WA’s energy safety regulator is advising consumers to check that any business they engage for electrical work holds an electrical contractor’s licence.
The advice from the Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation and Safety’s Building and Energy division follows the prosecution of electrical worker Scott Michael Mackenzie Davey (EW146294), trading as SMMD Electrical.
Perth Magistrates Court was told the owners of a property in Wanerie, in the Shire of Gingin, engaged Mr Davey to carry out electrical installing work for a solar power system.
Mr Davey breached the Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 because he carried on business as an electrical contractor without holding this licence or being employed by an electrical contractor.
Mr Davey was convicted in his absence and ordered to pay a fine of $4,500 and $770 in costs.
WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Dan Kearney, said electrical licensing requirements are vital for ensuring electrical work is safe, compliant and subject to inspection.
“Taking on electrical contracting work without the appropriate licence is dangerous and illegal,” Mr Kearney said.
“Consumers and industry can be reassured by the rigorous requirements for obtaining an electrical contractor’s licence, including an independent Board evaluation of qualifications and experience.
“Electrical contractors must also hold liability insurance and submit notices of completion so electrical work can be subject to inspection.”
In most situations, electrical workers (whose licence numbers begin with EW) are not authorised to carry out electrical work unless they are employed by an electrical contractor (whose licence numbers begin with EC). Consumers can check electrical licences via the LGIRS online licence search or the ServiceWA app.
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Media contact: BEmedia@lgirs.wa.gov.au
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