still running, Mr Slinger reached through a hole in the side of the conveyor casing to clear away some material. His arm was pulled into the moving machinery. There was no guard in place and no emergency stop button in the area.

Working alone at the time, there was nobody nearby to see or hear what had happened. In an effort to raise the alarm, he repeatedly waved at a CCTV camera in the hope that someone monitoring the system would spot him and come to his aid, nobody did. Eventually, after 40 seconds, he was able to free his arm. This was despite the company’s own safe systems of work requiring machinery to be guarded and isolated before any maintenance or cleaning activity was carried out.

Mr Slinger suffered catastrophic injuries to his forearm and hand, including a fracture and extensive degloving. He required multiple operations, blood transfusions and continues to receive ongoing specialist treatment. He remains unable to return to work.

HSE’s investigation established that the hole had been cut into the conveyor years earlier to allow workers to clear blockages while the machine remained in operation. A second conveyor on site was also found to have a similar unauthorised access point. Despite routine inspections, management walkarounds and audits, the dangerous modifications had not been identified or rectified.

Following the incident, the company fitted a fixed mesh guard and installed an emergency stop button at the location.

Factory Services UK Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on 8 September 2026. They were fined £160,000 and ordered to pay costs of £4728.

Following the hearing, HSE Inspector, Ian Betley, said:

“Mr Slinger suffered devastating and life-altering injuries as a result of this preventable incident. Had the correct protections been in place he would not have been exposed to the dangerous parts of a running conveyor through a hole cut into the machine.

“Factory Services UK Limited had risk assessments and safe systems of work, but they were not followed or enforced. Employers must ensure guarding is properly maintained, safe systems are implemented, and workers are protected from foreseeable risks.”

This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Alan Hughes and paralegal officer Henrietta Ruthven.

Further Information

1. Guidance on the safe use of work equipment, including guarding requirements, can be found here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l22.htm
2. Further details on the latest HSE news releases are available at: https://press.hse.gov.uk/
3. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect fines. Sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found at: https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/sentencing-and-the-council/about-sentencing-guidelines/about-published-guidelines/health-and-safety-offences-corporate-manslaughter-and-food-safety-and-hygiene-offences/

• Gheorghita Arsene, 33, died after being buried under around two tonnes of soil when the trench collapsed at a site in Banstead on 24 June 2020.
• A joint investigation found that the trench had no supports to prevent it from collapsing and soil had been piled right next to the edge.
• The collapse happened during work to replace a damaged pipe at the bottom of a deep excavation.

Two companies and a self-employed contracts manager have been sentenced after a worker was crushed to death when an unsupported trench collapsed at a site in Surrey.

Gheorghita Arsene, 33, who was known as Geo, was working at a site on Park Road, Banstead, Surrey on 24 June 2020. He had been working to replace a damaged pipe at the bottom of the deep trench, which had been dug with a three-tonne digger. He had been clearing soil with a shovel and a pickaxe when, without warning, the trench walls collapsed. Although rescue attempts were made, he was buried in approximately 2 tonnes of soil and sadly died at the scene.

A joint investigation by Surrey Police and the Health and Safety Executive over five years found there were no supports in the trench and excavated soil had been deposited immediately next to it. The investigation also found that, earlier that day, Anthony O’Connor a self-employed contracts manager working for T Vaughan Limited, had observed another worker in the same unsupported excavation earlier that day. Despite being aware of the measures required to prevent a trench collapse, he failed to ensure they were in place.

Earlier that day, O’Connor had observed another worker carrying out work in the same unsupported excavation. As an experienced contracts manager, he knew suitable measures were required to prevent a trench collapse but failed to ensure they were implemented.

Following a trial at the Old Bailey on 9 September 2026, principal contractor Appledorn Developments Limited and subcontractor T Vaughan Limited were convicted of breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

T Vaughan Limited was fined £650,000 and ordered to pay costs of £40,000.

Appledorn Developments Limited was fined £500,000.

Anthony O’Connor, a self-employed contracts manager working for T Vaughan Limited, pleaded guilty on 22 May 2026 to breaching Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 by failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of others who may have been affected by his acts or omissions at work.

He was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

A Health and Safety Executive spokesperson said:

“Gheorghita Arsene’s death was as horrifying as it was preventable. He lost his life because basic precautions were not in place to protect workers from the well-known risks that come with excavation work. Anthony O’Connor had observed workers in the trench without adequate protection and was aware of the measures required to prevent a collapse.

“This case is a stark reminder that when basic safety standards are ignored, the consequences can be fatal. Companies and individuals alike have legal duties to protect workers and where they fail to do so, and we will not hesitate to take enforcement action.

“Our thoughts today are with Mr Arsene’s loved ones, as they mourn their loss.”

This prosecution was brought by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Further Information 

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives
2. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available. 
3. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.   

• Wayne Culliss got his son teenage Kazys to carry out boiler-replacement work despite the fact he wasn’t qualified to do so
• The work carried out was dangerous and resulted in a gas leak
• The lives of tenants – including a baby – were put at risk

A father and son have been sentenced after illegal gas work in a home in Stoke-on-Trent caused a leak that put the lives of those living there – including a baby – at risk.

Wayne Culliss, 55, had subcontracted boiler replacement work to his then 18-year-old son Kazys, despite the fact he wasn’t qualified or registered with Gas Safe to do so. The pair, of Boot Street in Whittington, pleaded guilty to offences after being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The investigation by the HSE found that a British Gas engineer had attended a rental property in Hanley on 1 December 2023. This followed a report made by the tenant that the gas boiler was hissing and leaking cold water. The boiler was found to be dangerous and taken out of use, prompting the landlord to contact Wayne Culliss. He was a landlord himself, who also helped with the management of the property and he arranged for a new one to be installed.

Culliss Snr subcontracted the job to his son, Kazys, now 21, who carried out the illegal work on 9 January 2024. However, when another British Gas engineer inspected the boiler two weeks later as part of a Gas Safety Check, he could smell gas so immediately isolated the supply. After completing a gas tightness test, he identified a leak in the system, prompting him to cap off the supply. Gas leaks can have deadly consequences and the lives of the tenants, who also had a young baby, had been put at risk by the dangerous work carried out by Culliss.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require those undertaking gas work to be Gas Safe Registered, and to hold qualifications to demonstrate their competency to undertake gas work.

Kazys Culliss of Boot Street, Whittington, pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 3(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and must complete 140 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £500 in costs at a hearing at Wrexham Magistrates Court on 21 July 2026.

Wayne Culliss, also of Boot Street, Whittington, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £2,500 in costs.

HSE Inspector Rob Gidman said:

“The work carried out by Kazys Culliss, under the instruction of his father, Wayne, was reckless and put people at risk of serious harm.

“Gas work must only ever be undertaken by Gas Safe Registered engineers and HSE will not hesitate to prosecute those who disregard this and put people at risk.

“I would appeal to anyone who is getting gas work done on their home to always ask to see the identification of who come out to do it. They should also check their registration number online to ensure it is valid.

“It only takes a couple of minutes but can keep you and your loved ones safe.”

Gas engineers and consumers can contact the Gas Safe Register in any of these ways:

• Gas Safe Register
• Phone – Consumers: 0800 408 5500; Engineers: 0800 408 5577
• Email – enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk

This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Tiger and paralegal officer Lynne Thomas. The investigation was supported by Sarah Ough and Natalka Heath, HSE Visiting Officers.

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here: Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR) as amended. Approved Code of Practice and guidance – HSE.
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.

• Wayne Culliss got his son teenage Kazys to carry out boiler-replacement work despite the fact he wasn’t qualified to do so
• The work carried out was dangerous and resulted in a gas leak
• The lives of tenants – including a baby – were put at risk

A father and son have been sentenced after illegal gas work in a home in Stoke-on-Trent caused a leak that put the lives of those living there – including a baby – at risk.

Wayne Culliss, 55, had subcontracted boiler replacement work to his then 18-year-old son Kazys, despite the fact he wasn’t qualified or registered with Gas Safe to do so. The pair, of Boot Street in Whittington, pleaded guilty to offences after being prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

The investigation by the HSE found that a British Gas engineer had attended a rental property in Hanley on 1 December 2023. This followed a report made by the tenant that the gas boiler was hissing and leaking cold water. The boiler was found to be dangerous and taken out of use, prompting the landlord to contact Wayne Culliss. He was a landlord himself, who also helped with the management of the property and he arranged for a new one to be installed.

Culliss Snr subcontracted the job to his son, Kazys, now 21, who carried out the illegal work on 9 January 2024. However, when another British Gas engineer inspected the boiler two weeks later as part of a Gas Safety Check, he could smell gas so immediately isolated the supply. After completing a gas tightness test, he identified a leak in the system, prompting him to cap off the supply. Gas leaks can have deadly consequences and the lives of the tenants, who also had a young baby, had been put at risk by the dangerous work carried out by Culliss.

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 require those undertaking gas work to be Gas Safe Registered, and to hold qualifications to demonstrate their competency to undertake gas work.

Kazys Culliss of Boot Street, Whittington, pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 3(1) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998. He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and must complete 140 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £500 in costs at a hearing at Wrexham Magistrates Court on 21 July 2026.

Wayne Culliss, also of Boot Street, Whittington, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. He was fined £3,000 and ordered to pay £2,500 in costs.

HSE Inspector Rob Gidman said:

“The work carried out by Kazys Culliss, under the instruction of his father, Wayne, was reckless and put people at risk of serious harm.

“Gas work must only ever be undertaken by Gas Safe Registered engineers and HSE will not hesitate to prosecute those who disregard this and put people at risk.

“I would appeal to anyone who is getting gas work done on their home to always ask to see the identification of who come out to do it. They should also check their registration number online to ensure it is valid.

“It only takes a couple of minutes but can keep you and your loved ones safe.”

Gas engineers and consumers can contact the Gas Safe Register in any of these ways:

• Gas Safe Register
• Phone – Consumers: 0800 408 5500; Engineers: 0800 408 5577
• Email – enquiries@gassaferegister.co.uk

This prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Samantha Tiger and paralegal officer Lynne Thomas. The investigation was supported by Sarah Ough and Natalka Heath, HSE Visiting Officers.

Further information:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
4. Relevant guidance can be found here: Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 (GSIUR) as amended. Approved Code of Practice and guidance – HSE.
5. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.