Electrical licensing disciplinary action

In August 2022, the Electrical Licensing Committee took disciplinary action against three licence holders:

1. An electrical contractor failed to inspect and test an installation to ensure it was electrically safe before submitting an electrical work request for a metering alteration.
   
   The contractor didn’t know the name of the electrician that performed the work and didn’t visit the site after the installation was complete. By submitting the documents, the contractor provided false and misleading statements to an electricity entity.
   
   During the investigation, the electrical safety inspector identified several non-compliances and believed that an immediate electrical safety risk was present and issued an Electrical Safety Protection Notice to the homeowner.
   
   The contractor’s licence was suspended for six months. They must complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor and their qualified technical persons (QTPs) must complete competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. They were issued with a severe reprimand and a $3,000 fine.
2. An electrical contractor failed to ensure adequate inspection and testing procedures, resulting in electric shocks to several people due to a screw used to install a cable ladder cover, penetrating the cable insulation.
   
   Their licence was suspended for six months. They must complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor and their QTPs must complete competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. They were issued with a caution and a $2,000 fine.
3. An electrical contractor failed to implement safe systems of work and ensure that employees received an adequate induction to the business’ procedures and processes.
   
   There was a failure to install the MEN connection after alterations to a main switchboard were carried out after a PV system installation. This resulted in a person receiving an electric shock and the potential for a more serious incident.
   
   Their licence was suspended for six months. They must complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor and their QTPs must complete competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. They were issued with a caution and a $1,200 fine.

The committee’s actions were in addition to fines and notices already issued by the Electrical Safety Office.