In May 2025, the Electrical Licensing Committee imposed disciplinary measures on two licence holders following incidents involving unsafe work practices during the installation of earth connections at underground supply link pillars.

Case 1: Licensed Electrical Worker

An electrical worker was found to have breached safety protocols by working near live components without performing proper upstream isolation. While installing an earth connection in a link pillar, the individual used an uninsulated tool attached to a powered drill in close proximity to energised parts. This unsafe approach led to an arc flash incident, placing both the worker and an apprentice at serious risk of injury or death and resulting in damage to equipment.

The Committee found the worker failed to apply a safe system of work and adequately assess the electrical hazards involved. As a result, the following penalties were applied:

• Conditions were placed on the worker’s licence, effective immediately

• The individual must complete specific training units within three months

• A formal reprimand was issued

• A financial penalty of $2,500 was imposed

Case 2: Licensed Electrical Contractor

A licensed electrical contractor responsible for the same work was also found to have failed in their duty to ensure safe work practices were in place. The contractor did not implement adequate safety procedures or ensure that the Qualified Technical Person (QTP) overseeing the work understood the requirements for supervising a trainee performing high-risk tasks.

This failure contributed to unsafe live work being conducted without isolation and using improper tools, ultimately leading to the same arc flash event described above.

In response, the Committee applied the following actions:

• Immediate licence conditions for the contractor

• Mandatory training for all QTPs involved, to be completed within three months

• A requirement to undergo an independent audit of the contractor’s electrical safety systems within six months

• A formal reprimand

• A financial penalty of $3,000

These disciplinary actions are in addition to penalties and infringement notices already issued by the Electrical Safety Office. Electricians and contractors are reminded of the critical importance of following safe work procedures, especially when performing tasks near live electrical parts.