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The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) says it has uncovered non-conforming building products and unlicenced work and has sent a warning to suppliers of awnings, sunshades, canopies, blinds, shading hoods, shutters and any other external shading products.
A recent audit by the QBCC has revealed that some suppliers may be providing products that do not meet the required engineering or fire hazard standards.
The Blind Manufacturers Association of Australia (BMAA) was contacted by the QBCC in light of the audit and asked to warn members as well as circulate a fact sheet for its members.
Frank Cairns from Decor Blinds in Queensland told WFA that in Queensland you must have a licence before you undertake any external work valued at more than $3,300 (incl GST) in labour and materials.
“It is a requirement that all companies who quote or install any external product must hold a QBCC licence and display their licence number on all forms of advertising and quotes,” Cairns said.
“For the installation of external products such as awnings, sunshades, canopies, blinds, shading hoods, shutters, etc. a Metal Fabrication and Installation – Non Structural – licence is the most appropriate licence for our industry.”
“It is important to note that you will require an individual licence, alongside one for the Company. This Individual Licence (in the same class as the Company license) will then operate as a ‘Nominee Supervisor’ of the company completing the projects.”
“The Nominee must be an employee or director of the company and provides on-site supervision of the work undertaken.”
Cairns said that companies can provide evidence of compliance by obtaining AWTA certificates for the particular fabric to be used in an awning/blind installation, however this is not necessary for aluminium shutters.
“Failure to comply with the legislation can lead to prosecution. Fines—penalty infringement notices—are issued by QBCC where they discover non-compliant or unlicensed work.”
“From a financial point of view, there is no specific minimum or maximum penalty information provided by QBCC, although penalties can be significant under the QBCC Act.”
“In addition, demerit points can be applied to your licence and your licence could be cancelled or suspended.”
“Non-conforming product would have to be removed. If the product has been installed by an unlicensed company the product can be ordered to be removed and a full refund given to the customer.”
BMAA members were sent the fact sheet from the QBCC and have invited a representative from the QBCC to attend the AGM in Brisbane on 18th October 2024 to address the meeting on licencing and non-conforming product.
