Alisdair Hamilton, 54, said a Churchill woman recently called out a handyman to do a few jobs in her property – including hooking up a gas cooker for her.

However Mr Hamilton – whose son Jamie runs J. Hamilton Plumbing, Heating, and Drainage – said the handyman was unqualified to complete the work.

He told the Advertiser: “This guy should be embarrassed. The handyman said he could do it for her but he wasn’t qualified and he’s putting lives at risk.” Mr Hamilton said the gas cooker was ‘unsafe’ after someone unsuccessfully tried to make a gas tight connection. Some time after the handyman visited, the woman went to use the cooker and she could smell gas, at which point she turned off the supply and called Mr Hamilton. He said he went out to the property soon after and the self-sealing bayonet was leaking gas.

Mr Hamilton added: “We don’t come across this type of situation much but it is dangerous. I just want people to be aware there may be people out there doing this when they are not qualified to complete this sort of work.” He added that worker must present up-to-date credentials which shows he is Gas Safe. These credentials are updated and verified every five years.

Mr Hamilton said: “People shouldn’t be afraid to ask to see people’s credentials.” The Health and Safety Executive advises: “It is illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance if they suspect it is unsafe. Turn the appliance off and do not touch it until it has been checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer link to external website.

“If you suspect there is a gas leak you should immediately do the following: Call National Grid’s Gas Emergency Freephone number: 0800 111 999; Open all the doors and windows; Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is).” Visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk/ for more information or to find a Gas Safe registered business locally or to use the ‘check an engineer’ service.