Qld mechanical services providers require new licence

Queensland mechanical services’ workers will soon need a new licence affirming they are appropriately qualified to install medical gas, refrigeration or commercial air-conditioning and plumbing systems. From 1 January 2020, all mechanical services contractors, nominee supervisors and those finishing relevant apprenticeships must hold a mechanical services licence, according to the Queensland Government. The new permit follows a public consultation held by the state government earlier this year and is designed to prevent unqualified and unlicensed workers installing systems that could potentially harm the public, the government said.

“This will save lives,” Queensland Housing and Public Works Minister, Mick de Brenni, said. “There can be fatal consequences if mechanical services systems aren’t installed properly as we tragically saw in New South Wales. We know that in worst-case scenarios, Legionella bacteria can grow and spread through air-conditioning systems found in buildings such as aged care, hospitals and shopping centres.”

The new licensing framework has the support of the Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors’ Association (AMCA) Queensland Executive Director Graham MacKrill and Plumbers’ Union Secretary Gary O’Halloran, who both welcomed the changes. “The laws recognise existing licensees who are already performing mechanical services work under their current Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licences,” de Brenni said. A transition period will give existing site supervisors and workers time to undertake any training needed to meet the new requirements.

“During this grace period, these workers can continue to work on mechanical services systems provided they are employed by an appropriately licensed contractor, or a contractor to which an exemption from holding a licence or from prosecution exists under the QBCC Act,” de Brenni said. “By 1 January 2022, everyone performing mechanical services work will need to hold an appropriate licence and penalties will apply to anyone who fails to do so,” de Brenni concluded.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/urbans78