The Code of Practice (CoP) aims to assist people designated or applying to be designated as an Inspector (Electricity).

The Code of Practice for Inspectors Gas (Code) aims to assist people designated or planning to be designated as an Inspector (Gas).

This application form is for an electrician's licence to carry out electrical fitting work on completion of the Gap Training Program (Gap Training), which resulted in the issue of a Certificate III in Electrical fitting.

An investigation by Victoria’s Metropolitan Fire Brigade found that external aluminium composite cladding used in the construction of the Lacrosse Building in Melbourne’s Docklands precinct did not comply with the standards required for that use and contributed to the rapid spread of fire up the building in November 2014.  

A building in Perth CBD which contains a type of cladding similar to that used in the construction of the Lacrosse Building has been assessed. The specified cladding has been certified as compliant by an independent building certifier and the City of Perth has confirmed that the specified material has been installed.

The Western Australian Building Commission worked with the City of Perth to determine whether the use of the cladding in the identified building complies with the fire performance requirements of the Building Code of Australia. The cladding used on the CBD building is a fire rated version of the Alucobest product. Its use and installation has been certified and meets building standard specifications.

The City of Perth will audit up to 70 high-risk buildings in the Perth CBD to identify if this product has been used in other buildings and if it has been used, to determine whether it complies with the building standards. If the product is found to have been installed in a non-compliant manner the City of Perth has powers to order the builder or the owner to rectify the work and to prosecute the builder if it has failed to ensure that the building meets the applicable building standards.

The Building Commission may also take disciplinary action against builders and building surveyors if they are found to have not met their responsibilities under the building laws.

WA Building Commissioner Peter Gow said this approach was consistent with that of other states, including Victoria. “Like our Victorian counterparts, we are taking a targeted approach in checking high-rise residential buildings in the CBD in the first instance,” Mr Gow said.

“The Building Commission will support the City of Perth to carry out the audit and, if non-compliant cladding is identified, will assist the City to have buildings brought into compliance. We expect builders and building owners will be responsible and will rectify any non-compliance discovered in the audit.  However, the City and the Building Commission have powers to require rectification if these powers are needed.”

The Commissioner said the audit would not be limited to the Alucobest brand of aluminium composite panelling used in the Lacrosse Building. Just because a building is clad with a composite panel, it does not mean the building is non-compliant.

“This type of cladding may have been used inappropriately on the Lacrosse Building, but that does not mean it cannot be used appropriately in other circumstances,” Mr Gow said.

“Any non-compliant use of an aluminium composite cladding panel should be reported to the Building Commission or to the building department of the local government where the building is located.”

The Building Commission recently issued Industry Bulletin 54 to alert the WA building industry, building owners and permit authorities to the importance of ensuring any proposed external cladding is compliant with the fire performance requirements of the Building Code of Australia. The bulletin, which is available on the Building Commission website, reminds builders of their obligations to ensure buildings are completed in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and of the overarching requirement to comply with applicable building standards.

Building Commission media contacts (for journalists/producers only)

General enquiries

Working on or near energised electrical equipment (live work) is the leading cause of burns, shocks, serious accidents and fatalities for electricians. EnergySafety’s Code of Practice Safe Low Voltage Work Practices by Electricians sets out guidelines issued under the authority of Section 33AA of the Electricity Act 1945 (WA). 

WorkCover NSW has recently released an electrical safety video outlining some simple steps to follow when working with electricity to ensure you and your workers remain safe.

If you work with electricity, do not work live.

Electrical safety video - Don't work livewww.youtube.com/watch?v=AuWAF3h7jrc

Working on or near energised electrical equipment (live work) is the leading cause of burns, shocks, serious accidents and fatalities for electricians. EnergySafety’s Code of Practice Safe Low Voltage Work Practices by Electricians sets out guidelines issued under the authority of Section 33AA of the Electricity Act 1945 (WA). 

WorkCover NSW has recently released an electrical safety video outlining some simple steps to follow when working with electricity to ensure you and your workers remain safe.

If you work with electricity, do not work live.

Electrical safety video - Don't work livewww.youtube.com/watch?v=AuWAF3h7jrc

With Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection, David Hillyard

Paying large amounts of money up front for nothing in return or hiring a tradesperson without a recommendation, or without seeing references or sighting previous good work are some of the mistakes Western Australians regularly make when having work carried out on their homes.

In the last few months we have issued new warnings about individuals and businesses that have been on our radar for a number of years, are consistently complained about and have faced previous legal actions. Despite evidence of their past bad behaviour and Consumer Protection’s advice to exercise caution e.g. at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumerprotection or www.commerce.wa.gov.au/undertakings, many consumers tell us they didn’t even think to do a web search before hiring them.

Familiar names that come up repeatedly include:

• Maxwell Raymond Healy and Alwyn Robert Healy – brothers involved in the sale of “reverse-cycle” air conditioning units that often do not heat as well as cool or are not supplied despite substantial deposits being taken. The most recent business registered by Max Healy is DualCycleAir. Alwyn Healy was first named by Consumer Protection in 2002, has been taken to Court many times and is the subject of a current enforceable undertaking. He has to date failed to pay back 50 customers who are owed about $127,000 in total.

• Christopher Brocklebank who runs Perth Evaporative Air & Gas Services, and has previously traded under the name Elements Hearth, Wind and Fire has a long track record of poor service and a large number of unhappy customers. He is currently awaiting trial to face charges of breaching the Australian Consumer Law and has been prosecuted previously by the Building Commission and EnergySafety.

• Sean Robert Weinthal – a tree lopper who most recently worked for West Australian Tree Services. That now deregistered business entered into an enforceable undertaking with Consumer Protection after a long history of complaints and legal actions.

Consumer Protection strongly recommends you do some internet research for positive or negative information when looking for a tradesperson to help you select someone who is reputable with a track record of good workmanship. It is even better if you can seek recommendations from relatives or friends (this can include your social media connections) or an industry body or association.

Before handing over any money:

• Ensure the business is registered – get the ABN and do a search on the Australian Securities Investments Commission website: www.asic.gov.au
• For licensed professions, such as an electrician or plumber, check the licence search facility at www.commerce.wa.gov.au
• View previous work carried out and verify references
• Consider paying by credit card due to the possibility of getting a chargeback (transaction reversal) if the work is not carried out
• Ask for a timeframe for completion of work and for this to be given in writing

Only pay deposits if absolutely necessary. We recommend no more than 10% of the total before work has started or any materials have been supplied. Remember for building contracts above $7,500 it is illegal for more than 6.5% deposit to be taken.

Make sure you get a record of any payment made and ensure that the receipt or invoice has the business details on it.

Under the Australian Consumer Law services must be carried out with due care and skill and in a reasonable amount of time. If you’re having trouble with a tradie and can’t resolve the issue, you can get in touch with Consumer Protection by calling: 1300 30 40 54 or emailing consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au. We may refer your case to our colleagues at the Building Commission.

David Hillyard, by CP Media

Consumer Protection is once again warning consumers not to deal with ‘bitumen bandits’ who offer to lay driveways on-the-spot with material supposedly leftover from another job and then leave town before you can challenge them about their shoddy work and materials.

Reports received by Consumer Protection’s Mid-West office suggest that two men in high-visibility work clothes, driving a white ute with a New South Wales plate, are approaching home and business owners in Geraldton with the offer of drive-way laying services.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll says carrying out work there and then is a sign of a travelling conman.

“Any tradesperson that approaches a consumer uninvited and carries out the job immediately is breaking the Australian Consumer Law by failing to allow a 10-day cooling off period for the customer to think over the unsolicited offer,” she said.

“Experience tells us that travelling conmen can be convincing salespeople and mislead consumers about the value of the work being carried out and quality or source of the materials being used. They have been known to pressure the vulnerable or elderly and have even driven some customers to the bank and used stand-over tactics to get them to withdraw cash.”

The Commissioner says because ‘bitumen bandits’ usually avoid staying in one place for too long that the warning is relevant to all Western Australians.

“Once local authorities such as police and consumer protection officers are aware that these operators are targeting the area, alerts are issued, which can prevent the travelling conmen from convincing further consumers to part with money.

“For that reason all home and business owners in WA, not just those in Geraldton, should shop around for quotes and use local reputable tradespeople when having work carried out.

“Ordinarily if you have a problem with a service, such as a bitumen driveway laid too thinly or of inferior quality, you can seek a repair, replacement or refund under the Australian Consumer Law. However, when travelling conmen come to you unannounced and with limited identification your opportunity to find them and exercise your rights is extremely limited.”

Report travelling conmen by calling Consumer Protection: 1300 30 40 54 with descriptions of the offenders, personal or business names used and vehicle registration numbers if possible.

Media contact (Consumer Protection)

On Friday, 15 August, WorkSafe will move from its home in West Perth to new offices in Cannington. WorkSafe will be open for business as usual on Monday, 17 August, including the licensing centre. For more information call 1300 489 099 or email safety@commerce.wa.gov.au.

The Building Commission Division of the Department of Commerce will be located at the Mason Bird Building in Cannington from 25 August 2014.

We will be joining EnergySafety and WorkSafe at the Cannington building and are looking forward to providing you with a convenient and accessible ‘one stop’ location for a wide range of services.

Limited services available on 22 and 25 August

While the reception desk at our current location in West Perth will be open until 3.00pm on 22 August, please be aware that we will be moving on this day and our services will be limited. Services may also be affected on our first business day at Cannington on Monday 25 August.

Unless the matter is urgent, we ask that you please visit or phone us after these dates where possible. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused.

Plumbers' drainage audits

Due to the limited services plumbers do not need to provide notification of drainage work on Friday 22 August. Requests for drainage inspections will be required as normal from Monday 25 August.

Our new contact details

Our contact details at the Cannington office will be as follows:

Department of Commerce
Building Commission
Level 1, 303 Sevenoaks Street
Cannington WA 6107
Post Locked Bag 14
Cloisters Square WA 6850
Phone 1300 489 099
Facsimile 08 6251 1501
National Relay Service 13 36 77
Website www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-commission
Email bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au

Plumbers Licensing Board
Plumbers' general enquiries 08 6251 1377
Plumbers’ Technical Advice Line 1300 360 897
Facsimile 1300 449 185
National Relay Service 13 36 77
Website www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-commission
Email plumbers@commerce.wa.gov.au

Our opening hours will be Monday to Friday, 8.30am–4.30pm.

Public transport options

If you are planning to visit our new office, there are many convenient public transport options:

The Mason Bird building is opposite the Cannington Train Station on the Armadale and Thornlie lines. During peak periods, trains run every three to eight minutes. The following bus services operate directly to, and from, the Cannington Station:

• 34, 72, 200, 201, 202, 203, 206, 208, 229, 294, 507, 508 and 509.

Bus services operating along Albany Highway:

• 210, 211, 212 and 220

For further information, please visit www.transperth.wa.gov.au.

Visitor parking

A limited number of visitor bays are located at the front of the Mason Bird Building. A one hour time limit applies.

Any questions?

If you have any questions, please contact us on 1300 489 099 or bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au.

This application form is used to apply for a restricted electrical licence on completion of the refrigeration and airconditioning bridging course.

The  AS/NZS 5601 drafts for comment have been released.

The following draft amendments are available to download from the Standards Australia website:

• DR AS/NZS 5601.1:2013 Amd 2:2015 Gas Installations - General installations; and
• DR AS/NZS 5601.2:2013 Amd 1:2015 Gas Installations - LP Gas installations in caravans.

The public comment period closes on 19 October 2015. Comments can be submitted through the Standards Australia website.

The Building Commissioner is warning the public to exercise caution in any dealings with Frayson Pty Ltd (Frayson) or its sole director Dianella man Armand Noor, after receiving information the company may be continuing to operate after its registration was suspended earlier this year.

The building contractor registration of Frayson, trading as Instyle Residence and New Life Renovations, was suspended on 18 February 2015. As a consequence the company is not entitled to carry out prescribed building services.

The Building Services Board has serious doubts about the ability of Frayson to carry out its obligations as a building contractor in a professional manner and has commenced disciplinary action against both Mr Noor and his company in the State Administrative Tribunal.

Despite it being suspended pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings, the Building Commission has received information that Frayson is continuing to carry out building work on a project in Hillarys and is entering into or attempting to enter into building contracts with new clients in breach of statutory requirements.

Mr Noor advertises his company’s services under the trading name Instyle Residence on a number of websites.

“It is important for home owners to protect themselves from unsatisfactory and potentially unsafe work by checking the building service provider holds the required registration or licence before engaging them to carry out the work,” Building Commissioner Peter Gow said.

“You can check a building service provider holds the necessary registration on the Building Commission website at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/building-commission.

“The Building Commission will continue to name those who put consumer interests and the reputation of the building industry at risk.”

Anyone with information or engaged in any dealings with Mr Noor or his company in relation to building work is asked to contact the Building Commission on 1300 489 099 or bcinfo@commerce.wa.gov.au.

END OF RELEASE

Building Commission media contacts (for journalists/producers only)

General enquiries

WorkSafe and Consumer Protection have issued a joint warning about a conman who is masquerading as a licensed asbestos removal expert, leaving consumers dangerously exposed to asbestos as well as out of pocket.

David Leslie Patrick Back, also known as Davic and trading as Southside Asbestos Removals or Southside Asbestos and Demolition (both unregistered), has accepted payment for work either not carried out or completed and, on two occasions, has dangerously left exposed asbestos for the home owner to remove.

Mr Back, who advertises on Gumtree, claims to be approved by WorkSafe and quotes licence and registration numbers on his business card which are false. Mr Back does not hold an approved licence for the removal of asbestos.

A total of nine consumers have lodged complaints against Mr Back; three were received in February and March 2015 and one in June 2015. Mr Back’s whereabouts are unknown as his business names are not registered; he gives false addresses; he uses multiple mobile phone numbers and claims to operate from multiple suburbs.

Acting Commissioner for Consumer Protection Gary Newcombe is concerned about his activities and urges consumers not to have any dealings with Mr Back or Southside Asbestos.

“Consumers who have been approached by Mr Back or have responded to his advertising are advised not to engage his services. Not being licensed means he may not have the necessary skills or training to remove the asbestos safely,” Mr Newcombe said.

“Anyone who has information about Mr Back’s whereabouts, or may have had recent dealings with him, should contact either Consumer Protection or WorkSafe immediately to report this information.

”We are very keen to locate Mr Back and put a stop to his dangerously deceptive and incompetent behaviour which is jeopardising the health and safety of consumers and the wider community.”

WorkSafe WA Executive Director Lex McCulloch said, to remove material containing asbestos in WA, a licence is generally required from WorkSafe.

“Asbestos is considered a hazardous material so people who work with asbestos must be trained in the safe way of handling, transporting and disposing of it,” Mr McCulloch said.

“Only a licence holder, or an employee of a licence holder, is allowed to carry out the removal of asbestos. Only if the asbestos is bonded, or not broken, and the amount is under ten square metres can it be removed without a licence.

“Before organising for asbestos removal on their property, consumers and businesses should check on the WorkSafe website to ensure that the company or tradesperson they intend to use to carry out the work has the appropriate licence, if required.”

A list of licensed asbestos removalists in WA is available at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au/asbestos-licence where there is also information about the licensing requirements. Enquiries can be made at WorkSafe on 1300 307 877 or Consumer Protection 1300 30 40 54. 

END OF RELEASE

Media contact (WorkSafe or Consumer Protection)

David or Davic Back - As identified by a witness, by CP Media

Karawara unregistered painter Tom Tomic has been successfully prosecuted by the Building Commissioner for carrying out unauthorised painting work at a Wilson property in 2012.

In the Perth Magistrates Court on 4 September 2015, Mr Tomic, in his absence, pleaded guilty to one charge of carrying out a prescribed building service for another person while not being a registered painting contractor, which is an offence under the Building Services (Registration) Act 2011. The court ordered him to pay a $2,000 fine and costs of $564.60.

Mr Tomic carried out the painting work for builder Integrity Developments Pty Ltd between July and October 2012. Valued at $15,156.15, the painting work included the internal and external painting of ceilings and walls and the glossing of woodwork. The company has since been formally warned in relation to engaging non-registered persons.

This is not the first time Mr Tomic has been prosecuted for unauthorised painting work. The court was told Mr Tomic had previously been a registered painter but his registration was cancelled when he failed to pay the annual fee. Despite this, Mr Tomic had continued to perform unauthorised painting work which had resulted in him being convicted of a similar offence in 2009 under the repealed Painters’ Registration Act 1961.

“In Western Australia, it is an offence to carry out painting work valued over $1,000 for another person for profit or reward without the required registration,” Building Commission Acting Executive Director Sandy Randall said.

“The registration system is an important protection for consumers and the building industry – it ensures that a person with the necessary qualifications, knowledge and experience carries out work that meets proper standards.

“Having previously held a painter registration, Mr Tomic was clearly aware of his registration obligations under the building laws at the time he committed these offences. That’s why it’s so important for consumers to protect themselves by checking their painter holds the required registration before engaging their services. For further information or to conduct an online registration check, visit the Building Commission website or contact us for assistance.

“The Building Commission will continue to prosecute and name those who put consumer interests and the reputation of the building industry at risk.”

END OF RELEASE

Building Commission media contacts for journalists/producers only)

General enquiries

Rockingham builder Gary Alan Cramphorn (reg. BC10775 & BP10775) has been successfully prosecuted by the Building Commissioner for failing to produce records to confirm his financial status.

In the Perth Magistrates Court on 4 September 2015, Mr Cramphorn was in his absence found guilty of one charge of failing to comply with a direction to produce records, which is an offence under the Building Services (Complaint Resolution and Administration) Act 2011. The court ordered him to pay a fine of $1,000 and costs of $564.60.

The Building Commission issued the direction in writing to Mr Cramphorn’s last known business and residential addresses in June 2015, after receiving information he may have limited financial capacity to operate as a building service contractor.

The direction required Mr Cramphorn to provide information relating to his financial status to the Building Commission by 10 July 2015. Mr Cramphorn failed to comply with the direction by the due date.

The Building Services Board has also decided to pursue disciplinary action against Mr Cramphorn through the State Administrative Tribunal.

“By failing to provide information about his financial capacity, Mr Cramphorn restricted the Building Commissioner’s ability to protect consumers,” Building Commission Acting Executive Director Sandy Randall said.

“Registered builders are reminded that it is the Building Commissioner’s role to monitor and regulate the building industry and that their builder’s registration comes with an obligation to comply with the Commissioner’s directions.

“The Building Commission will continue to prosecute and name those who put consumer interests and the reputation of the building industry at risk.”

END OF RELEASE

Building Commission media contacts for journalists/producers only)

General enquiries

Thornlie man Kim Godfrey (PL986 – suspended) has been fined and had his plumbing contractor’s licence suspended by the State Administrative Tribunal (SAT) as a result of disciplinary action by the Plumbers Licensing Board (PLB).

In a settlement finalised on 3 September 2015, Mr Godfrey admitted to fraudulent conduct in relation to the carrying out of plumbing work and failure to provide general direction and control over the carrying out of plumbing work by the holder of a tradesperson’s licence. Both are disciplinary matters under the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000.

Mr Godfrey’s plumbing contractor’s licence was suspended for two years and he was ordered to pay the Board a $5,000 fine and costs of $975. The SAT ordered that upon payment of the appropriate fee, Mr Godfrey be granted a plumbing tradesperson’s licence for the duration of the suspension. This will allow him to work under the supervision of a licenced plumbing contractor.

The SAT heard that in August 2010, Mr Godfrey entered into an arrangement with Roy Keith Perkins, director of Nucross (W.A.) Pty Ltd, trading as Perkins Plumbing Contractors, under which he would receive regular payments to sign the Notice of Intention and Certificate of Compliance documents in relation to plumbing work carried out by the company. This is commonly known as licence lending.

During the next two years, the company carried out plumbing work on at least 28 residential and commercial projects in locations including Doubleview, Duncraig, Ellenbrook, Gingin, Hamersley, Heathridge, Innaloo, Karrinyup, Midland, Midvale, Mount Helena, Mullaloo, Mundaring, Ocean Reef, Parkerville, Swanbourne, Two Rocks, West Swan and Wickham.

While Mr Godfrey’s signing of the notices and certificates represented to the PLB that he proposed to carry out the plumbing work, he did not carry out or exercise general direction or control over the carrying out of the plumbing work as required by the Regulations.

“By signing the notices, Mr Godfrey recklessly represented that the plumbing work complied with the Regulations, when he was not in a position at any time to know or even reasonably believe that this was the case,” PLB Chairperson Howard Croxon OAM said.

“Mr Godfrey’s actions put public safety at risk because if plumbing work is done incorrectly it can cause the failure of plumbing equipment or systems and result in property damage, disease, injury or even death.

“We expect to be able to trust our licensed plumbers to do the right thing and the Plumbers Licensing Board, through the Building Commission, will continue to hold to account and name those who put consumer interests and the reputation of the plumbing industry at risk.”

END OF RELEASE

Building Commission media contacts for journalists/producers only)

General enquiries

This communication is to update building industry stakeholders on the progress of the State Government’s Instant Start initiative.

In November 2014, the State Government announced that it would introduce reforms in the following year that would allow registered builders to commence construction of single residences prior to the granting of a building permit but upon lodgement of a complete certified building permit application, while the permit authority processes the application. Under this initiative, called Instant Start, the certified building permit application must be accompanied by a verification that the design complies with all relevant planning requirements.

The Government has prepared necessary amendments to the Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2015 that would allow an owner of the land to provide verification that the design for a proposed single residence complies with all relevant planning requirements. These amendments will take effect on 19 October 2015.

Once these amendments are in place, the Ministerial Order to enable Instant Start will be drafted accordingly.

Once the Ministerial Order takes effect toward the end of 2015, it will be open to an applicant to submit a certified building permit application and for the builder to rely on Instant Start to commence construction if the requirements in the Building Act 2011 and the Building Regulations have been satisfied.

Further updates will be communicated as they become available.

This application is to be used for applicants undertaking training as a Pre-apprentice.

This application form is for an electrician's training licence for an Indentured apprentice.