Permanent ban for NSW sparky prompts calls for safety measures

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) is urging contractors and tradies to employ stricter safety measures in the workplace following the announcement of a NSW electrician’s permanent ban.

The electrician in question carried out work that did not comply with Australian Wiring Rules and ignored proper safety tests, resulting in an apprentice receiving a debilitating electric shock. The Rosebury electrician has had his electrical licence cancelled and has been disqualified for life from the NSW building industry.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call that working with electricity requires strict safety procedures and rules,” said MEA NSW State Manager Jody McGann.

“Sparkies and homeowners should be reminded that electrical safety should never be taken for granted and should always be the top priority.

“Electricians need to take extra precautions and tighter safety measures due to the high risk of death or severe injury from substandard electrical work. A serious accident can be easily averted simply by turning the mains power off before you carry out any electrical work.

“Performing electrical work on live equipment should only be done as a last resort and avoided as much as possible. Sparkies should have active safety systems put in place to prevent such tragedies or unsafe electrical work, and risk assessments need to be conducted on every job.

“Our research shows around 15 people are killed and 300 hospitalised every year as a result of injuries from electric shocks at home - accidents that could be easily prevented by taking the necessary safety precautions such as having a safety switch installed.”

For homeowners, McGann offered this advice: “Always ensure that you use a licensed electrical contractor. If you have any doubts, ask to view their licence, and if you are still concerned, check their licensing with the NSW Department of Fair Trading. Make sure your sparky has the appropriate public liability insurance and that if the value of the work undertaken is over $12,000 you are provided with a copy of the home warranty insurance.

“Ensure that the sparky provides you with a written quote and that you get a copy of the Compliance Certificate at the completion of a job. A safer option is to use an accredited Master Electrician as MEA conducts the screening process for you.”