Safety blitz on unlicensed electrical work

A big crackdown on unlicensed electrical work is currently being undertaken by the Queensland Government.

Donna Heelan, Head of the Electrical Safety Office (ESO), said that a blitz being carried out on unlicensed work being advertised and performed via online platforms has already produced results.

“Put simply, ‘unlicensed is unlawful’ and we are doing everything in our powers to stamp out this dangerous practice — those who are falsely advertising, those who are actually performing unlicensed work and those who are getting it done. You are all in the ESO’s sights,” said Heelan.

ESO inspectors recently executed a search warrant on a premise in South East Queensland, following allegations of unlicensed electrical work. An injunction application was lodged in the Brisbane Magistrates Court to prevent a company from contracting for electrical work, as it did not hold the appropriate licence.

“People doing unlicensed electrical work don’t have the knowledge or competence to perform electrical work compliant to installation standards, or to test the work to ensure it is electrically safe. This poses a significant risk of shock which could result in serious injury or death. There’s also the potential for fire and property damage,” said Heelan.

A Queensland concreting business and its director were fined $42,500 for unsafe and unlicensed electrical practices. In a separate matter, an individual was charged was nine offences relating to unlicensed electrical work and unlicensed electrical contracting, and fined $100,000. Conducting unlicensed electrical work incurs an on-the-spot fine of $400 for an individual, while performing work without an electrical contractor licence attracts a $500 fine for individuals and $2000 for corporations.

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