The Building Commissioner is reminding WA consumers that only registered painting contractors can legally carry out paid painting work valued at $1,000 or more. The message follows Building and Energy’s prosecution of a Mandurah tradesman who was fined $3,500 and ordered to pay more than $500 in costs for working without the required painter registration, which he had not held for six years...

Two Perth companies and three individuals have been fined almost $40,000 for an electrical licence-sharing arrangement involving solar installations at 25 properties. At Perth Magistrates Court on 11 June 2024, Jafal Brothers Pty Ltd and its director Rohit Kumar Jafal and Tanway Engineering Pty Ltd and its director Sukujohn Tharakan pleaded guilty to offences under WA’s electricity licensing...

A campaign is providing a stark reminder of the potentially lethal dangers of DIY electrical or gas fitting work, which must always be carried out by a licensed professional. Radio, social media and video messages from Building and Energy highlight the similarity between DIY and DIE to discourage unlicensed people from attempting this work, which has led to several deaths and near-misses in WA. “...

A Perth electrician has been fined $15,000 after switchboard components at a Mt Lawley home were left unprotected, putting users at risk of serious injury or electrocution. Gregory Craig Jason Briffa (EW125610) of partnership Gregory and Claire Briffa (EC5777), trading as BMI Technologies , pleaded guilty at Perth Magistrates Court to two offences under WA’s electricity licensing regulations...

WA’s energy safety regulator is warning about the dangers of unapproved electrical appliances after issuing $10,000 in infringements to sellers of illegal and potentially hazardous power suppl ies and chargers used for e-bikes , e- scooters, and e-skateboards. Building and Energy electrical inspectors found the appliances were not approved for use in Australia . Two retailers received...

A Wellard man who provided false details to gain building practitioner registration has been fined $5,000 by the Building Services Board. Surjit Singh also agreed to surrender his registrations as a building practitioner (BP104706) and building contractor (BC104676). Mr Singh became a registered building practitioner in April 2023 after completing a building diploma and claiming at least seven...

WA’s electrical safety regulator is launching three campaigns this year to provide potentially life-saving advice on safety switches, compliant appliances and the dangers of DIY. Beginning today, Building and Energy is sharing messages on social media, streaming services and other platforms to encourage testing of residual current devices (RCDs). These safety switches are designed to immediately...

The Building Services Board has refused to renew the building contractor registration of Beyond Builders Pty Ltd (BC103289, cancelled) on financial grounds. After reviewing Beyond Builders’ application for registration renewal and a report prepared by Building and Energy, the Board was not satisfied the company met the financial requirements for registration. The Board’s decision enables...

A Mandurah electrical contractor has been fined $12,000 after taking six weeks to inform authorities about an apprentice’s electric shock, which must be reported immediately. At Armadale Magistrates Court on 9 February 2024, Ballantyne Commercial Property Services (EC14101) pleaded guilty to not immediately reporting an electrical accident to the network operator, as required by WA’s electrical...

An electrical line worker has been fined $10,500 for safety failures that left an apprentice unconscious and burnt from an electric shock in the Wheatbelt. At Narrogin Magistrates Court on 23 January 2024, Darren Scott Hardy pleaded guilty to breaching WA’s electricity network safety laws following prosecution by Building and Energy. The court heard Mr Hardy was employed by Western Power in...

Building and Energy is advising property owners affected by the liquidation of FTD Construction Pty Ltd to contact their home indemnity insurance (HII) provider, QBE Insurance, if they have not already done so. The Perth building company appointed liquidators yesterday (29 January 2024). In September 2023, the Building Services Board refused to renew the building contractor registration of FTD...

Explosion and injury risks from the use of LP gas adaptors Adaptors override the improved safety of LCC27 valves Ensure the safe connection of LP gas cylinders and appliances The State’s energy safety regulator is warning against the use of valve connectors (adaptors) following a recent incident resulting in serious injury. A Perth home owner recently received severe burns while using a barbecue...