Prosecutions for work carried out by unqualified handymen are rare, says WorkSafe New Zealand, after a real estate company was fined for an avoidable gas leak.

WorkSafe NZ brought about the prosecution after gas leaked from faulty gasfitting work by an unqualified handyman.

Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying Board spokeswoman Janette Deed, said that exemptions to qualified sanitary plumbing, gasfitting and drainlaying can only be carried out if supervised by a certifying person, who must ensure that the work is done competently.  Ariel Plumbers and Gasfitters are certifying gasfitters.

 A code of compliance certificate cannot be issued until the work has been signed off by the building inspector. "The certifier is responsible for notifying the board and paying the required fee for all exempt workers they supervise," she said.  To stay safe, consumers should always ask tradespeople for their authorisation card, which shows they are a certified trades-person, before any work commences.

AMI Insurance spokesman Craig Dowling said it was important to remember that under most home insurance policies, cover was not provided for the rectification of faulty workmanship.

 Source: Stuff.co.nz