Aircon company and technician fined

WA’s safety regulator Building and Energy has prosecuted a Northam air-conditioning company and one of its employees for carrying out unlicensed electrical work.

Separate cases were heard at Midland Magistrates Court against the company and a refrigeration and air-conditioning (R&AC) technician, resulting in fines totalling $45,000.

The courts were told that the technician performed electrical work for the company while repairing air-conditioning units at multiple premises in Northam between January and May 2022. During this time, he did not hold any electrical licences.

Under WA’s electricity licensing regulations, R&AC technicians must hold a restricted electrical licence that authorises them to carry out certain limited electrical work on R&AC appliances and installations. The technician’s previous R&AC restricted electrical licence had expired in 2007.

During the offending period, his work included modifying, disconnecting and reconnecting electrical wiring, and replacing electrical components in air conditioners.

The technician even carried out additional tasks that exceeded the scope of a restricted electrical licence, including installing an air-conditioner isolator switch and air-conditioner interconnect wiring. By law, only a licensed electrical worker can carry out this work.

“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,” said WA’s Director of Energy Safety, Saj Abdoolakhan.

“Individuals with a restricted electrical licence must only work within the scope of that particular licence to ensure their safety and the consumer’s.”

The company was fined a total of $37,500 and ordered to pay $643.50 in costs after pleading guilty to breaching the regulations by employing an unlicensed worker for electrical tasks.

During sentencing, Magistrate Michelle Ridley noted the need for general deterrence and the obligation on the employer to verify the licence status of its employees. However, she acknowledged the company’s previous good conduct, improved processes and essential services in a small town.

On 5 July 2024, the technician was fined $7500 after pleading guilty to carrying out electrical work without the required licence. He was also ordered to pay $1182.50 in costs.

Abdoolakhan advised homeowners and businesses to check that anyone undertaking electrical work at their property had a current electrical licence for that task. In WA, a searchable register of licensed electrical contractors and electrical workers is available at the Building and Energy website or via the Service WA app.

More information can be found in Building and Energy’s fact sheet on R&AC restricted electrical licences.

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