• Building Services Board issues $1,000 fine for deficient certification
• Some plans, specifications and technical documents did not show compliance with building standards
• Building surveyors are reminded of their responsibilities

A registered building surveyor has been fined $1,000 for misleading the City of Belmont by incorrectly certifying that an apartment project would comply with relevant building standards including fire safety.

The Building Services Board found Ronald William Sherar (BSP289) breached WA’s building registration laws in June 2018 when he signed off on a deficient certificate of design compliance for the three-storey complex in Cloverdale.

The certificate was issued by a former registered building surveying contractor, John Massey Group Pty Ltd, and formed part of a building permit application submitted to the City of Belmont. At the time, Mr Sherar was a nominated supervisor for John Massey Group, which has since entered external administration.

An audit and investigation by Building and Energy identified the certificate and supporting documents failed to demonstrate how several parts of the project would comply with applicable building standards.

“Of particular concern, the deficient areas included high-risk fire safety matters and protection from falls,” Building and Energy Executive Director Saj Abdoolakhan said.

“Any non-compliance with building standards can affect the safety, health and amenity of the building occupants.

“Mr Sherar’s conduct fell short of what is required of a registered building surveyor and, although unintentionally, it misled the authority responsible for issuing the building permit.”

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Media contact: BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au

Note: BSP refers to registration as a building surveying practitioner. The register can be viewed at dmirs.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy/find-registered-building-surveyor