Electrical licensing disciplinary action
In February 2024, the Electrical Licensing Committee took disciplinary action against the following eight licence holders:
Case 1: An electrical worker performing and supervising electrical work including the connection of a sub-main conductor between the main switch board (MSB) and the shed sub-board at a domestic property.
The electrical worker failed to ensure the installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was electrically safe and compliant with the Wiring Rules.
As a result of this failure, the underground sub-main between the MSB at the dwelling and sub-board in the shed was connected and energised with a reverse polarity. This caused a rise in potential on the installation earthing system and the conductive parts of the shed connected to earth. This failure resulted in a person receiving electric shocks when contact was made with the conductive parts of the shed while simultaneously being in contact with the ground.
The worker was issued with a reprimand and a $1,800 penalty, in addition to receiving a $200 infringement notice from the Electrical Safety Office (ESO).
Case 2: An electrical contractor was carrying out electrical work including the connection of a submain conductor between the main switchboard (MSB) and the shed sub board at a domestic property.
The contractor failed to put systems in place to ensure that the installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was electrically safe and compliant with the Wirings Rules.
As a result of this failure, the underground sub-main between the MSB at the dwelling and sub-board in the shed was connected and energised with a reverse polarity. This caused a rise in potential on the installation earthing system and the conductive parts of the shed connected to earth. This failure resulted in a person receiving electric shocks when contact was made with the conductive parts of the shed while simultaneously being in contact with the ground.
The contractor’s license was suspended for six months and ordered to complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor. The contractor was issued with a reprimand and a $3,000 penalty.
Case 3: An electrical worker was performing RCD testing of a newly installed energised emergency light fitting at a commercial location.
The electrical worker failed to ensure the training person acting as a safety observer fulfilled the correct requirements. This action resulted in a third-year electrical apprentice receiving an electric shock when contact was made with the energised parts of a light fitting undergoing testing.
The worker’s license was suspended for three months, and mandatory training in competency units must be completed prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was issued with a reprimand and an $800 penalty.
Case 4: An electrical contractor was performing RCD testing of a newly installed energised emergency light fitting.
The electrical contractor failed to ensure that the electrical work being carried out on energised electrical equipment, met the requirements of the regulations.
As a result of this failure a third-year electrical apprentice received an electric shock when contact was made with the energised parts of a light fitting being tested.
The contractor was issued with a reprimand and a $3,000 penalty, in addition to receiving an infringement notice of $3,600 from the ESO.
Case 5: An electrical worker was engaged to install a large commercial PV solar system.
The electrical worker failed to ensure that electrical work was not carried out on electrical equipment, while the equipment was energised.
It is further understood the electrical worker failed to ensure that, while the work was being carried out on the energised electrical equipment, all persons were prevented from creating an electrical risk by inadvertently contacting an exposed energised component of the equipment.
As a result of this failure the electrical worker received an electric shock when simultaneous contact was made with an energised exposed part and the installation earth bar.
The worker’s license was suspended for three months, and the worker must complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was issued with a reprimand and a $1,500 penalty.
Case 6: An electrical contractor was engaged to install a large commercial PV solar system.
The electrical contractor failed to ensure that the electrical work was not carried out on electrical equipment, while the equipment was energised.
In addition, the electrical contractor failed to ensure that, while electrical work was being carried out on energised electrical equipment, all persons were prevented from creating an electrical risk by inadvertently contacting the exposed energised component of the equipment.
As a result of this failure, an electrical worker received an electric shock when simultaneous contact was made with an energised exposed part and the earth bar.
The contractor’s license was suspended, for six months. All QTP’s must complete mandatory training in competency units, and the contractor must complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor. The contractor was issued with a reprimand and a $2,400 penalty, in addition to receiving a $3,600 infringement notice from the ESO.
Case 7: An electrical worker was carrying out work at a domestic property involving the supply and installation of new consumer’s mains, a main switchboard, and a 6.6 KW PV solar system.
The electrical worker failed to identify and isolate the correct entity service fuse at the location where the work was to be performed. The worker failed to ensure that before the work was carried out on the electrical equipment that the equipment was tested by a competent person to confirm whether it was energised.
As a result of this failure, an electrical apprentice received an electric shock when contact was made with the exposed energised service line active conductor and the metallic riser bracket.
The worker’s license was suspended for three months, and the worker must complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was issued with a severe reprimand and a $1,000 penalty.
Case 8: An electrical contractor was engaged to perform electrical work including the supply and installation of new consumer’s mains, main switchboard, and a 6.6 KW PV solar system at a domestic property.
The electrical contractor failed to identify and isolate the correct entity service fuse at the location where work was to be occur. The contractor also failed to ensure that before work was conducted on the electrical equipment that the equipment was tested by a competent person to confirm whether it was energised.
As a result of this failure, an electrical apprentice received an electric shock when contact was made with the exposed energised service line active conductor and the metallic riser bracket.
The contractor’s license was suspended for six months. All QTP’s must complete mandatory training in competency units and the contractor must complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor. The contractor was issued with a caution and a $2,000 penalty, in addition to receiving an infringement notice of $3,600 from the ESO.