Frequently Asked Questions
High Risk Activities
Q. My workcover licence has expired, what do I have to do to renew it?
A. You will need to ring the WorkCover NSW High Risk Work Licensing hotline on 1800 335 791 where you will be advised of the requirements.
Q. I have been advised that operation of some plant has been designated "high risk work" and that specific training requirements now apply. Is this correct.
A. Yes. Forklifts, elevating work platforms, cranes, dogging, rigging, scaffolding and a number of other activities, are now designated "high risk"...Learn More
Q. I have a certificate issued by a training company to operate high risk plant, is this valid in NSW?
A. No. Only a Certificate of Competency (photo licence) issued by a State or Territory OHS Regulatory Authority is acceptable in NSW.
Q. I have a Statement of Attainment issued by a Registered Training Organisation to drive a forklift, does this allow me to drive a forklift in NSW?
A. To operate a Forklift in any Australian State or Territory you must hold a Certificate of Competency (photo licence) issued by a State or Territory OHS regulatory authority. To obtain this you must enrol with a Registered Training Organisation to complete a formal course of training for Unit of Competency 'TLILIC108A Licence to operate a forklift truck' . A Registered Training Organisation can not issue a Statement of Attainment for the forklift Unit of Competency until you have completed the training and passed the relevant National Assessment issued by the State or Territory OHS Regulator (eg. WorkCover NSW) and are eligible to be issued with a Certificate of Competency (photo licence) by the State or Territory OHS Regulator.
Q. The company I worked for issued me with an authority to operate plant; is this a licence?
A. No.
Q. Does my Forklift licence restrict me to a certain capacity?
A. No. Under current regulations there is no restriction on capacity. However the employer has a duty of care to ensure that employees are familiar with the particular machine they are required to use.
Q. If I already have experience on a particular machine, can I go straight to assessment?
A. For High Risk Work licence classes - NO. You must enrol in a formal course of training. The duration of training will be determined by the amount of prior experience.
Q. I completed an assessment but was not succesful first time, when can I sit for my reassessment?
A. Under WorkCover regulations you must wait a minimum of 21 days before you can be reassessed. (Reassessment can be done on or after the 22nd day)
Q. Can I be reassessed any time after the 21 days have elapsed?
A. Yes. But the reassessment must be completed within 90 days of the original assessment date.
Q. Why do I have to wait 21 days before I can sit for a reassessment?
A. Under the regulations an applicant has the right to appeal an assessor's decision. The 21 day period is designed to allow sufficient time for the appeal process.
Q. How many reassessments I am entitled to?
A. There is no specified limit on the number of times an applicant may sit a reassessment, however, with a 21 day waiting period between each assessment and allowing for other factors, the maximum number of reassessments you could possibly sit within the 90 day cut-off period is two.
Q. Is there a time limit on submitting my licence application to WorkCover following an assessment?
A. Yes. You must submit your application within 60 days from the date of assessment, if you fail to do so the Notice of Satisfactory Assessment (NSA) issued by the assessor will expire and you will be required to complete the entire assessment again. This will include full enrolment in a course of training.
Q. Can I submit my licence application at any post office?
A. You must submit your licence application at an Aust Post outlet in NSW only. Check with your local Aust Post outlet as you will also need a passport photo on your application.
Q. I submitted my licence application to WorkCover through Aust Post within with the 60 days time frame, but have not received my licence yet. As the 60 day period has now expired does that mean my application has expired?
A. No. If you submitted your application within the 60 day period (the payment receipt from Aust Post is your proof of this) you will receive your licence, however, this can take some time depending on holiday shutdowns and how many applications are being processed by WorkCover. Your Pink copy of the Notice of Satisfactory Assessment (NSA), is valid as proof of qualification until you receive your photo licence card. Ring WorkCover on 13 10 50 to check your application progress (have your pink NSA and Aust Post receipt with you when you ring them).
Q. I want to use an Elevating Work Platform (EWP), do I need a Workcover licence?
A. A licence is required for boom-type elevating work platforms (EWP) with a boom length of 11 metres or more. For boom type EWP under 11 metres a licence is not required. However employers have a 'duty of care' to ensure that employees have been fully inducted into the safe operation of all plant and equipment.
Q. How do I get a licence for a scissor lift EWP?
A. Under current regulations, a licence is not required. However, under WHS Regulations, employers have a duty of care to ensure that employees have been fully inducted into the safe operation of all plant and equipment.
Q. I have been told that I need a Yellow Card issued by the Elevating Work Platform Association to operate an elevating work platform (EWP) under 11m and a Yellow Card plus a WorkCover Licence to operate EWP 11m or higher. Is this correct?
A. NO. A Yellow Card is not an official card and it is not a legal requirement to have one to operate an EWP.
Cranes and Dogging
Q. Do I need a WorkCover licence to operate a Vehicle Loading Crane, like a Hi-Ab?
A. You must hold a licence if the vehicle loading crane is rated at 10 metre-tonne or higher. The Crane Specifications Plate will provide the required data. To calculate: multiply the max tonnage by the max reach (in metres) eg. 2 tonne x 5 metres = 10 metre-tonnes.
Q. Can I use a vehicle mounted crane for construction work?
A. You may only use a vehicle mounted crane for construction work if you hold a Mobile Slewing Crane licence. Otherwise you may only use it to load and unload the truck.
Q. I need to operate a 60 tonne mobile slewing crane. Do I have to get licensed on smaller cranes first?
A. No. If you complete a 60 tonne mobile slewing crane licence course (Class C6), you will be able to operate all mobile cranes up to 60 tonnes including slewing and non-slewing, eg. Franna, tractor crane, truck mounted crane and Telehandlers over 3,000kg capacity.
Q. What licence class is required to operate a Manitou MRT1742-M Series rotating telehandler?
A. For telehandlers with a capacity of 3 tonne or greater, you must hold a relevant non-slewing or slewing crane licence. If operating in workbox mode you must also hold an Elevating Work Platform licence. Due to the number of variations relating to Telehandlers, contact us for more information
Q. I have been told that you need a high level of mathematical skill to pass the crane and dogging assessments. Is this correct?
A. The Crane and Dogging courses require applcants to be able to carry out calculations (formulas) for slinging etc. A minimum level of literacy and numeracy skill is therefore required. The courses are not suitable for persons who can not read and write English, and apply year 10 (or equivalent) math.