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Engineering regulator warning against dodgy engineers

Engineering regulator warns against using unaccredited engineers
The Qld Engineering Regulator has warned against the use of unaccredited engineers

Queensland’s engineering regulator is urging building owners to only engage a registered professional engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) to conduct building assessments.

The advice from the Board of Professional Engineers of Queensland (BPEQ) follows news reports of defective building work in Queensland and interstate.

Queensland is the only State or Territory with a comprehensive and mandatory registration system for engineers. Under the Professional Engineers Act 2002 engineers must be registered with BPEQ before they are permitted to practice. To become registered, an engineer must meet strict qualification and competency standards.


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Engineers are registered in an area of engineering relating to their qualification and competency (e.g. Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Fire, Mechanical, Mining, Structural). Once registered they must comply with the Code of Practice for RPEQs and undertake 150 hours of continuing professional development every three years to renew and maintain their registration.

BPEQ keeps a register of all current RPEQs which is available online at www.bpeq.qld.gov.au. RPEQs can be searched on the register by name, area of engineering, location or RPEQ number.

Registration for engineers is an important public safeguard and by only engaging an RPEQ the building owners and the public can have confidence that the person undertaking the service is a qualified, competent and experienced engineer. 

BPEQ is also responsible for investigating complaints of unsatisfactory professional conduct by RPEQs. Where appropriate, BPEQ can take disciplinary action ranging from a caution or reprimand through to a referral to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal where RPEQs can face suspension or cancellation of their registration. In exceptional circumstances BPEQ can cancel the registration of RPEQs who cannot safely practise.

Any person who is adversely affected by any aspect of a professional engineering service can lodge a complaint with BPEQ. BPEQ can also be notified of breaches of the Professional Engineers Act 2002, such as a person carrying out a professional engineering service while unregistered.

BPEQ does not assess safety risks and ordinarily will not visit a subject site or assess the safety standards of an engineering service that is the subject of a complaint. Complainants should seek their own professional advice from an RPEQ registered in the appropriate area of engineering if they believe the engineering service that is the subject of their complaint poses a safety risk.

For more information on the Professional Engineers Act 2002, the RPEQ system or making a complaint, visit the Engineering Regulator at www.bpeq.qld.gov.au

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