Understanding all the high-risk work licence categories can be challenging, yet it’s essential for workplace safety and legal compliance. If you’re looking to operate certain types of machinery or perform specific high-risk tasks, having the correct licence isn’t just recommended-it’s required by law.
What Is a High-Risk Work Licence?
A high-risk work licence (HRWL) is a legal requirement for workers performing tasks with significant safety risks. These licences are nationally recognised across all Australian states and territories, ensuring consistent safety standards throughout the country.
You must be at least 18 years old and have completed appropriate training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to apply for these licences. Once issued, a high-risk work licence remains valid for 5 years before requiring renewal.
When Do You Need a High-Risk Work Licence?
Under Australian work health and safety regulations, you need an HRWL when performing work that presents a high risk of serious injury or death, including:
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Operating forklifts and order pickers
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Operating boom-type elevated work platforms with a boom length of 11 metres or more
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Performing scaffolding work
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Operating certain types of cranes and hoists
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Performing dogging and rigging work
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Operating boilers, steam turbines, or reciprocating steam engines
Main Categories of High-Risk Work Licences
Forklift Licences
Forklift Truck Licence (LF) – Allows operation of a standard forklift truck with a mast and elevating load carriage with fork arms or other attachments.
Order-Picking Forklift Truck Licence (LO) – Specifically for operating order pickers, where the operator’s controls elevate with the load carriage.
At Forklift Quality Training, we provide comprehensive training for both these licence classes through our TLILIC0003 Forklift Training and TLILIC0004 Order Picker courses.
Elevated Work Platform Licences
Boom-Type Elevating Work Platform Licence (WP) – Required for operating telescoping, hinged, or articulated devices that support a platform where personnel, equipment, and materials may be elevated when the boom length is 11 metres or more.
The boom length can be measured as either:
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The vertical distance from supporting surface to floor with the platform at maximum height, or
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The horizontal distance from the boom’s rotation point to the platform’s outer edge at maximum extension
For operation of scissor lifts, vertical lifts, and boom lifts under 11 metres, specific training is still required, but not an HRWL.
Scaffolding Licences
There are three progressive classes of scaffolding licences:
Basic Scaffolding (SB) – Covers modular scaffolds, cantilevered material hoists (max 500kg), ropes, gin wheels, safety nets, static lines, and bracket scaffolds.
Intermediate Scaffolding (SI) – Includes all basic scaffolding plus cantilevered crane loading platforms, spurred scaffolds, barrow ramps, perimeter safety screens, mast climbers, and tube and coupler scaffolds.
Advanced Scaffolding (SA) – Encompasses all intermediate scaffolding plus cantilevered hoists, hung scaffolds, and suspended scaffolds.
Pressure Equipment Licences
Four classes exist for pressure equipment operation:
Reciprocating Steam Engine (ES) – For operating steam engines with pistons of 250mm diameter or more.
Turbine Operation (TO) – Covers steam turbines with outputs of 500kW or more that meet specific criteria.
Standard Boiler (BS) – For single fuel source boilers without pre-heaters, superheaters, or economisers.
Advanced Boiler (BA) – Allows operation of boilers with multiple fuel sources, pre-heaters, superheaters, or economisers.
Crane and Hoist Licences
Various classes exist for different crane types, including:
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Mobile crane operation licences
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Tower crane operation licence
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Self-erecting tower crane licence
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Slewing mobile crane licences (various capacities)
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Materials hoist operation licences
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Concrete-placing boom operation licence
Dogging and Rigging Licences
Essential for construction and mining, these licences involve selecting lifting gear, slinging loads, and directing crane/hoist operators:
Dogging Licence (DG) – For selecting/inspecting lifting gear and directing crane operations.
Rigging Licences – Available in basic, intermediate, and advanced classes, each with increasing scope and complexity.
Special Considerations
Telehandlers
The licensing requirements for telehandlers depend on their configuration:
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Telehandlers fitted with forks or buckets don’t require an HRWL, but operators still need appropriate training.
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When fitted with a personnel box with operating controls and a boom length of 11 metres or more, a WP licence is required.
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Non-slewing telehandlers over 3 tonnes require the TV licence class.
Exemptions from Licensing Requirements
You don’t need an HRWL if you’re:
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Enrolled in training for the relevant high-risk work with proper supervision
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Applied for your licence within 60 days of receiving your statement of attainment
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Under direct supervision of a person with the appropriate licence
How to Obtain a High-Risk Work Licence
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Complete required training with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) like Forklift Quality Training.
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Pass the assessment conducted by an accredited assessor using the national assessment instrument.
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Apply to your local WHS regulator within 60 days of receiving your statement of attainment.
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Pay the application fee (varies by state/territory and licence class).
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Receive your licence which will be valid for 5 years.
Which Licence Do You Need?
To determine the appropriate licence for your needs, consider:
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The specific equipment you’ll operate – Different machinery requires different licence classes
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Your industry requirements – Construction, warehousing, manufacturing, and other industries have varying equipment needs
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The scope of work – Consider whether you’ll need basic operations or more advanced capabilities
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Future career prospects – Some licences offer broader employment opportunities across multiple industries
Conclusion
Obtaining the right high-risk work licence is crucial for workplace safety, legal compliance, and career advancement. At Forklift Quality Training, we provide comprehensive training for many high-risk work licence categories, helping you gain the qualifications needed for your specific work requirements.
Whether you need a forklift licence, EWP certification, or training for other high-risk equipment operation, our experienced trainers can guide you through the process, from initial training to assessment and licence application support.
For personalised advice on which licence best suits your needs or to enrol in our next training course, contact Forklift Quality Training today.