Company fined $45k for unlicensed electrical work
A Western Australian electrical company was slammed with a hefty fine after an unlicensed employee carried out air conditioning repairs.
Local air conditioning company Draco Air has been fined $37,500 after the Building and Energy Western Australia filed charges for unlicensed electrical work.
Between January and May 2022, the company employed an unlicensed technician to perform repair work on multiple separate occasions.
The technician’s restricted electrical licence had expired in 2007 – a full 15 years before the work was carried out.
During the offending period, the employee had modified, disconnected and reconnected electrical wiring, and replaced electrical components in air conditioners.
Some of the tasks the technician carried out even exceeded the scope of a restricted electrical licence, including installing an air-conditioner isolation switch and air-conditioner interconnect wiring.
The case came before the Midland Magistrates Court on 11 June 2024. In total, the company was fined $37,500 and ordered to pay $643.50 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching regulations.
The unlicensed technician was fined an additional $7,500 for carrying out electrical work without a licence, and was ordered to pay $1,182.50 in costs.
Saj Abdoolakhan, director of energy safety for Western Australia, reminded companies that conducting electrical work without a licence is illegal and dangerous.
“Individuals with a restricted electrical licence must only work within the scope of that particular licence to ensure their safety and the consumer’s,” said Abdoolakhan.
“It is unacceptable that this company and individual continued to provide electrical services when the person did not hold any electrical licence, which is an essential part of ensuring safety and compliance.”
For those looking to hire an electrician, Abdoolakhan noted that a searchable register of licensed electrical contractors is available online.
“Home owners and businesses should check that anyone undertaking electrical work at their property has a current electrical licence for that task,” he said.
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