How we audit electricians

Key information  

• Electricians are responsible for performing critical work related to electrical systems in buildings, ensuring that these systems meet safety standards and compliance requirements.  
• Audits help keep electricians accountable and promote public safety in the electrical sector.
• We use a risk analysis framework, focusing on factors such as previous conduct, compliance and complaints data, the complexity of electrical work, and the potential impact of the work on public safety.

Audit strategy

The audit strategy for electricians proactively examines compliance with obligations set out in the following legislation:

• Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017
• Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Regulation 2018
• Home Building Act 1989. 

These audits aim to identify and mitigate risks associated with unsafe electrical work and promote adherence to Australian Standards.

Why we audit electricians 

Electricians play a key role in maintaining the safety of electrical systems in buildings and other infrastructure.

When electricians fail to meet the required standards, it can lead to significant risks, including:

• Electrical hazards that may result in injury or death.
• Damage to property and infrastructure.
• Disruption to building operations and occupancy.

We audit electricians to:

• Promote compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Proactively identify non-compliance and have that rectified through education or enforcement action.
• Reduce risks to public safety and the built environment.
• Obtain data about non-compliance to assist with assessing risk and drive continuous improvement in regulatory practices including identifying broader trends for education purposes.

Our audit aims 

We aim to:

• Promote awareness of electrical compliance and safety obligations among electricians.
• Reduce harm or loss to the public by proactively identifying and addressing non-compliance.
• Ensure rectification of electrical installations that have been identified as non-compliant.
• Capture data to improve future regulations and oversight of the electrical industry.
• Identify common areas of non-compliance that need to be addressed at an industry-wide level.

Legislative authority to conduct audits 

Building Commission NSW has the authority to audit electricians (Section 60) under the Home Building Act 1989, and Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017. These legislative provisions grant us the power to conduct audits at any time, whether through random inspections or targeted audits based on risk.

An authorised officer from Building Commission NSW may do the following:

• Request records and documentation related to an electrician’s work
  • Section 48 of the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017
  • Sections 126, and 127 of the Home Building Act 1989
• Inspect electrical systems and installations
  • Sections 51 and 54 of the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017
  • Section 126 of the Home Building Act 1989
• Take possession of records for further examination if necessary
  • Sections 48 and 49 of the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017
  • Sections 126 and 127 of the Home Building Act 1989
• Apply substantial penalties (up to $550,000) for failure to carry out electrical installation work in accordance with the technical standards set out in the Regulation
  • Section 34 of the Gas and Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2017
• Suspend or revoke licences if safety or compliance is severely compromised
  • Section 62 of the Home Building Act 1989

Electricians are required to comply with any directions from Building Commission NSW officers under these legislative provisions. Failure to comply may result in significant penalties.

How we choose who to audit 

Electricians are selected for audit based on a comprehensive risk-based approach that considers various factors, including:

• Analysing submitted documents.
• Previous disciplinary or compliance issues.
• Complaints or investigations related to the electrician's work or projects.
• High-risk or complex electrical work, including installations in sensitive areas (e.g., hospitals, aged care facilities, or high-rise buildings).
• Projects with the potential to affect a large number of people, such as renewable energy installations, large commercial or residential buildings.
• Serious safety defects identified during inspections, complaints, or safety reports from consumers or stakeholders.
• Repeat non-compliance or failure to meet safety standards in previous audits.
• History of enforcement or disciplinary actions against the electrician.

Types of Inspections

Pre-certificate audits 

Conducted before the Certificate of Compliance Electrical Work (CCEW) is issued to ensure all electrical work meets required standards.

Post-certificate audits 

Inspections conducted after the CCEW is issued, often in response to submitted documents, complaints or identified risks.

Random inspections 

Performed at any time during the electrical installation process to ensure ongoing compliance.

Possible audit outcomes

No action 

No issues are identified, and what has been inspected within the installation is deemed to be in compliance.

Regulator actions 

If non-compliance is identified, we may take enforcement actions, which could include:

• Issuing a written direction and/or penalty infringement notice.
• Requiring the electrician to rectify any deficiencies.
• Referring the case for further investigation if necessary.
• Education by recommending training or clarification on legislative requirements.
• Caution or reprimand with a formal written warning regarding non-compliance.
• Referral to other divisions for further enforcement or legal action.

Recording of enforcement actions 

All enforcement actions and penalties will be recorded and tracked to ensure transparency and consistency in the audit process.