The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has called for homeowners to make sure they always employ tradespersons who have taken plumber or gas training courses when problems with domestic appliances arise.
According to inspector at the body Stephan Axt-Simmonds, it is extremely important that qualified gas fitters are called out to install devices such as cookers, fires or boilers to reduce the risk of being affected by carbon monoxide.
The gas is colourless, odourless, tasteless and poisonous and is released when carbon-based fuels do not burn properly, the HSE states.
Mr Axt-Simmonds said: "We strongly advise that everyone - whether it's in a business capacity or just as a private householder - gets their gas appliances checked regularly by a registered gas fitter."
His comments came after Royston Godsell from Gloucestershire was prosecuted for installing a gas fire in 2009 without being listed on the Gas Safe Register.
It was the second time he has been prosecuted for similar illegal work.
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