Unsafe sparky fined $100,000 and disqualified for five years
An electrician has been hit with a more than $100,000 fine for performing unsafe and non-compliant electrical work.
In early 2020, the Queensland Electrical Safety Office received complaints regarding the self-employed electrician’s work including the installation of switchboards, air-conditioning units, wiring, lights, and sockets in south-east Queensland homes.
ESO inspections uncovered unsafe electrical work and Wiring Rules contraventions at multiple locations. Two caused electric shocks to the homeowners, resulting in 30 improvement notices and two infringement notices being issued.
The electrician pleaded guilty to six charges relating to failing to comply with his electrical safety duty, in relation to electrical wiring which was unsafe and not in accordance with the Wiring Rules, and an asbestos breach.
The Electrical Licensing Committee disqualified his electrical licence for five years and disqualified his Qualified Technical Person status for 10 years. The ELC also fined him $8000.
The court fined him a further $99,600. The defendant was also ordered to pay professional costs and court filing fees of $1,905.60. No conviction was recorded.
Master Electricians have direct access to the MEA Technical and Safety hotlines. If you need assistance in ensuring your work is correct and safe, phone 1300 889 198.
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