Multiple electrical contractors have faced disciplinary action after being found working without implementing, or adhering to, a safe system of work.

In July and August 2021, Queensland’s Electrical Licensing Committee acted against 15 electrical licence holders, six of those actions were due to a contractor or worker failing to implement of follow a safe system of work.

The breaches lead to multiple people receiving shocks, an arc flash, and a risk of shocks to students in a school. The Licensing Committee’s actions were in addition to fines and notices already issued by the Electrical Safety Office.

 Test and isolation procedures not followed

An electrical contractor failed to implement safe systems of work and procedures and carry out audits to ensure correct test and isolation procedures were being followed.

Electrical workers and supervisors failed to correctly test and identify a reverse polarity which resulted in the home occupants receiving several electric shocks.

The contractor’s licence was suspended for six months, and he must complete two approved electrical safety system audits from an independent auditor prior to the suspension being lifted. He was issued with a reprimand and a $3,000 fine, both of which will be listed on the licensing public search register.

Installation not checked before being energised

An electrical worker failed to conduct mandatory testing and follow a safe system of work to ensure an electrical installation was safe before it was energised. As a result, the occupants of the home reported receiving electric shocks due to the transposed active and neutral conductors at the mains connection box.

The worker’s licence was suspended for three months, and he must complete competency units prior to the suspension being lifted. He was issued with a caution and fined $300.

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Installation defects risked shocks at school

An electrical contractor failed to implement a safe system of work and procedures during a large electrical upgrade at a school. The electrical work resulted in multiple defects, causing an immediate electrical risk to people and property.

A different contractor ensured the site was de-energised, undertook repairs, and tested the installation to ensure it was electrically safe.

The contractor’s licence was suspended for six months, and he must complete two approved electrical safety system audits from an independent auditor prior to the suspension being lifted. He is also required to ensure all QTPs and QBPs complete competency units. He was issued with a severe reprimand and fined $4,000 both of which will be listed on the licensing public register for three years.

Arc flash after work performed on energised equipment

An electrical contractor failed to implement a safe system of work to ensure electrical work was not performed on energised electrical equipment. As a result, an electrical worker caused an arc flash while installing an RCBO onto the energised chassis of a distribution board.

The contractor’s licence was suspended for six months, and he must complete two approved electrical safety system audits from an independent auditor prior to the suspension being lifted. He was issued with a caution and fined $1,000 which will be listed on the licensing public register for three years.

Tradie shocked after light fitting not recorded

An electrical contractor failed to ensure a safe system of work while completing alterations and additions to an electrical installation of a unit renovation.

He de-energised the electrical installation to prewire the alterations, removed a light fitting and relocated the unterminated cable, failing to record the light fitting in the electrical plan. The lighting circuit was later restored, testing was not performed, and a tradesman got an electric shock.

The contractor’s licence was suspended for six months, and he must complete two approved electrical safety system audits from an independent auditor prior to the suspension being lifted. He was fined $600 which will be listed on the licensing public register for three years.

First-year apprentice shocked on exposed part

An electrical contractor failed to implement a safe system of work when a first-year electrical apprentice received an electric shock after contacting a live low voltage exposed part.

The committee determined that the contractor failed to have adequate audit systems in place to ensure the workers and the work performed was electrically safe and that management was allocating electrical work without adequately ensuring the people performing the work were trained, licensed and competent.

The contractor’s licence was suspended for 12 months, and he must complete three approved electrical safety system audits from an independent auditor prior to the suspension being lifted. He was fined $3,000 and issued with a severe reprimand, both of which will be listed on the licensing public register for three years.

MEA can help ensure your business is using, and implementing, a safe system of work. Master Electricians have unlimited access to the MEA Safety hotline. Call direct on 1800 889 198.