A Rivervale licensed gas fitter has been fined $3,000 and ordered to pay $500 in costs for not lodging compulsory notices with WA's energy safety regulator - 10 years after being convicted for the same offence.
Following a prosecution by Building and Energy, Abdul Raouf Mohammadiah (GF16173), the director of Alpha Plumbing and Renovation Pty Ltd (trading as Alpha Co Plumbing, Gas and Electrical), pleaded guilty at Perth Magistrates Court on 29 April 2022 to five breaches of the State's gasfitting regulations.
The law requires gas fitters to provide a notice of completion to the consumer and gas supplier within 48 hours of completing gasfitting work. The notice certifies that the work is safe, meets applicable standards and is on record for possible inspection by Building and Energy.
The court was told that Mr Mohammadiah did not submit the notices within the required time following hot water system installations and other gasfitting work at properties in Cottesloe, Kewdale, Wellard, Lower Chittering and Port Kennedy during 2020.
Mr Mohammadiah eventually submitted the notices months later after action by Building and Energy inspectors.
He was also convicted in 2012 for the same breach of regulations.
Building and Energy's Director of Electrical, Gas and Plumbing Compliance, Matthew Peacock, said the pattern of behaviour was unacceptable.
"Notices of completion are a key component of compliance and consumer confidence in the industry, where the vast majority of licensed gas fitters play by the rules," he said.
"Having been convicted for this offence previously, Mr Mohammadiah is well aware of the lodgement requirements. We will continue to take action against any licensed gas fitters who do not uphold their responsibilities."
