Converting a balanced flue to a conventional flue

[Agile]

£14,000 fine for builder!


A Kent double glazing firm has been fined for safety failings after building a conservatory over a gas flue.

Strood-based Supaglazing Ltd was prosecuted by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for breaching gas safety regulations - the second time the firm has been convicted for such failings.

Dartford Magistrates' Court was told that the firm's workers had erected a conservatory over an existing gas flue for a boiler at a property on Beavor Road, Allington, Maidstone so there wasn't sufficient ventilation for combustion products.

As a result the occupants of the home, including a child and a woman who was pregnant at the time, were potentially put at risk.

The incident came to light following a report from a registered Gas Safe engineer who went to the house to give an estimate for relocating a flue for a gas boiler.

Magistrates heard that HSE, which investigated the safety breach, had prosecuted the firm in January 2009. In that instance it had also built over an existing flue at a house in Maidstone.

Supaglazing, which also has outlets in Dartford and Sittingbourne, admitted breaching the Gas Safety Regulations between 23 July and 2 October 2010. It was fined £14,000 and ordered to pay £2,826 in costs.

HSE inspector Rob Hassell said after the hearing: "The family of this house were put at risk because of serious failings with the building works. It is foreseeable that a serious personal injury could occur when a gas boiler flue is affected by such work.

"The fact that no serious health effects were suffered as a result of this breach is purely a matter of luck.

"Supaglazing should have learned from their previous conviction in January 2009 for a very similar offence. Companies that supply and install conservatories should be aware of the Gas Safety Regulations and ensure they comply with them. HSE will take robust enforcement action against any company found to be breaching them, whether an incident or injury has occurred or not."

 

[CBF]

I'm sure your dependants are going to have lots of money soon providing you have kept up the life assurance payments

 

[breadnbutter]

You've all jumped to the wrong conclusion. The flue exits onto an outside wall where old steps had been built down to the back garden. Previous owners had blocked off these steps at the bottom which left the steps leading to a dead end. I filled in the steps and concreted over, but built a 3-sided retaining wall around the flue, which was then slightly below ground level, but still open to outside. I knew this would compromise the working of the boiler as burnt gas fumes would be sucked back in by the clean air intake. Consequently the boiler wouldn't work properly. That's why I wanted to replace the balanced flue with a conventional flue. We don't have any money to spend on a new boiler - none at all, so I've extended the exhaust part of the balanced flue up and out of where the flue is which now allows the burnt gas to escape safely and allows clean fresh air to be drawn in to feed the boiler and it works perfectly. There's no fumes re-entering the house. I might just upload a picture for you all to see. I appreciate the genuine concern from all of you.

seriouse, my advise is turn the boiler off. its dangerous, your risking your life.and those who live there.

 

[harrythehat1]

absolute bonk head, not only has he set about potentially killing his family etc but hes also written on here that hes dunnit..................brilliant