The New South Wales government has delayed implementation of its new mechanical services licence until March 2023.
The original deadline was 1 October, 2022, an impossible timeframe for technicians.
Proper consultation with industry only began in recent months with most technicians completely unaware of the new licence.
The extended timeframe is a huge relief as the mechanical license is mandatory for technicians to do any work in NSW.
The department of fair trading sent an email advising technicians the licence was required to undertake the testing and commissioning of a mechanical heating, cooling or ventilation system.
Technicians can log on to the Service NSW web site for information on how to apply for the licence.
The new licence was introduced in response to two tragic accidents at Bankstown-Lidcombe Hospital in 2016.
Medical gases were incorrectly piped into one of the operating theatres, leading to two babies being administered nitrous oxide instead of oxygen. One of the babies died and one was left with severe brain damage.