Fitter fined for faulty gas work

DAMAGE cause by the gas explosion at 75-year-old Marie Burns’ home

A GAS fitter has been fined £1,000 over an explosion which injured 15 people and destroyed three terraced houses.

One woman, 75–year–old Marie Burns, was left fighting for life with severe burns by the blast in Irlam in November 2010. Five children were among those who needed treatment.

Paul Kay (30), of Slater Street, Warrington, yesterday pleaded guilty at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court to failing to ensure that a gas fitting was properly supported at Mrs Burns’s home.

Self-employed Kay was hired by Hill End Plumbing and Heating Ltd, of Oldham. He no longer works for the firm, which has since changed its name.

The explosion peppered passers–by with debris and flying glass: 200 homes were evacuated.

An investigation found Kay had disconnected the gas meter at he house the day before, so it could be moved. He rested the meter on bricks on the floor before reconnecting the supply, leaving it in an “unacceptable state”, said the Health and Safety Executive. Faulty piping work at the meter years before contributed to the explosion. Kay was also ordered to pay £500 prosecution costs.