Issue Date:  -  Thursday, 18 May 2006

Tradesperson penalised for unsupervised plumbing work

Licensed tradesperson Wallace Roland Knott, of Trayning, has been reprimanded by the State Administrative Tribunal for doing unsupervised plumbing work.

The Tribunal issued a formal reprimand and ordered Mr Knott to pay a penalty of $1500 plus costs of $500.

The Plumbers Licensing Board alleged that Mr Knott carried out plumbing in Mukinbudin and Nungarin while not under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor, contrary to Regulations.

As a licensed tradesperson, Mr Knott can only carry out plumbing work under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor.

The Tribunal also ordered Mr Knott to keep a diary demonstrating that a licensed plumbing contractor has supervised his work. The diary must be submitted to the Plumbers Licensing Board every three months.

“Licensed tradespersons do not hold the same qualifications as licensed plumbing contractors,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said. “That’s why the law insists that they carry out plumbing work under the general direction and control of a licensed plumbing contractor. In addition, the work must be certified by a licensed plumbing contractor who guarantees the work for six years. This is why it is important for consumers to ensure they only engage persons who are appropriately licensed to undertake plumbing work.”

Businesses and consumers can check whether a person is a licensed plumber by contacting the Plumber’s Licensing Board on telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au .

Media Contact:       
Gay McNamara       
9282 0679
0413 032 584