Fine for DGHP after carbon monoxide homes risk

Dumfries and Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP) has been fined after pleading guilty to failing to identify a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to visitors and residents at the two properties.
The firm’s director of housing services Jayne Moore said: “These incidents should not have happened.
“We fully appreciate the seriousness of thismatter and the potential consequences of our actions.”
DGHP pleaded guilty at Dumfries Sheriff Court this week to failing to carry out sufficient checks before authorising works to chimneys at one of the premises at Springbells in Annan and another at Burnett Avenue in Dumfries between April and September last year.
It was stated that the firm failed to ascertain whether the use of a flue was required prior to their removal.
And it was added that a gas fire at each of the premises was available without a necessary flue being put in place to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide being produced in the event of resident using them.
Ms Moore said: “As a responsible social landlord, we have had an excellent track record and have reported 100 per cent compliance of the most stringent of standards for many years.
“These recent incidents are hugely regrettable.”
Ms Moore says that the company took appropriate disciplinary action following an immediate internal investigation.
She said: “Processes are now in place to forensically manage and supervise this kind of work.
“They clearly define responsibilities when owner occupiers carry out works to shared chimneys and the use of unknown contractors appointed by owners.”
She added: “These processes have been tested, reviewed and independently audited and will be scrutinised, making it one of the most highly audited\!q areas of work activity within our business.”