Carbon Monoxide safety warning after death

The death of a 31-year-old mechanic from carbon monoxide poisoning has provoked an urgent safety warning regarding the builder found guilty of causing the fatality.

The warning from the Health and Safety Executive comes after David Johnson - who formerly traded as Merlin Building & Roofing Contractors – was found guilty of gross negligence manslaughter at Norwich Crown Court. He was also found guilty of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and is awaiting sentencing.

The prosecution followed the death of Robert Schenker in 2006 after he was overcome by fumes at his Peterborough home.

Mr Johnson had been undertaking work on the chimney at Mr Schenker’s home and an HSE investigation found the chimney was structurally unsafe and the flue within the chimney had been blocked. This resulted in carbon monoxide fumes from the boiler being released into the house.

An HSE spokesperson said: “If you have had work done by Mr Johnson, who traded as Merlin Building and Roofing Contractors, that could have affected a flue connected to a gas appliance, HSE advice is to ensure that the appliance and flue are checked by a CORGI registered installer.

“Consumers should be vigilant of gas safety when having any type of building work done, as flues and ventilation can easily become blocked if the builder isn't aware of gas appliances.”

To find a registered installer go to: www.trustcorgi.com or call 0800 915 0485.