EWP Yellow Card

14 Sep 2010 1:32 PM -

The EWPA website indicates that the EWPA Yellow Card course is a "Duty of Care" course only. It is not a licence and does not allow you to operate boom-type EWP's with a boom length 11m or more.

To operate a boom type EWP with a boom length of 11m or more (measured from ground to floor of basket when platform is set up and boom fully extended), you must obtain a high risk work licence class WP.

Contrary to what you may have heard (or read), you are not required to hold an EWPA Yellow Card as well as a National Certificate of Competency (licence) to operate boom type EWP's with a boom length of 11m or more.

To obtain a high risk work licence in NSW for a boom-type EWP with a boom length of 11m or more,  you must:

• be at least 18 years of age
• undertake a recognised course of training  delivered by a Registered Training Organisation approved WorkCover NSW
• be able to use English at a level that enables the safe performance of high risk work
• have the necessary knowledge and ability to safely perform the high risk work
• be assessed as competent by an accredited assessor using the relevant 'assessment instrument’ under realistic workplace conditions
• apply to WorkCover NSW for a high risk work licence

Direct link to

WorkCover NSW website

 Notes:

1. The EWPA Yellow Card course is not a mandatory requirement by law and it is not a pre-requisite to completing a High Risk Work licence course for a boom type EWP (11m or over).
    
2. The National Certificate of Competency (Licence) for a boom-type EWP 11m or higher, covers all boom type work platforms, eg. Trailer mounted, self propelled, truck mounted etc.
    
3. An employer does have a legal duty of care responsibility to ensure that an operator is legally licensed to operate a boom-type EWP (11m or more), and that they receive appropriate induction training (in-house or a 3rd party provider) when required to operate an EWP they have not previously operated, eg. A new piece of equipment,  different manufacturer etc.
    
4. An employer has a legal duty of care to ensure that employees who are required to operate boom type EWP under 11m, or scissor lifts, recieve appropriate training (in-house or 3rd party provider) in the safe operation of the equipment.

Where any doubt exists about duty of care responsibilities or licensing requirements, employers (and employees) should contact their State or Territory OHS Regulator for advice.