Firms fined for "potentially fatal" installation

TWO companies have been fined for dangerously installing and operating gas tumble driers in student halls of residence in York.

Halifax-based Direct Laundry Installations and Ripponden’s Circuit Laundrette Services were not gas-safe registered when they installed laundry equipment.

York Magistrates’ Court heard that the installation was not completed correctly, as the flues were not in a safe position.

Direct Laundry was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive and fined £12,000 with costs of £935.

Circuit Laundry Services was fined £13,000 with costs of £974.

HSE inspector Julian Franklin said: “This case arose because Circuit failed to follow their own normal commissioning procedures, resulting in a dangerous installation being put into use.

“Luckily none of the students in the affected blocks suffered any health effects but it could have been fatal.”