NEWS
From October 1 2007, workers performing high risk work in Western Australia will need a new licence. The following provides information on what is high risk work and what changes will be necessary.
What is the National Licensing Standard and when does the licensing system commence?
The National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work (the Licensing Standard) replaces the National Occupational Health and Safety Certification Standard for Users and Operators of Industrial Equipment [NOHSC:1006 (2001)].
It is anticipated that the Licensing Standard will commence in Western Australia on 1 October 2007.
What is high risk work?
High risk work which requires a person to hold a licence to perform, includes:
- Scaffolding – basic, intermediate and advanced;
- Rigging work – dogging; basic, intermediate and advanced rigging;
- Crane and hoist operation – tower; self–erecting tower; derrick; portal boom; bridge and gantry; vehicle loading; non slewing mobile; slewing; materials hoist; personnel and materials hoist; boom–type elevating work platform; vehicle mounted concrete placing boom.
- Forklift operation – forklift trucks; order–picking forklift trucks;
- Pressure equipment operation – basic, intermediate and advanced boiler operation; turbine operation; reciprocating steam engine operation.
How does the licensing system work?
A photographic licence will be issued to persons who are assessed as being competent to hold the licence, subjectto identification checks and verification of age.
A licence will be only valid for the class(es) of high risk work endorsed on the licence. New classes can be added to the licence, allowing licence holders to work in multiple occupations on a single licence.
A licence is issued for a period of five (5) years starting on the date of issue of the first licence class endorsed on the licence.
How are forklift operators affected by the new licensing arrangements?
From 1 October 2007, the National Licensing Standard will require operators of forklifts to hold a National Licence for high risk work issued by WorkSafe.
Provision will be made for persons currently operating forklifts in accordance with existing requirements to continue to work consistent with the conversion timetable. This timetable identifies the dates when forklift operators are required to have converted their existing certificates or approved qualifications to a National Licence, subject to meeting application and assessment requirements.
However, all persons operating forklifts for the first time from 1 October 2007 (i.e. new operators) will need toobtain a National Licence before being permitted to operate a forklift.
Further information about:
- the types of forklifts covered by the National Licensing Standard;
- the current certification / operational arrangements for forklift operators;
- recognition of existing certificates / transitional arrangements; and
- the conversion timetable
can be found by reading "Important information for forklift operators"
How to apply for a new licence (or to convert to a licence)? Where to get the application forms?
At this stage, WorkSafe is developing the licensing system and putting in place procedures for issuing licences. Further information will be available shortly.
Is there a minimum age for obtaining a licence?
Yes.
You must be at least 18 years of age before applying for a licence. You may, however, commence training in accordance with the Australian Quality Training Framework through a Registered Training Organisation prior to turning 18 and may work under the direct supervision of an appropriately licensed person.
Further information?
Further information about the National Standard for Licensing Persons Performing High Risk Work can be found on the Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) website, www.ascc.gov.au, or by contacting the WorkSafe Customer Service Centre on (08) 9327 8728 or e–mail wslicensing@docep.wa.gov.au
Source: www.worksafe.wa.gov.au