The Registrar of the Electrical Workers Registration Board ("the Board"), having been directed by the Board in accordance with section 147Z(2) of the Electricity Act 1992, gives notice of the following registered electrical worker having been disciplined by the Board under Part 11 of the Electricity Act 1992, and the effect of the decision or order of the Board:
Harry Martin Gedye (I 832) was found guilty of negligently creating a risk of serious harm to any persons as a result of having carried out or caused
to be carried out prescribed electrical work contrary to section 143(b)(ii) of the Electricity Act 1992. Harry Martin Gedye was suspended from registering until he completes a course of remedial training as prescribed by the Board, fined $6,000.00 and ordered to pay costs of $10,000.00. The Board directed the Registrar to publish the decision, including the practitioner’s name, in the New Zealand Gazette.
A registered electrical practitioner, Brett Woodley McGehan, was contracted to carry out prescribed electrical work on a residential home in Auckland on 30 March 2010. The work included installing a mains cable from the new meter box to the mains entry box located under the soffit of the house. The Board found that Brett Woodley McGehan transposed the wires at the mains point of entry causing the earthing system to become electrically live. Harry Martin Gedye’s role was to inspect the work undertaken by Brett Woodley McGehan, check to ensure the work was carried out correctly and ensure it was safe to reconnect the electricity supply. He failed to carry out the necessary tests to detect transposition. The Board observed that had Harry Martin Gedye carried out his inspection in accordance with the requirements under Regulations 41 and 43A of the Electricity Regulations 1997 and particularly the requirements of section 3 of NZS(Int):2002, the fault would have been detected.
The Board was satisfied that the work was negligent and created a significant risk of serious harm. The fault was detected when the owner of the property received a fatal electrical shock while inspecting the hot water cylinder underneath the house.
N. J. J. SICKELS, Registrar.