Illegal Gas Work Sentenced
A man was sentenced after carrying out illegal gas work that put a family in Ulverston at serious risk, resulting in three dangerous gas leaks and a loss of heating for six weeks. Lee Lancaster, 38, received a 12‑month community order with 200 hours of unpaid work and £2,000 costs after pleading guilty to breaching the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
Gas installations are high‑risk systems; any unauthorised or unqualified intervention can lead to leaks, fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. The law requires all gas work to be performed by a registered engineer who holds the appropriate qualifications. Failure to comply not only endangers lives but also breaches statutory duties under Regulations 3(1) and 3(3) of the 1998 Act.
HSE Inspector Matthew Shepherd said: “The risks from uncontrolled gas leaks are well known and can be fatal.
“Mr Lancaster knew he was unqualified and not Gas Safe registered yet still took on this work, putting a family in very real danger.
“We will not hesitate to take action against anyone undertaking gas work where they are not competent or registered to do so.”
Illegal Gas Work – Key Findings
- Lee Lancaster carried out gas pipework and installed a combi boiler at a private home in Ulverston (New Market Street) in February 2024.
- The work caused three separate gas leaks, forcing the supply to be shut off for six weeks.
- £2,000 costs were imposed alongside a 12‑month community order requiring 200 hours unpaid work.
- Barrow‑in‑Furness Magistrates’ Court – sentencing date 23 January 2026.
- Breach of Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, Regs 3(1) & 3(3).
- Prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyer Chloe Ward and paralegal officer Lynne Thomas.
Why This Matters to Employers
Employers must ensure that any gas‑related work is undertaken only by engineers listed on the Gas Safe Register. The regulations mandate competence, registration and proper risk assessment before any installation or alteration. Non‑compliance can result in severe legal penalties, costly remediation, reputational damage and, most importantly, endangerment of occupants.
Beyond the immediate costs, illegal gas work can trigger insurance exclusions, civil claims for personal injury, and mandatory remediation orders that disrupt business operations. It may also affect licensing and future contract eligibility with clients who demand strict health‑and‑safety compliance.
How to Protect Your Business
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment before any gas‑related task, confirming competence and registration of all personnel. A good risk assessment should identify the scope of work, verify qualifications, assess potential leak points, and outline emergency shut‑off procedures.
- Implement regular toolbox talks covering gas safety procedures, emergency shut‑off protocols, and the importance of using registered engineers.
- Review and update your health‑and‑safety policies to explicitly require Gas Safe registration for all gas work contractors.
- Maintain a current register of qualified gas engineers and verify their credentials before any work begins.
- Ensure that any gas‑related incidents are reported immediately to HSE and appropriate remedial actions are taken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered “illegal” gas work?
Any installation, repair or alteration of gas equipment carried out by a person who is not Gas Safe registered or lacks the required qualifications.
Can an employer be held liable for a contractor’s illegal gas work?
Yes. If an employer engages an unregistered contractor without due diligence, they can be prosecuted for failing to ensure compliance with the 1998 regulations.
What are the typical penalties for breaching gas safety regulations?
Penalties range from community orders and costs (as in this case) to unlimited fines and even imprisonment for severe neglect leading to injury or death.