An unlicensed and unregistered worker who installed air conditioners across Wyndham and Melbourne has been fined $10,000.
Keenan Blair Grobler, who now lives in Scarborough, Western Australia, carried out the work between June and November 2020. He advertised his services on Facebook Marketplace and installed nine split system air conditioners across five properties.
He also installed two light fittings at one property. An investigation by Energy Safe found that the work did not comply with the relevant safety standards and posed a safety risk to the properties, one of which was a family daycare facility.
The investigation was prompted by complaints made to Energy Safe between June 2020 and January 2021. Energy Safe CEO Leanne Hughson urged the community to ensure that people carrying out electrical and plumbing works are licensed and registered.
“We advise everyone to check that the people working on their property are qualified and accredited to carry out the work, before the work starts,” Ms Hughson said.
“Please also be wary when searching for electricians and plumbers on websites like Facebook Marketplace as it is common for unlicensed and unregistered tradespeople to promote themselves on these platforms.”
“Energy Safe will always work to ensure people are caught and convicted when breaching these very important requirements.”
Mr Grobler did not appear in court and was convicted in his absence.
