Rosebery electrician Bill Zisoglou, trading as Microenergy BN97844170, has had his electrical licence (110052C) cancelled and been disqualified permanently from the New South Wales building industry for improper conduct.

NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said Mr Zisoglou’s work was so substandard that he caused a gas pipe to become electrified, resulting in his first year apprentice receiving a substantial electric shock.

The incident occurred on 11 December 2010 at a property in Woronora in south west Sydney.

Mr Zisoglou had contracted with a homeowner to fit power points and do re-wiring.

The work did not comply with the Australian Wiring Rules and proper safety tests were not carried out.

The first year apprentice was admitted to a Brain Injury Unit for 11 months. He has lost the power of speech and requires a full time carer.

Mr Stowe says licensed electricians must adhere to required standards and should exercise due diligence.

“The duty of care for an electrician is very high because of the risk of death or substantial injury from substandard electrical work,” he says.

“In this instance, the installation should not have been energised without proper and relevant tests to ensure safety.”

Under the disciplinary action, Mr Zisoglou can not be:

· the holder of any contractor licence, supervisor certificate or tradesperson certificate;
· a member of a partnership, or an officer of a corporation that is a member of a partnership, that is the holder of a contractor licence; or,
· an officer of a corporation that is the holder of a contractor licence.