Roofing plumber convicted and fined $20,000 for working without supervision and failing to issue compliance certificates
Thomas Paganoni, of T. Paganoni Roof Plumbing, was hired in 2016 to replace the roofs, guttering and flashings at two commercial properties in Heathmont and a residential property in Hampton.
In February 2017, the Victorian Building Authority was notified of alleged defects in Mr Paganoni’s roofing work and of his failure to supply compliance certificates for all three properties.
An investigation by the VBA identified several defects in the works and discovered that a compliance certificate for one of the Heathmont properties had in fact been issued in January 2017. It was supplied by a licensed plumber, who later admitted to signing the certificate without inspecting Mr Paganoni’s work.
The licensed plumber subsequently issued certificates for the Hampton property and the other premises in Heathmont – again, without inspecting Mr Paganoni’s work.
Mr Paganoni did not respond to allegations put forward by the VBA and was subsequently summoned to appear in the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on 18 October 2018, but did not attend or appoint legal representation. The matter proceeded in Mr Paganoni’s absence.
Mr Paganoni was fined $20,000 and a conviction was recorded. He was also ordered to pay legal costs.
The VBA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer, John Thompson, said Mr Paganoni did not arrange for a plumber licensed in roofing (stormwater) work to calculate and size the roofs according to the relevant standards.
“Registered plumbers can only work under the supervision of a plumber licensed in the same class of work,” Mr Thompson said. “As a registered plumber, Mr Paganoni should have been aware of this requirement.
“Mr Paganoni’s fine and conviction should remind all plumbers that they must comply with Victoria’s plumbing regulations, standards and codes at all times.”
The licensed plumber, who issued compliance certificates for Mr Paganoni, will face a VBA disciplinary inquiry in late January.