Risk news

Two people died after a gas fitter failed to fix a central heating boiler, it has been alleged in court.

Peter Tongue, 60, of Llanspyddid, near Brecon, has been accused of Health and Safety Act breaches and manslaughter after Margaret Eileen Powell, 72, and Thomas Gwyn Morgan, 74, were found dead.

Cardiff crown court heard that Tongue had been hired to repair Mrs Powell's ducted warm air central heating boiler.

Speaking to the court, Peter Davies, prosecuting, said that it is claimed Tongue worked on a type of appliance he did not understand "and took no steps to find out what he should do with that type of machine to do it safely and efficiently. He ignored clear and obvious signs of trouble".

When examined, part of the boiler was found to be blocked by soot. Tongue denies all charges and the trial continues.

Residential property owners have been advised of their responsibilities concerning gas safety by Aviva Risk Management Solutions. Its guidance can be found here.