Risk news

Carbon monoxide leaking from a faulty boiler resulted in the death of a grandfather, it has been reported.

Rattan Singh, a 73-year-old ex-factory worker from Stuart Road, Halesowen was killed in his sleep as he slept in the utility room, which he had used as a bedroom after a heart operation as he did not want to climb the stairs, the Express and Star stated.

Blood tests revealed that his wife and son had low levels of the gas in their bodies.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Robert Easterby said the ventilation system was clogged with lint, the flue was two metres longer than recommended and the joints to the extra parts caused a partial restriction.

"The boiler was generating a much higher level of carbon monoxide than it should have been," he said.

Homeowners and landlords with boilers in residential property should ensure gas appliances are annually checked by an engineer registered with Gas Safe, which replaced Corgi in April.

The HSE recently announced that it would take legal action against illegal gas fitters should the work they carry out put lives at risk.