Electrical licensing disciplinary action

In May 2025, the Electrical Licensing Committee took disciplinary action against two licence holders.

An electrical worker

An electrical worker performed electrical work which included the installation of an earth connection with an underground supply link pillar.

The electrical worker failed to follow a safe system of work when working live and failed to identify electrical hazards and risks and implement safe systems of work. When tasked with installing an earth connection within a link pillar, the worker performed the work near energised parts without performing upstream isolation. The worker used an uninsulated tool attached to a rotating drill near energised parts. As a result, an electrical arc flash occurred which exposed himself and an apprentice to the risk or injury or death and caused equipment damage.

The Electrical Licensing Committee decided to include conditions on the electrical worker licence, effective immediately. The worker was instructed to complete training in competency units within three months. The worker was issued with a reprimand and a $2,500 penalty.

An electrical contractor

An electrical contractor performed electrical work which included the installation of an earth connection with an underground supply link pillar.

The electrical contractor failed to ensure that safe systems of work and procedures were in place to ensure the safety or workers. There was also a failure of the Qualified Technical Person (QTP) to understand the requirements of the supervision of an electrical worker undertaking training completing a high-risk task.

As a result of this failure, electrical work was carried out near energised parts without performing upstream isolation using an uninsulated tool attached to a rotating drill. As a result, an electrical arc flash occurred which exposed the worker and an apprentice to the risk or injury or death and caused equipment damage.

The Electrical Licensing Committee decided to include conditions on the electrical contractor licence, effective immediately. All QTP’s must complete mandatory training in competency units within three months and the contractor must complete an approved electrical safety system audit from an independent auditor within six months. The contractor was issued with a reprimand and with a $3,000 penalty.

The committee’s actions were in addition to fines and notices already issued by the Electrical Safety Office.