The short answer is no. Operating a scissor lift in South Australia, or other states and territories, does not require a government-issued High Risk Work Licence (HRWL). But that doesn’t mean you can step onto the platform without any formal training.
Here’s what the law actually requires, what training you need, and how to get it sorted in SA or in the Northern Territory with FQT.
No HRWL Required for Scissor Lifts
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA), High Risk Work Licences are only mandatory for boom-type Elevated Work Platforms (EWPs) where the boom length is 11 metres or more. Scissor lifts are not boom-type EWPs. They move vertically and don’t have a boom arm. Because of this, they fall outside the mandatory licencing framework entirely.
This applies regardless of how high the platform goes. A scissor lift that reaches 15 metres still doesn’t require an HRWL. The HRWL threshold is about the type of machine and the boom length, not the platform height.
Training Is Still a Legal Requirement
No licence doesn’t mean no training. Under the WHS Act 2012 (SA), every Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has a legal duty to ensure workers are trained and competent before they operate any elevated work platform, including scissor lifts.
SafeWork is clear on this. Before a worker can operate an EWP of any type, an employer must ensure operators have received training that covers the machine’s functions, safe work methods, and emergency procedures. Records of training and operator competency must also be maintained by the employer.
In practical terms, if a worker operates a scissor lift without documented training, both the operator and the employer are exposed to significant legal and financial risk.
What Training Do You Need?
The industry-recognised standard for scissor lift training in Australia is completion of the unit of competency RIIHAN301E, commonly referred to as Yellow Card training. This is a nationally recognised unit delivered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).
Upon completion, you receive a Statement of Attainment, which serves as documented proof of competency that satisfies SafeWorks minimum training requirements for scissor lift operation.
What the training covers:
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Plant identification and pre-start inspection
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Hazard identification and risk control
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Safe general operation of the machine
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Shutdown and post-use inspection
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Emergency procedures and descent controls
Because scissor lift controls can vary between manufacturers and even between models from the same brand, SafeWork SA also recommends familiarisation training when operators switch to a machine different from the one they trained on.
What Do Employers Actually Require?
Most employers and labour hire agencies won’t let an operator onto a scissor lift without evidence of completed RIIHAN301E training. That’s not just best practice, it’s how employers manage their duty of care and protect themselves legally.
For anyone seeking warehouse, construction, or facilities management work in South Australia, a current statement of attainment for RIIHAN301E is often sought, in the same way a White Card is for construction sites.
Does a Scissor Lift Ticket Cover Boom Lifts and Vertical Lifts Too?
This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and it’s worth being specific.
RIIHAN301E can cover both scissor lifts, boom lifts under 11 metres and vertical lifts, depending on which machines you are assessed on during your training. FQT offers a combined scissor and boom lift course that assesses you on both in a single day. If you are only assessed on a scissor lift, your statement of attainment will reflect that. You can also complete a scissor lift and vertical lift course alternatively, or all 3 can be completed for group bookings.
If you need to operate a boom lift with a boom length of 11 metres or more, that is a different qualification entirely: TLILIC0005, issued as a High Risk Work Licence through SafeWork SA. You can read more about that in our article on boom lift licences in South Australia (link to be added once published).
How to Get Scissor Lift Training in South Australia
Forklift Quality Training (FQT) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 45625) based at Wingfield in Adelaide. We deliver RIIHAN301E training at our Wingfield facility and onsite at your workplace across metropolitan Adelaide, regional SA, and the Northern Territory.
Training is practical, hands-on, and assessed against national competency standards. The combined scissor and boom lift course is completed in a single day (8 hours). Similarly the combined scissor lift and vertical lift course is also completed in a single day. Boom lifts over 11m’s course (TLILIC0005) are completed over either 2 day or 1 day (experienced operators) options.
We offer standalone courses, combinations and onsite services for businesses and groups:
Book your EWP training with FQT →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to renew my scissor lift ticket? Unlike an HRWL, RIIHAN301E does not have a mandatory renewal cycle. However, SafeWork SA recommends regular refresher training to keep operators current. Many employers set their own refresher schedules, commonly every two to five years.
Can I operate a scissor lift with an HRWL? No. An HRWL (Class WP) only covers boom-type EWPs with a boom length of 11 metres or more. It does not authorise you to operate a scissor lift. You would still need RIIHAN301E training to do that.
Is the training recognised across Australia? Yes. RIIHAN301E is a nationally recognised unit of competency. A Statement of Attainment issued by any accredited RTO is valid in all states and territories.
What if I have experience but no formal training? SafeWork SA allows experienced operators without documented training to have their knowledge confirmed by a registered training provider. Get in touch with FQT to discuss your options.
Summary
Scissor lifts do not require a High Risk Work Licence in South Australia. But Employers are legally required to ensure their workers are adequate trained, informed, instructed and supervised for the work they are completing. Documented proof of competency is required to support this. The Yellow Card is the accepted industry standard that satisfies this requirement, and it’s what many SA employers will recognise before putting you on a machine.
If you’re ready to book or want to discuss which course is right for your situation, get in touch with FQT at forkliftqualitytraining.com or call 08 8244 4958.