Gasfitter fined over safety risks at Mildura restaurant

A licensed gasfitter has been fined $1,000 after creating potentially ‘catastrophic’ safety risks at a Mildura restaurant in northern Victoria.

Ibrahim Metin pleaded guilty to 3 charges under the Gas Safety Act in relation to work performed in the restaurant kitchen last year.

The Mildura Magistrates Court heard Mr Metin was a Victorian Building Authority-licensed plumber and gasfitter who worked part time at a TAFE teaching plumbing apprentices.

In August 2023, he installed and commissioned a gas chargrill at the restaurant without first obtaining acceptance from Energy Safe Victoria. He also failed to leave the minimum clearance distance between the grill and overheard grease filters, potentially creating a fire risk.  

An Energy Safe gas inspector later attended the premises and found Mr Metin had also failed to cap a gas fitting line, creating a serious risk of a gas leak or fire. The inspector capped the line himself to make it safe.

Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson said any failure to follow safety laws and regulations can have serious consequences.

“There can be a lot of people at a commercial business at any given time and they can be put in a lot of danger if a gas leak causes an explosion or fire,” Ms Hughson said.

In sentencing Magistrate Falla described the risk created by Mr Metin as potentially ‘catastrophic’.

Magistrate Falla took into account Mr Metin’s lack of prior criminal history and early guilty plea. No conviction was recorded.

Energy Safe. Always.  

Media contact: Nicole Butler M: 0477 572 378 l media@energysafe.vic.gov.au