Electrical disciplinary action
In May 2024, the Electrical Licensing Committee took disciplinary action against eight licence holders:
Case 1: An electrical worker was removing existing service pillars and installing new service pillars at a caravan park.
The worker failed to ensure the electrical 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, socket outlets within a service pillar were energised with no earth connection. It was also identified that socket outlets in another service pillar were energised with a transposed neutral earth connection. A member of the public reported receiving an electric shock when contacting the metallic parts of a caravan.
The worker had his licence suspended for three months and ordered to complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was also issued with a caution and a $500 penalty, in addition to receiving a $200 infringement notice from The Electrical Safety Office (ESO).
Case 2: A second electrical worker was also removing existing service pillars and the installing new service pillars at a caravan park.
The 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, socket outlets within a service pillar were energised with no earth connection. It was also identified that socket outlets in another service pillar were energised with a transposed neutral earth connection. A member of the public reported receiving an electric shock when contacting the metallic parts of a caravan.
The worker's licence was suspended for three months, and was ordered to complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was issued with a caution and a $400 penalty, in addition to receiving a $200 infringement notice from the ESO.
Case 3: An electrical worker was working on and supervising repairs to an electric pump when the worker failed to ensure the work performed was electrically safe.
The worker failed to isolate the electrical supply and install the appropriate lockout devices and warning signs. The worker directed an apprentice to cut a cable without conducting adequate testing to prove isolation. As a result of this failure, an electrical apprentice was exposed to immediate electrical risk.
In addition, the worker failed to ensure the electrical installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was tested in accordance with the Wiring Rules.
The worker's licence was suspended for three months and ordered to complete mandatory training in competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. The worker was issued with a caution and a $600 penalty, in addition to receiving a $400 infringement notice from the ESO.
Case 4: An electrical contractor was working at a commercial location when they failed to ensure that the installation, to the extent it was affected by the electrical work, was safe and compliant to the Wiring Rules.
As a result of this failure, an energised cable was left unterminated adjacent to an air-conditioning duct and another worker inadvertently contacted this cable and received an electric shock.
The contractor was issued with a reprimand and a $4,000 penalty. The disciplinary action regarding the reprimand and penalty will be included on the licensing public register and will remain on the register for three years. This was in addition to receiving an $800 infringement notice from the ESO.
It should be noted that this electrical contractor had only appeared before the Committee a few months earlier. The Electrical Contractor is currently undertaking an audit program for the Electrical Licensing Committee (ELC).
Case 5: An electrical worker was working on the supply and installation of temporary power for construction work and the installation of a completed permanent electrical installation at a 10-storey residential apartment complex.
The electrical worker failed to ensure that 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 installation was energised with multiple non-compliances with the Wiring Rules. Due to the performance of the electrical work, persons at the property were not electrically safe.
The worker was disqualified from being a Qualified Technical Person (QTP) on a contractor licence until conditions are met and must complete mandatory competency units applicable to eligibility to be a QTP. The worker was issued with a reprimand and a $400 penalty.
Case 6: An electrical contractor was installing temporary power for construction work and the installation of a completed permanent electrical installation at a 10-storey residential apartment complex.
The contractor 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 installation at this location was energised with multiple non-compliances with the Wiring Rules. Due to the performance of the electrical work, persons at the property were not electrically safe.
The contractor's licence was suspended, for six months and an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor must be completed by the contractor. The contractor was issued with a reprimand and a $1,000 penalty.
Case 7: An electrical worker was working at a commercial location re-wiring an electrical installation and replacing electrical equipment due to flood damage.
The 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 electrical installation was energised with multiple open circuit earth connections in the final subcircuits.
The worker's licence 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 caution and a $400 penalty, in addition to receiving a $400 infringement notice from the ESO.
Case 8: An electrical contractor was also working at a commercial location re-wiring an electrical installation and the replacing electrical equipment due to flood damage.
The electrical contractor 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 installation was energised with multiple open circuit earth connections in the final subcircuits.
The contractor's licence was suspended, for six months. All QTP's must complete mandatory training in competency units and an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor must also be completed by the contractor. The contractor was issued with a caution and a $1,000 penalty, in addition to receiving an $800 infringement notice from the ESO.
Further information
Read the reasons for disciplinary actions by the Electrical Licensing Committee.