Individual Convicted and Fined for Doing Electrical Work Without License

Electrical Safety Authority reminds Ontarians to check credentials when hiring someone to do electrical work

MISSISSAUGA, ON, May 3, 2012 /CNW/ - On March 21, 2012 Richard Hazel was convicted in a Windsor Ontario court of numerous charges related to performing electrical work without an electrical contractor's license and failing to make arrangements for the inspection of electrical work by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). Mr. Hazel was found guilty on seven counts of performing electrical work without an electrical contractor's license, seven counts of failing to apply for inspection, four counts of failure to procure a connection authorization, and one count of falsely representing himself as a licensed electrical contractor. The total fine was $19,000 for the violations plus $4,750 as a victim impact surcharge.

Under Ontario Regulation 438/07, Licensing of Electrical Contractors and Master Electricians, only Licensed Electrical Contractors are permitted to contract to perform electrical work in Ontario.

"Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous players out there who present themselves as being able to do electrical work when they don't hold the appropriate license and they don't follow the rules and regulations. If you hire them, you may end up with unsafe electrical wiring, or may need to arrange to have a licensed electrical contractor make repairs to their work," said Scott Saint, ESA's VP and Chief Operating Officer. "We remind anyone considering hiring someone to do electrical work to follow 'the three Cs': check to ensure the contractor holds a valid electrical contractor license (you can search the database at www.esasafe.com); confirm that they are arranging the appropriate inspections from ESA; and call ESA at 1-877-ESA-SAFE (1877-372-7233) if you suspect someone is misrepresenting themselves."

ESA reminds consumers of the requirement to ensure that anyone you hire to perform electrical work has a valid ECRA/ESA Electrical Contractor Licence. This will ensure that the Electrical Contractor you have hired:

•     is fully insured
•     uses qualified electricians to perform the electrical work you require
•     will arrange for permits with the ESA
•     can deliver an ESA Certificate of Inspection
•     can provide references
•     will prepare a written cost estimate of the work

About the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA)

Established in 1999 as a self-sustaining, not-for-profit corporation, the Electrical Safety Authority's mission is to improve electrical safety for the well-being of the people of Ontario. The overall vision of the ESA is to achieve zero electrical accidents, injuries and fatalities across Ontario. More information on the Electrical Safety Authority can be found on their website www.esasafe.com.

Cathy Chernysh, Communications
Electrical Safety Authority
905-712-5371
[email protected].ca